Okio B Designs

Framed Kitchen Utensils

2012-03-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a large stash of white frames in the house. I didn't realize just how many I had until I decided to make these framed fork, knife and spoon prints for the kitchen:

You've probably seen these images on The Graphics Fairy. I had filed them away on my computer, planning to do some napkins or placements with them but when I flipped through the premier issue of Vintage Style magazine, I saw a framed spoon print and decided to copycat!

The frames are mostly from garage sales and thankfully, I had already painted them white. I printed out the images onto cardstock. I had to crop the fork, knife and spoon image to get a single spoon image. I really love how they look over this window in our kitchen and the fact that it cost me $0 to make them!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday, The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday and Faded Charm: White Wednesday.

Jeanine

One Man's Trash is a 4 Year Old's Treasure

2012-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

Driving home from pre-K today, I spotted this little table in the trash. I pulled over to inspect it and it was in pretty good condition.

As soon as my 4 year old saw it, he asked if it could be his.

Who am I to argue with that face? I told him we have to paint it. He wants to add Spongebob to it, so that should make for an interesting makeover.

Aside from some dust and having to tighten the bottoms, it really is a sweet little table. Stay tuned for the makeover!

Jeanine

A Few Easter Touches

2012-03-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

Brrrr...it's chilly here today but putting out some Easter decorations puts a little Spring in my step. I feel like a kid at Christmas time when I unpackage all of my goodies from previous years:

These are actually little bunny candleholders from the Pottery Barn outlet. The tapers didn't make it. Sadly, they all bent. Still, I like them even without the candles.

My favorite Easter banner! Bought it off Etsy last year.

More Pottery Barn outlet finds...paper mache eggs. Can't wait to fill these with some candy for my boys.

I love this little HOP set. Another beauty I snagged off Etsy last year! The two silver bunnies in front are salt and pepper shakers from, yup you guessed it, the Pottery Barn outlet.

This is the $1.99 nest from Home Goods. The little bunny pot-holder is from a garage sale.

I have a few more decorations to break out. Trying to pace myself but since we don't really decorate for St. Patrick's Day and with Easter being early this year, I figured what the heck!

Jeanine

French Votive

2012-03-04T07:41:00.001-08:00

I popped into Michael's earlier this week for some odds and ends. I had been admiring the wax seals in the bridal section for some time. I finally caved and bought some wax and a fleur de lis stamper. They were only $4.99 each. Last night I used them for this quick French votive:

I used some vintage French book paper to wrap around the votive. I distressed the paper edges a bit to give it an even more worn look. Then I used a glue dot to keep the two ends together.

I have to admit, the wax was a little tricky to work with. You can't burn it - it will turn black in the blink of an eye. So you have to keep the flame at a good distance. Then you have to worry about it dripping all over the place - ack! If the wax is uneven, the stamper image will be off.

It took me about three tries to get it as close to perfect as possible. I do love the look and think I will try the red wax next to make it pop.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Estate Sale Loot

2012-03-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

We hit an estate sale this morning. The weather was dreary and the wait was long, but I did manage to score some great vintage finds:

I think I'm definitely going to paint this little fan pink.

I could not resist these opera glasses with case. I just love them! Same for the vintage lace gloves. Love!

I also got this cute little bench for $10. Funny thing is, I have a similar one I'm using to display some vintage toys in an alcove at the top of our stairs.

My husband picked out the tins which are probably from the 1960s or 1970s.

I kind of like the green.

We spent about $40 on everything! Not bad for a Thursday!

Jeanine

Not Your Mama's Lunch Bags

2012-02-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

My husband starts a new job on Friday and we're very excited over here about it. Now that he'll be brown-bagging it again, I got to thinking about how I could make his lunch bags a little more exciting:

First I looked up how to spell the days of the week in French on Yahoo (not Google because I don't agree with their new privacy policy). Once I got the spelling, I created a word document and using a font, coincidentally, named French Script, I typed in each day and then printed them out on clear Avery paper.

Once my labels were on, I used a hole-puncher to punch two holes on the top of each bag. Then I tied some baker's twine through the holes. You'll have to excuse the dark photos - it's raining and dreary here today.

He thought they were sweet. Whether or not he actually uses them (it's a guy thing) is another story.

I'm thinking of making the font a little bigger and adding some of these to my Etsy shop.

Linking to: The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday.

Jeanine

Inexpensive Easter Find of the Week

2012-02-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

How sweet is this little bird's nest?

It's a pretty mix of sticks, leaves and grass.

And it was only...

What's not to love about that?! Thanks HomeGoods!

Jeanine

Embellished Starbucks Bottles

2012-02-26T18:37:00.001-08:00

Last week I wrote a post on a French-y makeover I gave to a vintage-inspired bottle carrier here. I'm happy to report that I found the perfect bottles to fit inside it! Believe it or not - they are Starbucks Frappuccino bottles:

I simply peeled off the Starbucks labels (after enjoying the Vanilla Frappuccino, of course!). I replaced them with these great French images from The Graphics Fairy. I printed them onto to clear Avery label paper and cut them to size.

