The Sofa and A Winner

Hey there!<br /><br />After a week of thinking that I bit off more than I could chew trying to figure out how to slipcover our sofa, I finally got my thinking cap on straight and did it.  It isn't your typical slipcover as I didn't add piping (too difficult), but I'm very happy with it...and also happy with the fact that I stuck with it when I was about ready to throw in the towel.  But, let me tell ya, I would rather poke out my own eyeballs with a stick then ever attempt doing this again, LOL!  :)<br /><br />I am so excited to be giving this room, our den, a makeover so don't look at anything but the sofa in these pictures because everything that's currently in there is on it's way out! :) Fun!  Here's what the sofa looked like before.  Outdated, not my style of fabric, but nice lines....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kp7GTiFNxcat8BeK6Q4z5cCe1yVJLTPiwM7g8hza-Sy6HgRcZh3MzhiJO4KsSD-G6Bv1OCeg1nkJRvkZ5wylx6hRXEuTlM6igAR2zUaDcsDDlK-D5hxCOiqORjN6JxwgIs0MK6tKMhw/s1600/P1000347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kp7GTiFNxcat8BeK6Q4z5cCe1yVJLTPiwM7g8hza-Sy6HgRcZh3MzhiJO4KsSD-G6Bv1OCeg1nkJRvkZ5wylx6hRXEuTlM6igAR2zUaDcsDDlK-D5hxCOiqORjN6JxwgIs0MK6tKMhw/s640/P1000347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BEFORE </b></div>I used two and a half packages of 9 x 12 foot canvas dropcloth for this project.  I started by cutting off the skirt around the bottom.  This is where I panicked because I knew there was no turning back now.  Trying to figure out how to sew an entire slipcover was intimidating for my first try, so, I did it in sections.  First, I recovered the back and stapled the fabric underneath with a staple gun.  That part was easy.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3B_SWd0INOGFVjONCpo9wnjnETRo5cJB6TvdkzQHnJtrsNt7tnXXlE3ypPKQppZlwd8DGxsTj9E0vpjwKxNtt6tWC7yzurtR6btKBL7ubf0vMaJszf38Ci-6SE8hVui4MDPKHl0OFsA/s1600/P1000352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3B_SWd0INOGFVjONCpo9wnjnETRo5cJB6TvdkzQHnJtrsNt7tnXXlE3ypPKQppZlwd8DGxsTj9E0vpjwKxNtt6tWC7yzurtR6btKBL7ubf0vMaJszf38Ci-6SE8hVui4MDPKHl0OFsA/s640/P1000352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Then I measured and cut out pieces for the arm and pinned them together.  To me this was the hardest part and what kept me confused all week.  I think it was the shape that was throwing me off.  Or maybe I was having a mental block, either way, I just. Couldn't. Get it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5xwzBIxmxERjLtJckq4xfjJ2yals16U1RD33_EUxjxIT-atKPYTWBoGlE0YhyS73pDmWQGyj6Gn5k9pLsPr1oOReUByRZwAq5F3XFmKCv-NgWgip4so-YpfRxG8ld1SzCA7uNMP-Yoo/s1600/P1000413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5xwzBIxmxERjLtJckq4xfjJ2yals16U1RD33_EUxjxIT-atKPYTWBoGlE0YhyS73pDmWQGyj6Gn5k9pLsPr1oOReUByRZwAq5F3XFmKCv-NgWgip4so-YpfRxG8ld1SzCA7uNMP-Yoo/s640/P1000413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After that was finished I removed it and began sewing.   I did the same thing with the other arm and then added a piece of fabric that would join them both together and would also be the bottom piece below the cushions.  I left the bottom loose because when it was all finished, I wanted to pull it tightly under the sofa and staple it for a tailored look.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk76ynttVC1anYWPUt_rNa2rjFnycXv3j25nEiRZtlJsOzTMee-L4UvHRfnw-XGbEpDzROv6GDeYR_gnckycDPrT-3EKsNCQbGABS_0UskHoU3fw-Dutv0VDGH6RpaQnm7YyIEkBciibY/s1600/P1000414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk76ynttVC1anYWPUt_rNa2rjFnycXv3j25nEiRZtlJsOzTMee-L4UvHRfnw-XGbEpDzROv6GDeYR_gnckycDPrT-3EKsNCQbGABS_0UskHoU3fw-Dutv0VDGH6RpaQnm7YyIEkBciibY/s640/P1000414.JPG" width="640" /></a>The cushions came next, more cutting fabric, pinning and sewing until everything was finally finished.  This is what it looks like now.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AdUYaiMBqiBa-dKzn58O7dOrgoqdxwNSpBB1pYv0whZbMl2q120OWx39hF_-5sErfEzk93HVyo37yN4UwYpve8SnHL-5fWo594om6vutKhr3dQvHoeuwJY-P8dhsJG38ZFdi3E4SyYY/s1600/P1000417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AdUYaiMBqiBa-dKzn58O7dOrgoqdxwNSpBB1pYv0whZbMl2q120OWx39hF_-5sErfEzk93HVyo37yN4UwYpve8SnHL-5fWo594om6vutKhr3dQvHoeuwJY-P8dhsJG38ZFdi3E4SyYY/s640/P1000417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>AFTER </b></div>What do you all think?  I am super happy with it even though I couldn't quite make it look like the settee from Anthropologie that I was inspired by.  And it's my first slipcover, so I'm pretty proud of that.  :) I can't wait to get some colorful pillows on that couch and a fun throw blanket!  So many possibilities now with a neutral color. <br /><br />I'm redecorating this room for my hubby.  He wants something masculine and since this room is pretty much only used by all my boys, I've got some ideas up my sleeve and want to make it really special for them.  Right now, it's a blank room with a TV and a couch.  So stay tuned for some decorating fun!<br /><br /> And now the winner of the X Burlap Pillow giveaway is:<br /><br /> LAURA, who's comment was:<br />              <i>"I'd love to win! I've really been enjoying your blog so far."</i><br /><br />Congratulations Laura!  I hope you enjoy this pillow!  Email me your address info!  Happy Monday to all!