I added rhinestones to both bottles. For one, I tied a key from Michael's on and for the other, I added a keyhole with some twine.

I also added some vintage lace to make them look a little less beverage bottle and more chic. Nevermind those air bubbles you see, I flattened them out after snapping the pics.

Don't they fit perfectly?! I had to prop them up a little by wedging some tissue paper in the bottom of each slot.

I have two more that I need to makeover this week. I'm just so happy that I found the perfect sized bottles!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Spring Touches

2012-02-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

There is less than a month until the official start of Spring. Although we've had a relatively mild winter here, I am sooooooo ready for Spring! I started adding some seasonal touches to the homestead yesterday. Putting them out immediately made me feel much perkier!

I have to thank my sister Kathy (Creative Home Expressions) for my acquiring these little cloches. I have been admiring them on her blog for over a year and I finally bought the trio for myself. I have them set up on the diningroom table with some eggs I bought from Sav-On-Crafts last year:

This beat up garage sale scale got a nest as well!

It just kind of hangs out on our stairs.

I made this quick little ruffle-bottom tea towel with our last name initial during the week. The towel is from the dollar store. Since I gave up on trying to learn to make ruffles, I did the next best thing. I ordered some ruffle trim from Jo-Ann's!

And my husband kept reminding me to post this Valentine's Day sheet music flower he made for me after seeing a tutorial on Yahoo. Ain't he cute?! Nevermind that mess though in my kitchen!

I'm trying to pace myself with putting out our Easter decorations, but knowing me, they'll be up in a week!

Jeanine

Champagne Anyone?

2012-02-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

After a bit of a blogging respite, I'm feeling much better now. I swear the germs in our house are going round robin. In between blowing my nose and coughing up a lung, I remembered a champagne bucket and stand I got over the summer at a garage sale. I wanted to paint it white but my husband talked me out of it. Still, I had to do something to jazz her up:

I decided to give her a lace makeover. Given my level of energy for the past few days, it's probably about all I could do! I simply hot glued some of this vintage lace under the lip of the bucket.

Then I rolled some vintage sheet music, tied them with twine and added them to the bucket. I felt like it was still missing something so I stamped a coffee-baked tag with a French crown and script, and tied that with twine around the bucket.

I think she looks much better now. Just have to add a few more sheet music rolls and then she'll be exactly how I envisioned! Oh and don't tell the hubby but I'm glad I didn't paint her white!

Jeanine

Paris Postmark Bottle Holder

2012-02-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit under the weather this week. It's been a germ-fest over here and I have not been immune. Still, I worked up some energy last night to give a French-y makeover to this metal bottle holder I got from The Christmas Tree Shoppes last year.

I bought the great Paris postmark from Etsy (graphique.etsy.com). I simply printed it out on regular white paper and distressed the edges. I mod podged an image to each side, giving them both a coat on top to seal the image.

Then I added some random rhinestones. And done! I was hoping to add some mason jars inside, but much to my dismay, they did not fit. Instead I added some French script candles and I think they look perfect. I'm trying to figure out what to add to the other slots but for now, I'm enjoying this quick makeover.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Faux Grain Sack Pillow

2012-02-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day! I was in chocolate heaven thanks to my hubby and boys. In between my candy fixes, I decided to use an Ikea dish towel to make a faux grain sack pillow:

At first I was going to make it into a tote bag but I just wasn't feeling it. Plan B was to use this great image from The Graphics Fairy and turn it into a pillow for our porch swing.

Ssshhh...don't tell anyone, but I kind of cheated a little as I just folded over one end so I only had to sew the other three.

It fits perfectly on the swing and my other grain sack pillow isn't lonely anymore. =)

Jeanine

French Tea Towels

2012-02-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

I came across some dollar store flour sacks I bought a while ago last night. I had originally planned to coffee dye them for some pillows but it's been a while since I did some tea towels and I was in the mood for something quick and not so messy. I found this great French image from The Graphics Fairy and...

...thought it would look divine on my towels. I printed the image onto to some transfer paper and simply ironed them on. Still, I felt like they could use a little something extra so I went to my fabric drawer and thought vintage lace would do the trick.

I'm also thinking they'd look beautiful with ruffle bottoms, but since I haven't quite mastered making ruffles yet, the lace will do.

Wine and spirits have never looked so good!

Linking to: The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday, Knick of Time: Knick of Time Tuesday and Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Home is Where the Heart Is

2012-02-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

I couldn't let Valentine's Day come and go without making at least one little heart pillow.

I used my Cricut to cut out the heart shape. I traced it onto what has become my favorite shabby fabric. Before sewing it up, I hand-stamped the little Paris in the middle.

Then I stitched it up and added the stuffing. The button was a bit of an after-thought. It has some French script stamped on it too so I added that under the Paris wording.

Finish up with some red tea-stained seam binding and this baby is ready to be hung anywhere in the house.

And here's how I'm thinking about surprising my husband on Valentine's Day. Saw this idea on Pinterest:

I think he'll be pleasantly surprised!

Jeanine

Giveaway Alert: NYCPretty.com

2012-02-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

This is by far one of my new favorite blogs! If you haven't been over to NYCPretty, head on over there stat because the lovely Christine is having an awesome American Eagles Outfitters $100 giftcard giveaway!

All you have to do is like NYCPretty.com on Facebook, follow @NYCPretty on Twitter and leave a comment to enter.

While you are there, check out her amazing outfits! I know I've picked up quite a few outfit ideas there myself.

Good luck!

Jeanine

French Farmhouse Milk Bottles

2012-02-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

I used to display these vintage-ish milk bottles on our kitchen cabinets, but since the kitchen redo, they've been quietly sitting in our basement. I stumbled across them yesterday and thought bottles this wonderful should not be banished to the basement.

Since I'm a little pressed for time this week, I gave them a quick French makeover using Avery clear label paper. One image I printed from the Graphics Fairy - it's one of my favorites! I've used it on glassine bags, pillows - you name it! The other is one I purchased off of Etsy.

Working with the Avery clear paper is a bit challenging because of the air bubbles. I still have to flatten some of them out. What's nice is, though, you can peel the label off and start over as many times as you need to. It also gives the glass a somewhat frosted look where the label is.

I finished up with some blue rhinestones to match the white and blue theme we have going in the kitchen now. I was going to tie some tea-stained seam binding on each one, but opted for twine. Glad I did. I think the twine gives them more a farmhouse look, don't you?

Jeanine

White Wednesday

2012-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm really enamored with painted peat pots.

They are so easy to dress up.

And really fit anywhere in the house.

I like to give them a French touch or two.

Yup, it must be love!

Linking to Faded Charm: White Wednesday.

Jeanine

Pottery Barn Knock-Off: Numbered Canvas Frames

2012-02-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

I was browsing the Pottery Barn site the other day and came across these pretty numbered frames ($39 for a set of three):

(Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn)

When I saw these oval frames at my local church thrift store on Friday, I knew immediately that I could do something similar with them.

First, I spray-painted each frame black. While they were drying, I used my Cricut to make my 1,2,3 stencils. Instead of canvas, I used some Osnaburg fabric which I find gives a similar look. I used fabric paint to add my numbers to the fabric, and I added them to each frame once they were dry.

I still have to add the chains to the back of each frame and hang them. Overall, though, I'm really happy with how my version came out! And it cost me about $4 to do mine.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Thrifty Finds

2012-02-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We're gearing up for the Superbowl tomorrow. Rooting for our Giants! While trying to pick up some Giants' gear for the kids, I popped into my favorite church thrift store yesterday. I picked up a few goodies for $5:

The oval frames I have planned for a Pottery Barn knock-off. The little teacups I'm hoping to use for pincushions for my Etsy shop. The big hatbox is going to get a French-y makeover, while the little wedding cake candles I'm still thinking about.

This morning, we popped into Home Goods and I picked up this vintage-style rack for my 6 year's old room. He loves that he now has a "cool" place to put all of his books. I promised I'd make some tags for the slots. We're still deciding on numbers (my vote) or words (his vote). No sure who's going to win that battle. Speaking of battles, let's go Giants!

Jeanine

Shabby French Farmhouse Pillow

2012-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I was in a bit of sewing mood last night so I decided to make this shabby French pillow:

I just love this vintage-inspired fabric. And who can resist this great image from The Graphics Fairy?

Only problem is, it doesn't match anything in the house. Doh! The livingroom is navy blues. My bedroom comforters don't quite match. Oh well, I'll either be adding her to the tea room when the weather gets warmer or on our porch swing for Spring.

Problem solved!

Linking to Funky Junk Interiors: SNS.

Jeanine

Two Big Thank You Shout-Outs!

2012-02-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Wanted to send a big thank you out to Shirley from HudsonHolidays! Shirley came to my rescue and sent me over this perfect reminder for my 4 year old:

I got my inspiration from this one on Pinterest from HGTV.

I'm happy to report that it's working already!

My second thank you goes to Rhonda from A Little Bit French. I won one of Rhonda's fabulous giveaways and yesterday my prize arrived!!!!!

Look at how pretty she wrapped it!

And look at those pretties above! And here is my lovely shrine!

Love it!

Thanks again Shirley and Rhonda! **Another thank you to Donata at DK's CC for also sending me over a sweet version of Wash Your Hands! I can't seem to upload the image but I'll take a photo and post it asap!!!**

Jeanine

Dollar Store Candle Trio

2012-02-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

This trio of Dollar Store prayer candles has been sitting on the shelf in my craft room since December. I finally got around to giving them a French makeover today:

Two of these great images are from The Graphics Fairy. The third is one I purchased off of Etsy.

Once I cut out each image, I distressed the edges of each one ever so slightly. Then I used Mod Podge to glue them on and added a coat over the image to seal it.