The Sofa and A Winner

Hey there! After a week of thinking that I bit off more than I could chew trying to figure out how to slipcover our sofa, I finally got my t...

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Vintage Bread Boards

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlP_YqWFDo3K7SrXX6bVc7x-lkvq15_FBI0MyJmaBNktrOe1vPs3LHf3CSKrVMrRxFePgtEslBWJHO8uYD9IHygkGZb9U9z-Sji2VrFObX4ebBH_8a-sNxKyA-w80DhHnz_Y0dtG2CqI/s1600/P1000397.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlP_YqWFDo3K7SrXX6bVc7x-lkvq15_FBI0MyJmaBNktrOe1vPs3LHf3CSKrVMrRxFePgtEslBWJHO8uYD9IHygkGZb9U9z-Sji2VrFObX4ebBH_8a-sNxKyA-w80DhHnz_Y0dtG2CqI/s640/P1000397.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There is just something about vintage bread and cutting boards that I just love.  Maybe it's that they remind me of being in the kitchen with my grandma as she cooked with so much love when I was a child or maybe it's the lovely patina they have after years and years of being passed down from generation to generation.  I just know I love 'em and have a hard time saying no when I find one at a flea market or yard sale.  These are some of my favorites....some new, some old.  I don't use the old ones, I just admire them in my kitchen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos12GSEi1kOlL-H770aNwOs07qsNW2QN23p7_VFtF_1VCU3u2R360bgQeH8dv0-Tx7njpZMb2rRSnvN1VSyRmcP9Q4cv3xhWF2tPygAQ5jpTKNZ9b6TLqoq18RXX9zC-rEDEjs6ubglE/s1600/P1000382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos12GSEi1kOlL-H770aNwOs07qsNW2QN23p7_VFtF_1VCU3u2R360bgQeH8dv0-Tx7njpZMb2rRSnvN1VSyRmcP9Q4cv3xhWF2tPygAQ5jpTKNZ9b6TLqoq18RXX9zC-rEDEjs6ubglE/s640/P1000382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I've scoured flea markets looking for little miniature versions of antique bread boards to use for individual servings or small loaves of bread at our dinner table, so that each family member could have their own, but haven't had any luck.  That made me wonder how hard it would be to make my own for my kids to pass down someday.  So, I gave it a try. <br /><br />All you need are some scrap pieces of hardwood, such as oak or maple (I used oak because that's what I had), a jig saw (and please wear safety goggles), sand paper, cordless drill and food grade mineral oil <br /><br />If you happen to live near a cabinet making factory, like we do, they are usually happy to give you the scraps free of charge and they don't need to be very big scraps to make these.  Each of mine are about 12 inches from the bottom to the top of the handle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6zTvL-wu-UBJAqyn3UYtmKa4IKLt8jlNfUK-IGUXz4u1PVp3AZV4QVu1R_3ydJEwZxstYnvcQPADXeNIMA8Zm9efiOAGHSDUaR3iqqRmnvkQA1UjcmWFXdOCDAvLM63hdwUbkeGgj0E/s1600/P1000403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6zTvL-wu-UBJAqyn3UYtmKa4IKLt8jlNfUK-IGUXz4u1PVp3AZV4QVu1R_3ydJEwZxstYnvcQPADXeNIMA8Zm9efiOAGHSDUaR3iqqRmnvkQA1UjcmWFXdOCDAvLM63hdwUbkeGgj0E/s640/P1000403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>These are the shapes I chose to make.  I basically just used a hand mirror handle, cutting board handle, etc. to trace the shape onto the wood and then carefully cut out the shape using a jig saw.  It doesn't have to be perfect, it is supposed to look vintage, afterall. <br /><br />After that, I sanded down the edges to smooth 'em out and give 'em a worn look.  I used 150 grit sandpaper.  To make them look authentic, I drilled a hole through the handle.  Wash them well and let dry completely, then re-sand, as the grain will raise a little from being wet.  Do this a couple of times, then when smooth, coat heavily with mineral oil.  Let that soak in well and wipe off the excess after about an hour.  Done!  <br /><br />To wash, use warm soap and water and towel dry.  NEVER put in the dishwasher.  Re-coat with mineral oil occasionally if it looks like the wood is drying out and to keep them looking beautiful.