After all were good and dry, I started adding some of my rhinestone embellishments. Then I broke out some tea-stained seam binding and tied on the number plaque, key and lock to each one.

I love the black and white images with just the small pops of color. But what I love even more is that I already had everything on hand!

Linking to The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday.

Jeanine

Can Anyone Make This?!

2012-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone, anyone? I am in desperate need of this little reminder for my four year old who can't seem to remember to:

(photo courtesy of Pinterest)

I know some of you are clipart wizards. So if anyone can work a little magic and share a free download with me, I'll be your best-est friend forever!

Jeanine

Petite Picture Frames

2012-01-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

I never ever pass up the bargain aisle at our local Michael's. It's filled with treats usually starting at $1 up to no more than say $5. I scooped up a bunch of these pretty shabby frames with my store credit and gave each a French touch:

I love the shabby, chippy feel of it. I added the faux pearls and flower embellishment. It would not be complete without the fabulous French image from The Graphics Fairy.

Since Blogger is not letting me upload photos for some reason, I'll show the others in another post. Argh, Blogger!

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday, Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and Faded Charm: White Wednesday.

Jeanine

And The Winner Is...

2012-01-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Linsey from the Farmhouse Porch*!!!!!! You won a Clever Girl Innovations GlamMat! I'll be in touch for your info or you can email me at (spam-proof): jeanineb4etsy(at)yahoo(dotcom). =)

Jeanine

* Winner chosen by Random.Org.

Ikea Goodies

2012-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

**There is still time to enter my giveaway here.**

If you saw the February issue of Romantic Homes, then you saw these little cuties from Ikea.

So cute and I love the colors!

I'm the world's worst cake baker so I appreciate the non-stick, squishy plastic they are made of. However, my husband claims I failed on my New Year's Resolution not to buy stuff, but I gently reminded him it was: not to buy stuff I don't NEED. I need these!

Jeanine

Mama's Got a New Set of Wheels!

2012-01-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Remember that old soda crate I found at a junk barn a couple of weeks ago? The one that set me back a whole $5?!

Well, today I finally got my husband to put the wheels on the bottom. Sure, I could have done it myself but I was afraid of splitting the wood. Besides, you know how men like to feel needed...

Love it now that it's mobile! I'm trying to figure out whether to make a liner because of this...I can't even imagine what this blue stuff is but it does smear when I try to wipe it out.

Yuck! For now I have a piece of burlap covering the bottom to keep Mr. blue mess in his place. Here's the crate now:

I'm not sure if I'll keep it as a toy crate but I do love the look of the vintage Pooh and friends, and my primitives bee girl in there.

I'm sure I'll play around until I feel the love. Or at least until the boys figure out it has wheels and try to "ride" down the steps in it...Sigh!

Linking to Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday.

Jeanine

A Few More Valentine's Day Touches

2012-01-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.**

I'm pretty much done with my Valentine's Day decorations. Mainly because I've run out of places to display them! Last night I did a peat pot in pink which I thought would be a nice departure from white, and make for a nice Valentine's Day touch:

I used my Cricut to print out the French script heart and then tied it on with some tea-stained seam binding. The little button was the finishing touch.

How about this lovely Cupid print (from Graphique.etsy.com)?

These little paper mache birdies don't quite scream Valentine's Day, but I still had money to use on my Michael's store credit so I picked them up yesterday. How can you resist a sheet music bird for $1? And like potato chips, you can't get just one!

They also had plain paper mache birdies. I fudged the first one (don't ask!) so last night I painted my last little birdie and will post it soon.

Jeanine

Giveaway Time: Clever Girl Innovations GlamMat

2012-01-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

**This giveaway is now closed**

Tired of your hot glue gun ruining your craft table? Never have a place to securely lay your paint brushes, beads, etc. while you're working with them? Well then you are going to love this giveaway!

I have one GlamMat from Clever Girl Innovations to give away to one lucky winner. This was originally made to hold hot hair tools but guess what? It's even better for crafting! I used it when I was making my pin cushions yesterday and it nicely kept my hot glue gun off my work area. See exhibit A below:

This is going to be a quickie giveaway - I'll pick the winner on Friday, January 27th at 5 p.m. EST. All you have to do is:

1. Become a follower of OkioBDesigns.Blogspot.com. Leave a comment letting me know you are a new follower (and let me know if you are already a follower).

and

2. "Like" Clever Girl Innovations on Facebook.

You can earn additional entries by:

1. Posting about this giveaway on your blog or put it on your sidebar and let me know in a separate comment; and/or

2. Tweet about this giveaway, let me know in a separate comment with your @ name; and/or

3. Become a follower of Okio B Designs on Facebook.

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only (sorry!). Again, I'll pick a winner on Friday, January 27th at 5 p.m. EST using Random.Org. A clear GlamMat will be sent to the winner.

Don't worry if you don't win because Clever Girl is offering bloggers 40 percent off their GlamMat and GlamEars using code BLOG40 at CleverGirlInnovations.com.

Good luck!

Jeanine

*I am affiliated with Clever Girl Innovations through my day job and was provided a review sample, however, the views expressed on my blog are my own.*

Sew Happy

2012-01-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

There is just something about winter that puts me in a sewing mood. I broke out my sewing machine this week and made a few new pillows and pin cushions.

I really love this great French-y image from The Graphics Fairy. I printed the image onto my fabric and then just sewed and stuffed. I printed it out in a 5x7 size so I was able to get two images onto the fabric. Kind of like two for the price of one! I'm wondering, though, if some of you sewing pros can tell me what I'm doing wrong on some of my pillows. They doesn't always seem to come out even. Sometimes they have what I can only describe as "wings"?!

I used the same fabric plus another I bought from Fabric.com a few months ago for these pin cushions. I just love the way they look in the vintage jello molds. I added some French script to give them a French-y touch. For these, I used a plate to cut my circles and then just stitched the fabric leaving two ends long. When I was done stitching all around, I pulled the ends together, tied, added my stuffing and then hot glued them to my molds.

I have added a few other new petite pillows to my Etsy shop too.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Here Comes the Snow...

2012-01-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

We're in the midst of our first snow fall of the season. It looks so pretty! While, I'd love to hunker down and spend the morning and afternoon crafting, one of my boys has a birthday party to go to today.

Pinterest via Between Naps on the Porch

I've been very lazy the last couple of days but I do have some projects to post later today/tomorrow morning. For now, I'm going to enjoy the quiet calm snow seems to bring and then head off for a morning of roller skating! Wish me luck!

Jeanine

French Crowns from Michael's

2012-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Decided to treat myself to these sweets earlier this week. I had a store credit for Michael's and couldn't scoop up these little candle holders fast enough:

Aren't they adorable?!

They would even make for cute candy bowls.

So happy to be adding them to my crown collection!

Jeanine

Thrifty Find of the Week

2012-01-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

I confess. I splurged a whole 5 bucks this weekend when we went to a salvage barn by my parents' house. Well, they actually have three barns of "junk." We didn't have time to sift through everything - mainly because it was freezing but I did see this vintage soda crate:

It's in perfect condition. A little dirty on the inside but it's basically perfect!

I'm planning on adding some wheels to the bottom. I think my hubby has some already in the garage that I can "acquire" without him knowing!

Overall, I think it was $5 well spent!

Jeanine

Valentine's Day Bags

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Who knew a paper shredder could come in handy for craft projects?! I just love the look of shredded sheet music and I have used it in a number of projects. I decided to use it for these sweet Valentine's Day bags too.

First I printed off the images from The Graphics Fairy. I used my Cricut to cut them into circles. Then I used some Sticky Dots paper to make them into stickers. Place them towards the bottom of the bag and then start stuffing in your sheet music.

I fill them as close to the top as possible and then tie them up with some twine.

Then I made some of these Chocolat glassine bags using some clear Avery label paper. It's hard to see but there is pink, faux pearl embellishment on the top. I just love the look of glassine bags! These are for sale in my Etsy shop.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Sweet Lavender Sachet

2012-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sticking to my new year's resolution to use what I already have for future craft projects, I whipped up this sweet little lavender sachet today. I have a gazillion of these little glassine bags and thought they'd make for a nice sachet:

I simply hand-stamped the French script on the front. I added the little birdy as an after-thought and I quite like it now.

Then I added some lavender buds. I stitched the opening closed. And guess what happened? You couldn't smell the lavender! Doh! So I had to poke itty bitty holes all around it so you can actually smell the aroma. I get just enough of the smell without it being to overpowering.

Now to figure out if I want to add it to my unmentionables drawer or the hallway closet. Decisions, decisions...

Linking to The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday.

Jeanine

Organizing with Chalkboard Paper

2012-01-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

My craft room/office is a disaster. There, I said it. I'm slowly trying to get things in order starting with some of these jars:

I'm really loving this chalkboard paper. I wish I had heard about it sooner. I used my Cricut to cut it into these cute tags.

Now I can easily identify what I need instead of digging through a pile of everything.

I'm just giddy over how organized I am now!

Now to get to the rest of the mess.

Jeanine

Mini Bedspring Board

2012-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

**Update: the blogger I mention below is Susan from HomeRoad!**

I visited a blog last week (of course, now I can't remember which one!) that reminded me about this decorative bedspring I had ordered from Somerset Living a few months ago. I had originally planned to use it in our bedroom once my husband re-painted it but when I saw the other blogger had added her's to the kitchen, I decided to do the same:

My 4 year old helped me collect some photos to add to it. We clipped them on with some of my French clothes pins.

The little numbered lavender sachets are from Faded Plains. I had bought a scale and some other items from her Etsy shop and she enclosed those in the package. They are so sweet!

This is one of my husband's favorite photos of his late mother.

I'm looking forward to adding more photos and other memorable family items.