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEZcezOV5IElj9lAAu9dEPgWT322Tu3EbYh03kvIMMF6P4LoADri5puWH58hi8XDON3oNl53aEPfm78QlujY4d49ctkprMFyOJ5KsKLMVQprCLyya-0uWXc5as1i64u0mgBh5a_S9o8A/s1600/P1000396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEZcezOV5IElj9lAAu9dEPgWT322Tu3EbYh03kvIMMF6P4LoADri5puWH58hi8XDON3oNl53aEPfm78QlujY4d49ctkprMFyOJ5KsKLMVQprCLyya-0uWXc5as1i64u0mgBh5a_S9o8A/s640/P1000396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>My hubby brought home this old wooden caddy the other day and I thought it would be perfect in the center of our farmhouse table filled with the bread boards and other accessories we use.  I tied up our plain white napkins with jute twine from the hardware store, a fun alternative to napkin rings.  I picked up these vintage salt and pepper shakers on Ebay years ago.  Isn't the wood on the crate beautifully worn?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT17ocDM3qHeLPG4X_pmyACH1XXv-CQzEowtcrm5pr65AKRWcMYn8F9cZWyuvG43RLLabt29t-qywL68M11wcOwEsDUgJVmYU2qVhJpkStLH0hOO6bmBADfYDyA2Ewj5ClPM4SdGHYc1s/s1600/P1000394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT17ocDM3qHeLPG4X_pmyACH1XXv-CQzEowtcrm5pr65AKRWcMYn8F9cZWyuvG43RLLabt29t-qywL68M11wcOwEsDUgJVmYU2qVhJpkStLH0hOO6bmBADfYDyA2Ewj5ClPM4SdGHYc1s/s640/P1000394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It also has a little handle in the center so we can tote it outside to eat on the porch if we want.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7pz7NzyhE8iAr0hOfG1jRV4lgd9LkJ1ZJUeiCN9TArPyQg3969_xigDe6u-cKt9i_EX5xXgpz2nnn0EHjR9DS0CLozjFonZgnFSgO-S6T5kOs1HLwJSZw-qoQv-oM59RUgvdA0YvKxk/s1600/P1000399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7pz7NzyhE8iAr0hOfG1jRV4lgd9LkJ1ZJUeiCN9TArPyQg3969_xigDe6u-cKt9i_EX5xXgpz2nnn0EHjR9DS0CLozjFonZgnFSgO-S6T5kOs1HLwJSZw-qoQv-oM59RUgvdA0YvKxk/s640/P1000399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And since I didn't spend any money to make them, I thought I would treat us to these fun little rosewood bowls.  How cute do they look on the little bread board and they are perfect for dipping oil, bruschetta or whatever else you enjoy eating with your bread.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHKpyecPBigckGvXzqwxMF29ef-MVPBnvHuLkd-D_BJOuTFELw7qlhT4YSmuZIdwxtIasMNhmAeTbsUyA1S0PO4aO2yJRsldRDgI8eiIVNyfNnzsR3HFFEZP6trZW5rfcHHOEpb5h1fs/s1600/P1000402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHKpyecPBigckGvXzqwxMF29ef-MVPBnvHuLkd-D_BJOuTFELw7qlhT4YSmuZIdwxtIasMNhmAeTbsUyA1S0PO4aO2yJRsldRDgI8eiIVNyfNnzsR3HFFEZP6trZW5rfcHHOEpb5h1fs/s640/P1000402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I ordered the bowls from <a href="http://bahari.com/html/rosewood.htm">here</a>.  They're called rosewood condiment bowls, if anyone is interested.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj93Iijmpp-yvuN7i5tmU5B8VDzomCQPTRzXr4Y1KfA03OLwXCA2B8sBI2bnM_JU998Mxwn6IiFI0hz9bbc4rtpdzdWTuJ_icdn2rZz83hTjD7LEJ6P8i-Ue-FECuDEsItb_f_eVNjWEg/s1600/P1000406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj93Iijmpp-yvuN7i5tmU5B8VDzomCQPTRzXr4Y1KfA03OLwXCA2B8sBI2bnM_JU998Mxwn6IiFI0hz9bbc4rtpdzdWTuJ_icdn2rZz83hTjD7LEJ6P8i-Ue-FECuDEsItb_f_eVNjWEg/s640/P1000406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This was a fun little project and fairly easy because they're small and could be made with a single piece of wood instead of several joined pieces, like most larger cutting boards.<br /><br />And speaking of projects, my couch recovering dilemma has turned into a nightmare!  Hopefully the nightmare will be over soon and I will have a pretty couch to show you in the near future.  And I haven't forgotten about those shelves.....time has just been getting away from me lately!  I promise to have them up soon!  Happy Friday my friends!<br /><br />Have a great weekend everybody! :)

Vintage Bread Boards

There is just something about vintage bread and cutting boards that I just love.  Maybe it's that they remind me of being in the kitchen...

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A Fun Pillow and a Giveaway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz17FyxOivefxrh3JEMqadRDVXJiSYUSwKu1IFxuR6fivFzMCbtp1Qk8stL8CIuUhjtjq3Pw7lc60ngUAJmnBhsIIw3yxn9Ri6Q3uqjDBlEGIp_b6QjHjSMEgerE-uynHWtJ7heQwzQM/s1600/P1000366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz17FyxOivefxrh3JEMqadRDVXJiSYUSwKu1IFxuR6fivFzMCbtp1Qk8stL8CIuUhjtjq3Pw7lc60ngUAJmnBhsIIw3yxn9Ri6Q3uqjDBlEGIp_b6QjHjSMEgerE-uynHWtJ7heQwzQM/s640/P1000366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I'm a little bit pillow crazy, probably because I can't walk away from pretty fabrics.  I love sewing them and changing them up all the time.  And they're an inexpensive way to change the look of a room.  I've been making different variations of this X pillow for years and thought it would be fun to make a burlap version.<br /><br />I covered the button in the center with the striped portion of an authentic vintage grain sack I bought at a flea market.  The front is burlap, while the back and the X are canvas.  The pillow measures 18 inches x 18 inches.  Here is a view of the back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5T0Yi_9l0u7mcYheirVvSo8BrHaP9L6lpbjI3QC-Pbr2KUwgCk89GXtCvlYxX55w1XN-l84Jchj0m0xCjlPlvoNYP9iYQn8OLeju6yHnGYVYtCM27fPp91bTe2yC9AXSZ73K9Ol6rg4/s1600/P1000367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5T0Yi_9l0u7mcYheirVvSo8BrHaP9L6lpbjI3QC-Pbr2KUwgCk89GXtCvlYxX55w1XN-l84Jchj0m0xCjlPlvoNYP9iYQn8OLeju6yHnGYVYtCM27fPp91bTe2yC9AXSZ73K9Ol6rg4/s640/P1000367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It's fun, happy and makes me smile!  Soooooo, I've decided to give 1 away to one of you with the hope that it makes you smile, too.  I feel so blessed to have so many of you following my blog and leaving such nice comments and emails that I thought this would be a fun way to show my appreciation.  If you're interested in having this pretty pillow, all you have to do is leave a comment below and a winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, July 10 and I will announce it in Monday morning's (July 11) post.   <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR4u2oIA4z1hOzJ_2L5Beq0RyZqOEaOYqdWMEQdhAdE47AJVHGF_e8uVoLb_4ciqyTLBEcSl7dA2tQ6A8RXXc4noH-6i28ZPmNOce51XidenxO1YEQZ8423LDivxl9TwlkHtHx5q7gTw/s1600/P1000361.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR4u2oIA4z1hOzJ_2L5Beq0RyZqOEaOYqdWMEQdhAdE47AJVHGF_e8uVoLb_4ciqyTLBEcSl7dA2tQ6A8RXXc4noH-6i28ZPmNOce51XidenxO1YEQZ8423LDivxl9TwlkHtHx5q7gTw/s640/P1000361.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Have a happy day!<br /><br />Update:  I'm hearing there have been some problems with commenting on Blogger.  If you are having trouble leaving a comment and are interested in putting your name in the hat for the pillow giveaway, send me an email at the address provided on the Contact page.  I'm so sorry for any trouble any of you have possibly had trying to leave a comment.<br /><br />*********************COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED*************************