Linking to Faded Charm: White Wednesday.

And please, if you are that blogger I'm talking about - send me a note so I can give credit where credit is due!

Jeanine

Paris Tool Caddy

2012-01-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Paging the lost and found! While we were packing away our Christmas lights yesterday, I found this little tool caddy that I bought a while ago and totally forgot about. It was in pretty bad shape and needed a white spray paint makeover stat. Thanks to yesterday's warm weather, I was able to give it a few coats of paint in just a few hours.

Once it was dry, I broke out this graphite transfer paper that I bought last year. It sat and sat on one of our craft shelves so I was happy to actually use it. Basically you lay a sheet of it on your project and then add the image you want to transfer ontop. I used this great image from The Graphics Fairy. Tape both to your project. You can use either a pencil or pen to transfer. At first I used pencil but it came out very lightly. So I switched to a pen which gave me this:

I made a couple of oopsies - particularly on the 'S' in Paris but overall I found the paper easy to use. I was afraid it might smudge so I gave it a couple of coats of poly to seal it in once I was done stenciling it on. Once that was dry, I painted the wood fleur de lis and glued that to the front of the handle.

Here's a close up.

Once everything was dry and ready to roll, I added some faux Dollar Store moss to both bottoms. I was in a pink mood so I added some vintage pink thread, a bottle of pastel buttons and the cute butterfly (from Michael's). Adding to the French theme is the French book paper page tucked in the corner.

I would definitely use the graphite paper again as I have a few sheets left. Maybe next time I'll try a more intricate image/design.

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Chalkboard Paper

2012-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my sister, Kathy from Creative Home Expressions mentioned chalkboard paper in a comment on my blog. Well, of course that got the wheels turning for this garage sale mirror I got over the summer:

I loved the gold frame and used chalkboard paint over the mirror. Unbeknownst to me, when the paint dried and I tried to prime it, the scratches and scribbles were awfully noticeable. Look closely, you can see the epic fail. Soooo...before I made my new year's resolution to cut back on buying stuff I don't need, I ordered this self-adhesive chalkboard paper from ABC Supplies.

It arrived yesterday and I got busy this morning putting it to use. Now I still have to work on trimming the edges but what a great difference!

It was a bit of a pain to use because it kept rolling back and sticking to the adhesive. I think with a little practice, though, this could be great to use for all sorts of projects I have swimming around in my mind.

Now I just have to find a place for it! ;)

Jeanine

Shabby French Journal

2012-01-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to cutback on buying things I just don't need. That includes clothes, home decor and yes, even craft supplies. That's not to say I won't pop into an estate sale or two, or my favorite church thrift store - or Michael's! - from time to time. I just want to de-clutter and use things I already have in the house - returning to my previous alter-ego: One Cheap B*tch.

So when I spied this little journal that had been sitting in my craft bin, I knew I could set a good example for myself by using what I already have.

I had one sheet of the script paper leftover from god knows when, so I glued that onto the cover. I printed off the Eiffel Tower image and Paris postmark from the Graphics Fairy and just randomly glued those onto the script paper - adding my own little red Paris postmark.

Then it was just a free-for-all with stamping 2012 on the front in red and black, adding the lace trim, key and random Paris stamps here and there.

I even used snippets of French book paper and leftover fabric. The finishing touch was the frozen Charlotte and the twine.

I will probably never use this as an actual journal but it makes for a nice touch to the vintage school desk vignette that I change up from time to time.

It feels good not spending any money and really using what I already have. Hopefully this is one resolution I can actually keep! ;)

Jeanine

Can You Feel the LOVE?

2012-01-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Adding a little more LOVE around the house in preparation of Valentine's Day. If you saw the recent cover of Somerset Living, you'll know exactly where this little pretty came from:

I can't wait to make a few more of these! I used a skinny strip of dyed muslin and hand-stamped je t'aime on it. Tape it onto the spool and add a colorful safety pin for a finishing touch. Adds just a pop of color!

I actually made this frame a couple of years ago.

Sweet little treat bag.

And how about a little XOXO in a white peat pot?

Oh yes, I am definitely feeling the love...and goofiness. Me and my oldest son incognito this weekend. (And I finally got the hubby to take the Xmas tree down!).

Jeanine

Candy Land

2012-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe it's twenty twelve. Here's to hoping this is everyone's year to win the lottery...ha! =) Since I spent a quiet new year's eve at home, I was up bright and early picking up some treats to add to my vintage milk bottle holder:

I'm dubbing this our Valentine's Day Candy Land.

It's filled with clear mason jars which I then filled with various heart-shaped candies and vintage Valentine's Day cards that I bought off of Etsy two years ago.

The little heart wands are from Michael's. The faux roses and carnations are from the Dollar Store. The heart runner is from Home Goods.

This lovely little cake stand is also from Home Goods. I picked it up last year and still love it! I think I need a few more cupcakes to add to the top though. Those are also from Michael's.

Can you feel the love?! Or at least the sugar that will soon be coursing through my children's veins?! Ha!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Baskets and Blues

2011-12-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

Just tinkering around in the kitchen today. I still haven't put up all of our vintage tins since my hubby remodeled our kitchen. I miss them but I do like the clean, fresh look of the tops of the cabinets without them. Still, I wanted a pop of color. Enter these colanders I got from Marshalls a couple of years ago:

I think they add just the right amount of color I'm craving. I even added the mason jars I had used for Christmas. I just removed the Christmas ornaments and sheet music - leaving the twine.

The baskets are from Walmart. I picked those up back in September.

I love the farmhouse look of the baskets with the splash of the aqua blue. Best part is, I shopped my house for a quick, easy makeover!

Jeanine

Dollar Store Valentine's Day Candle Holders

2011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of my most favorite Valentine's Day images from The Graphics Fairy. I've used it for pillows, sachets, tins and now these petite Dollar Store candle holders:

I printed out a wallet size image (yes, the candle holders are that small!) and simply Mod Podged it onto each candle holder. I did another coat on top to seal it on. Once that was dry, I put on the red rhinestones. Easy, peasy!

And these little hearts are actually a leftover from Christmas. As I was taking them off the tree yesterday, I thought they'd look sweet in this urn I got from Goodwill a few weeks ago.

I'm slowly breaking out the rest of my Valentine's Day goodies from last year. Yes, my husband still thinks I'm crazy!

Jeanine

Two Little Lovebirds

2011-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe how fast it came and went. Today was so dreary here that me and the kids actually started taking some decorations down. Then we hit Target for some lights for next year. Somehow I came home with two of these pretties:

Yup, Target already has some Valentine's Day items out. So of course that made me start working on a Valentine's Day windowsill for the kitchen.

The pink glasses are actually candle holders from Ikea that I picked up last year.

And some of the reds that I had out for Christmas, I keep out for Valentine's Day. How cute is that little heart pen? In the dollar aisle!

My husband thinks I'm crazy but when in Rome, right?! Besides, Target started it - not me!

Jeanine

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Between my sons' class parties, a last-minute new business meeting on Friday and a ton of cooking I have to do on Saturday, I'm wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!

I'll be back in blogland after the holiday madness. Stay safe and be happy!

Jeanine

Christmas Tablescape

2011-12-20T06:41:00.000-08:00

Pull up a chair!

We'll be hosting a small Christmas eve gathering this year and here's what I'm thinking our table will look like. This is the first year I'm getting to use these Christmas plates that I got at Home Goods last year:

I love a plaid tablecloth for Christmas and I got this one at Target. The rooster plates are from Kmart.

The big ornaments are from a local nursery called Hicks. I bought them a couple of years ago.

Remember these tree napkin rings? I got these from the local church thrift store. The napkins are from Pottery Barn. I bought them for the 4th of July but I think the stars also work for Christmas.

The red wine goblets are also from Target...from about 10 years ago!

One last peek.

Just need to add the menus and settings for the boys and we'll be ready to rock and roll!

Jeanine

Alice in Wonderland Votives

2011-12-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

I just love this tea party image from Alice in Wonderland! I saw on Pinterest that someone had taken a beautiful black and white photo and added it to a votive with Avery see-through paper. I had a couple of sheets handy, so I made these:

Here they are without the candles. Can you see the little rhinestone embellishments? If you haven't tried the Avery see-through paper yet, it's really great. Just put in your printer glossy side down and pick an image to print. Once it's printed, you can easily cut out your image and stick it to anything!

Here they are with some faux candles.

And with the lights off.

I can't wait to add them to my tea room this Spring!

Jeanine

Santa Claus is Coming To Town...

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to pay homage to Santa:

Vintage Santa image on metal tin. Great last minute gift for a teacher or co-worker.

Hand-stamped Santa tags to hang from gifts of all shapes and sizes.

Vintage Santa candleholders.

Santa sheet music.

Something my children would say!

And finally my favorite Santa ever...Acquired at a garage sale over 10 years ago. The best $3 I ever spent!

Jeanine

Last Minute Xmas Touches From the Dollar Store

2011-12-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe there are 10 more days until Christmas! I made a couple of last minute holiday pieces yesterday. Both from the Dollar Store:

These itty bitty candles are maybe 2 inches tall. I printed out the great vintage image from The Graphics Fairy (wallet-size!) and used Mod Podge to glue them to the glass. After the second coat dried, I simply added two little red rhinestones which I think work perfectly with the vintage image.

This is my last little Dollar Store birdie. I think I bought every single one when they first came out two years ago. I gave her a fresh coat of white paint.

Then I used my Mod Podge again to add some German glass glitter all over. I love how she sparkles!