A Fun Pillow and a Giveaway

I'm a little bit pillow crazy, probably because I can't walk away from pretty fabrics.  I love sewing them and changing them up all ...

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Happy 4th of July!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh000WnGd5WXyLeSx56JTB6mQq_QAl-m_OCdShAJR655VLPC97D7HHzBhT5uMkdPULlaeKvdWBuxS5ECxYfRwdvTVDrE3i71_Vt-rq8mcTOTbkuDoXCxfRUULq2cz66XmcXEMAitxNJ_Rs/s1600/P1000353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh000WnGd5WXyLeSx56JTB6mQq_QAl-m_OCdShAJR655VLPC97D7HHzBhT5uMkdPULlaeKvdWBuxS5ECxYfRwdvTVDrE3i71_Vt-rq8mcTOTbkuDoXCxfRUULq2cz66XmcXEMAitxNJ_Rs/s640/P1000353.jpg" width="632px" /></a></div>Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend!  In honor of the occasion, I thought I'd post a pic of the flag wall art I made for my little guy's room.  I just used extra pieces of hardwood flooring, a star cookie cutter and craft paint.  He loves it and it didn't cost a thing.  It's nice to still have a child young enough that wants me to decorate his room.   My teenagers want their own styles, and that's okay, too.  :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybEPcuPqLJjGyaswRAbAepZU8Jmpy4DagQbUEKQL0w6duG4PYRb-4-LG3rBj4cHWeqZ6Xb2pi9bUMs5fHhRcp8N12Tldargldx7nL-RYOXqZbyRboFLRLrvR06rPIITwDZT6VyK2c9pg/s1600/P1000341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybEPcuPqLJjGyaswRAbAepZU8Jmpy4DagQbUEKQL0w6duG4PYRb-4-LG3rBj4cHWeqZ6Xb2pi9bUMs5fHhRcp8N12Tldargldx7nL-RYOXqZbyRboFLRLrvR06rPIITwDZT6VyK2c9pg/s640/P1000341.JPG" width="554px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We've had so much fun this weekend celebrating and spending time together.   My favorite kind of weekend. :)<br /><br />P.S.  I'm in the process of trying to slipcover my ugly den sofa after being inspired by this settee in <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=063180&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-SOFAS&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-SOFAS&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&navAction=middle&navCount=84&color=015&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">Anthropologie</a>.  I'm just crazy about it and wanted to try to create a similar version.  <strike>It's the most frustrating thing ever</strike> It isn't easy, that's for sure, but I'm determined to get it done.....I hope.  :)  Stay tuned!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend!  In honor of the occasion, I thought I'd post a pic of the flag wall art I made for my ...

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DESIGNING PARADISE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />For several years of my life, I lived here</div><br /><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMbjaS-vM2EVIv0TIAOQOX27Y20_gGUCEJRGjG-vVXwIfBLFI-nu628q9yCg_RWiSgqq8n2cHPuSCDX6N33Xw1Xm1lU1Wo46_0058mPImxsunSOIZfgWqRLyY8_GktSdeDcTtU3-xXHZ5/s1600/535156198_a2d50107ea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMbjaS-vM2EVIv0TIAOQOX27Y20_gGUCEJRGjG-vVXwIfBLFI-nu628q9yCg_RWiSgqq8n2cHPuSCDX6N33Xw1Xm1lU1Wo46_0058mPImxsunSOIZfgWqRLyY8_GktSdeDcTtU3-xXHZ5/s640/535156198_a2d50107ea_b.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/07/designing-paradise.html#more">Read more »</a>

DESIGNING PARADISE

For several years of my life, I lived here Read more »

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Inspiration....Ladder Style Book Shelves

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylJHUwCXFOBptvhk6QOp9GwoX60dybuBmAJEbZ-A771quZJ18JzkUw3hnKIQccsJ7-jcgoiwLBmrVelUvKpExRYLTiCuwYlmHicZ4_VqwAXKDdeFP0YqCwGpbHK4L1NYFcCsD_dDbJ0k/s1600/coastal-style-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylJHUwCXFOBptvhk6QOp9GwoX60dybuBmAJEbZ-A771quZJ18JzkUw3hnKIQccsJ7-jcgoiwLBmrVelUvKpExRYLTiCuwYlmHicZ4_VqwAXKDdeFP0YqCwGpbHK4L1NYFcCsD_dDbJ0k/s640/coastal-style-living-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.daydesigndecor.com/makeovers/identify-your-decorating-style/">via </a></div>Isn't this a great room?  It's light, airy and oh so pretty.  I've been trying to figure out a way to recreate those ladder style open book shelves for our den as inexpensively as I can and I finally have.  Final cost to build one.....less than $30!  Stay tuned and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Inspiration....Ladder Style Book Shelves

via Isn't this a great room?  It's light, airy and oh so pretty.  I've been trying to figure out a way to recreate those ladder ...

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Living Room Ideas and a New Desk

My husband came home with a <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/06/vintage-chair.html">gorgeous chair</a> a couple of months ago that sparked a desire in me to build a writing desk to accessorize it.  Knowing I was going to put that desk in our living room, rather than our den, I decided to give the whole space a redo.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWpP7vWFLNVYhb-PG6rrTMAgwnxsA42Slx_wfgIOBOJjVpE1UKr-vMncGGP7HxyJpw5bHxZUkUbzmVqn1LNGxNzZXbQ3AOnkALXKL6mOQ9W4D33gDgh93MVbIlgqO6DYBhv-8o2afnY/s1600/P1000289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWpP7vWFLNVYhb-PG6rrTMAgwnxsA42Slx_wfgIOBOJjVpE1UKr-vMncGGP7HxyJpw5bHxZUkUbzmVqn1LNGxNzZXbQ3AOnkALXKL6mOQ9W4D33gDgh93MVbIlgqO6DYBhv-8o2afnY/s640/P1000289.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>First, the desk.......I used table legs that I salvaged from an old table, so, no cost for those.  The top is constructed of four 1 x 6 planks that were 4 feet long.  I used inexpensive pine from Lowe's in the lower grade section.  This is good wood, you just have to look through it and make sure you don't get warped boards.  It has more knot holes than the more expensive pine, but if you are going to paint it, that isn't a concern.  The entire desk cost me just under $30 to build.  A very similar version of this desk sells at <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/porter-collectors-desk/?pkey=e%7Cdesk%7C41%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C7&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule-_-">Pottery Barn</a> for $600!!  I don't know about you but that's a little out of our budget.  :)<br /><br />To build the desk, I followed the same plan as my <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-build-rustic-kitchen-table.html">rustic kitchen table</a>.  However, since I wasn't going for a rustic style with the desk and instead, a more polished look, I attached the apron (sides) to the inside of the legs at the joint (instead of the outside) using L brackets, as shown in the photo below, very similar to how I built my dining room table.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn4dta36V6QXiXfBeTYhGyiYe1Z4gcEDVPKF5mLouLb47Oo_5R_vEGnRTv3IG0dVzXl-mJszI9Pr3RpiGBYDo7_fteSAS2kZ3dy35jTd_wwNF1e4dEHyWYGh5MdoTLEtDYJWH36l8Avk/s1600/P1000322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn4dta36V6QXiXfBeTYhGyiYe1Z4gcEDVPKF5mLouLb47Oo_5R_vEGnRTv3IG0dVzXl-mJszI9Pr3RpiGBYDo7_fteSAS2kZ3dy35jTd_wwNF1e4dEHyWYGh5MdoTLEtDYJWH36l8Avk/s640/P1000322.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>For extra stability and sturdiness, I also inserted 2 large screws down through the top of the table into the top of each leg, pre-drilling the holes first.  Since this would be a painted desk, I sunk the screws, filled with spackle and sanded the entire piece, after completely dry, for softer edges.  This is how the table looked before I painted it.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvejHFJvAoRz9LzS6DIj24prHTePY86xm3tRijScmcJWa7ecd_VtN1LD7RXn1pDEzZovxDU4BGZ-ZMxD2ohYtQ2-XeczeDNGakVqL4xV3PS6axARb1zGj4dbsTE1CggtNalBbmEIbZuwo/s1600/P1000280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvejHFJvAoRz9LzS6DIj24prHTePY86xm3tRijScmcJWa7ecd_VtN1LD7RXn1pDEzZovxDU4BGZ-ZMxD2ohYtQ2-XeczeDNGakVqL4xV3PS6axARb1zGj4dbsTE1CggtNalBbmEIbZuwo/s640/P1000280.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5FdccHX89d4v7FJxY5qkFVRxejakz_IMJ6LaYKpzudM1rm4q8PkQDGQ_8lM_B8IQ94bOZQb7Z1fViTABuoqn1g2eNLfikYmJY3cRtCERxaEFjwHL7pWyrnCJirnn8LX0OCt0Brq4S88/s1600/P1000281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5FdccHX89d4v7FJxY5qkFVRxejakz_IMJ6LaYKpzudM1rm4q8PkQDGQ_8lM_B8IQ94bOZQb7Z1fViTABuoqn1g2eNLfikYmJY3cRtCERxaEFjwHL7pWyrnCJirnn8LX0OCt0Brq4S88/s640/P1000281.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>The table legs were previously stained a dark walnut, so before I painted them white, I primed them with spray primer so I wouldn't need so many coats of white paint.  I painted the entire piece with Valspar ultra white paint.  It was a pretty easy desk to build and we are so excited with the results! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_cUZmk7UU_ns01DTZNHtQjjLhNBJzrHHLlzldVCLdiE690u8Oa9hdMxqBCYGd9FuQRRzU9Z0ZajFo3Uh8ksKAHoppA5lV2-pf3UnJ08jpQJOtqDKVAlA-TNZ_xOoX-I4IR8A7s2Ajcs/s1600/P1000294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_cUZmk7UU_ns01DTZNHtQjjLhNBJzrHHLlzldVCLdiE690u8Oa9hdMxqBCYGd9FuQRRzU9Z0ZajFo3Uh8ksKAHoppA5lV2-pf3UnJ08jpQJOtqDKVAlA-TNZ_xOoX-I4IR8A7s2Ajcs/s640/P1000294.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It fits perfectly into the corner I visualized it in, and I love how it pairs with the vintage chair.  This bookshelf was previously black and I didn't care for it.  It made the corner feel like a big black hole.  I primed and painted it with Valspar ultra white and now it really makes our favorite books stand out, I love that, and a room full of books is a cozy one.  And the large basket I picked up at a yard sale for 3 bucks crowns the top perfectly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MbCNFfFW44fk4xf6S16nvCQViyS9WD4K_0q5ywOIYSxcRiV3pyMNdkqXHtxC4sBLb0cQdJ1NB-Q5thWiBQw-IosrCXc4j7lzYreE_ZBVdnMldh8PJOx0C4jshkSz1sZxSblmxixMn_Q/s1600/P1000298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MbCNFfFW44fk4xf6S16nvCQViyS9WD4K_0q5ywOIYSxcRiV3pyMNdkqXHtxC4sBLb0cQdJ1NB-Q5thWiBQw-IosrCXc4j7lzYreE_ZBVdnMldh8PJOx0C4jshkSz1sZxSblmxixMn_Q/s640/P1000298.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>The accessories on the desk came from my wonderful hubby from one of his "picking" trips.  The antique wood box is very old and a great place for note cards and stationary.  The envelope holder holds, well, envelopes and some of my vintage post cards from 1905.  The little blue green bowl is perfect for snacks.  Most of the other things in the room I already had.  The wood crate also came from hubby.  They are great for storage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy7uewh4VJty0i1Qvc_qSHBPSXJrup_4savhQyBSKmLvTCtDwkaswgI_UmwAMJbkC8W3opTLdPad2ueNoLPviPQ4pU5T_XlmpvgyZAw17xKXBcW-uaIr8refHwBFlHh6xhDnhwoh4AJY/s1600/P1000290A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy7uewh4VJty0i1Qvc_qSHBPSXJrup_4savhQyBSKmLvTCtDwkaswgI_UmwAMJbkC8W3opTLdPad2ueNoLPviPQ4pU5T_XlmpvgyZAw17xKXBcW-uaIr8refHwBFlHh6xhDnhwoh4AJY/s640/P1000290A.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div>The curtains and pillows I made from canvas dropcloth.  I stenciled the G on the pillows by combining black craft paint with textile medium to create a washable paint that is also soft and doesn't harden your fabric.  The center pillow I made from an authentic burlap coffee sack that I ordered after Carla at <a href="http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/">Hammers and High Heels</a> mentioned a great place to buy them in <a href="http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2011/04/radiator-cover-window-seat-decorating.html">this post</a>.  Thanks Carla!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjRYlGuqdvpQNQpUB0S0Cxn4RxpVkjhgGUteXpf9QT9LWgzMliWiovJrcuJ5UaxaOpgQWbGI9yYPgIzVMLBSs0WXeK7zr5qyTlKkKma2xEmm1xDnWhFB1ZM_8LG1A7HLhtlb5yOXwTVA/s1600/P1000305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjRYlGuqdvpQNQpUB0S0Cxn4RxpVkjhgGUteXpf9QT9LWgzMliWiovJrcuJ5UaxaOpgQWbGI9yYPgIzVMLBSs0WXeK7zr5qyTlKkKma2xEmm1xDnWhFB1ZM_8LG1A7HLhtlb5yOXwTVA/s640/P1000305.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>About this coffee table......it used to be a dining room table!!  I picked it up at a garage sale but it was too small for us to use as a dining table, so, I cut the legs off so that we could use it as a coffee table instead.  Perfect, huh!  The set of hand carved oars were another picked item from hubby.  I like the element of fun and energy they add to the room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ZrnjOkmA1QbA9EvqGUP6O7O9BKM4ja59QGq6XEwvszQP_k4NZZtDixFSSCgeCPl2XTLdxRKE1GVU41iDMxyWwgxI2ZNK2kwvx5XC065YuPDWMDUHJMpY6VruUC7vSR76BQBDkR7wUo/s1600/P1000316.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ZrnjOkmA1QbA9EvqGUP6O7O9BKM4ja59QGq6XEwvszQP_k4NZZtDixFSSCgeCPl2XTLdxRKE1GVU41iDMxyWwgxI2ZNK2kwvx5XC065YuPDWMDUHJMpY6VruUC7vSR76BQBDkR7wUo/s640/P1000316.JPG.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div>Here's the other side of the room and the <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-gift-inspiration-from-1951.html">wall art I made for hubby for Father's Day</a>.  What do ya think?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdq_fcgrSrhHv4wWoLrDi-lrZjDyhp4iiRWbAPpCf8xJiqkMIP7eqzAEBoY49hRZ1tyiC5TSn20ShYd5m0W34OMUvT50Ccdd26tM-nAa-z63WvNK0sIl540dfXaWqZEz4CYRzPv7oyA0/s1600/P1000311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdq_fcgrSrhHv4wWoLrDi-lrZjDyhp4iiRWbAPpCf8xJiqkMIP7eqzAEBoY49hRZ1tyiC5TSn20ShYd5m0W34OMUvT50Ccdd26tM-nAa-z63WvNK0sIl540dfXaWqZEz4CYRzPv7oyA0/s640/P1000311.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>I am loving the <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/06/console-table-redo.html">retro surfboard console table</a> so much that I didn't want to put anything on it, other than this fan cause I didn't want to cover it up.  It's so fun!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWpP7vWFLNVYhb-PG6rrTMAgwnxsA42Slx_wfgIOBOJjVpE1UKr-vMncGGP7HxyJpw5bHxZUkUbzmVqn1LNGxNzZXbQ3AOnkALXKL6mOQ9W4D33gDgh93MVbIlgqO6DYBhv-8o2afnY/s1600/P1000289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWpP7vWFLNVYhb-PG6rrTMAgwnxsA42Slx_wfgIOBOJjVpE1UKr-vMncGGP7HxyJpw5bHxZUkUbzmVqn1LNGxNzZXbQ3AOnkALXKL6mOQ9W4D33gDgh93MVbIlgqO6DYBhv-8o2afnY/s640/P1000289.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>I'm so excited to finally have a desk to write and blog at instead of the dining room table.  Thanks for stopping by today!  And thank you for your kind comments, I truly do appreciate every one of them.  Have a great day!<br /><br />P.S.  If anyone is wondering......the paint on the walls is Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore. Also, linking up with The Lettered Cottage today! Come join the fun!<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/how-to-install-cabinet-moldin" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/How%20To/How_To_Linky_Button.jpg" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Living Room Ideas and a New Desk

My husband came home with a gorgeous chair a couple of months ago that sparked a desire in me to build a writing desk to accessorize it.  K...

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