I have a couple more holiday items planned and then I guess I'll be moving on to, gulp, Valentine's Day! =)

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Vintage French Hanky

2011-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Note to self: iron your fabric before attempting to hand-stamp it! I'm a victim of my own laziness for this next project. I wanted to give a French touch to this vintage hanky so I broke out the stamps and got busy:

But as you can see, I did not think to iron it beforehand. Well, that's not entirely true. I did think: maybe I should iron this first. Alas, laziness won out and if you look closely, you can see one of my red stamps is a bit funky.

I had planned to add this to my Etsy shop but because of that oopsie, I'm going to add it to our guest room decor instead.

So the moral of my story is, if you have a vision in your head that includes wrinkled fabric, be sure to iron it first!

And by the way, I took these photos AFTER I finally ironed the hanky. I do not love to iron. =)

Jeanine

Xmas Eve Menu

2011-12-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

I was playing around with different menu ideas for Christmas Eve. Of course, I headed over to The Graphics Fairy and here's the one I decided on using. The photos are a bit light and my printer seems to be running out of color ink, but you get the idea:

I still have to work on moving over the Fresh Greens line. But isn't this scroll just perfect?!

I'm going to print some out in the green with red lettering and then some in red with the green lettering. Still debating on whether or not to tie them into scrolls or just leave them over the plates. Luckily, I still have over a week to go!

Jeanine

Xmas Touch for Vintage Bottles

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I have been collecting old bottles since we first started dating. Unfortunately, after we remodeled our kitchen, much of our collection is gathering dust in the basement. I broke out a few of them last night to make these cute Christmas bottles:

First I printed out the black and white images from The Graphics Fairy. Then I filled two of the bottles with German glitter glass (I didn't have any Epsom salt in the house) to create a faux snow look. I carefully rolled each photo so it would slide into the bottles easily.

After positioning them best I could, I tied a bell onto some twine and then tied them around each bottle. Since the little bottles are just so little, I added some faux, white bell flowers.

I just love the look of the old photos with the old bottles.

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Sweet & Simple Inspiration from Pinterest

2011-12-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea on Pinterest yesterday and thought it was so sweet and simple that I just had to copycat:

A clear mason jar filled with some fresh pine cones and an evergreen branch (courtesy of my neighbor's pine tree!) with a couple of candy canes.

I love the simplicity of it and the fact that I had everything I needed for a quick little holiday touch.

And since simple seems to be my word of the day, here's the cowbell and little frame at got at the estate sales this weekend. A little gold vignette of sorts. The bottle brush trees are from Home Goods. I want to swap out the photo of the girl praying with a black & white one of my mom and dad but there is something about the little girl that speaks to me.

I bought these little acorns from Walmart last year. Surprisingly, I did not see them this year. Bummer because I would have loved a few more. Anywho, I filled my little black tray with vintage sheet music and added the acorns.

Sometimes I like to keep it simple.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Estate Sale Finds

2011-12-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

We hit another estate sale this morning. Brrrrr...it was a chilly wait but definitely worth it. Just take a look at today's batch of oldies but goodies:

I collect old spectacles/glasses and these are perfect for my collection.

I've been looking everywhere for these glass insulators in blue and I finally got them! Four to be exact.

I couldn't resist the old books, cow bell and this "No Smoking" sign which is more of a gag because, unfortunately, both me and the hubby smoke. Never in the house and this sign will remind everyone of that.

Today set us back about $75. My husband also got an old wagon wheel and old wall-mounted coffee grinder.

Jeanine

Friday's Thrifty Finds

2011-12-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

The hubby and I hit an estate sale this morning while the boys were in school. Lookie at all of the goodies we snatched up:

There is something intriguing to me about the clown with the violin. I don't know if it's a jewelry charm or perhaps more of an ornament. The artist painted the image onto a metal shape - which I know makes it very old. I just can't tell what type of metal it is though. This one may or may not go into my Etsy shop - after I do some research. The tag says $89!!!!!!! I paid a quarter. Meanwhile, my husband picked out the salt and pepper shakers. And who could resist the little frame for 50 cents?!

Once I clean up these tongs, they'll be perfect for my Xmas eve table. The vanity mirror was another piece that intrigued me so I grabbed that as well.

A week ago I couldn't find any bottle brush trees and now they seem to be everywhere I go! These little cuties were 10 cents each. The ceramic tree napkin rings will also look nice on my Xmas eve table.

Twenty dollars well spent!

Jeanine

Numbered Peat Pots

2011-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

I made a few more painted peat pots this week and I think I'm becoming a little obsessed. For this batch, I added some number tags along with the buttons I used on my previous bird one:

The first one is filled with rolled vintage sheet music and ones I downloaded from The Graphics Fairy.

The other two I'm still deciding on what to fill them with. For now they are filled with shredded sheet music. I'm leaning towards adding some fresh greens and pinecones to them for a natural, festive look.

I love that these are super simple to make and I think they'll transition nicely into my regular home decor after the holidays!

Jeanine

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2011-12-07T11:15:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to get any good photos of our Christmas tree. I don't know if it's because of the dreary weather or the lights on the tree or what?! Here are a few of my attempts:

I almost feel like this one makes the tree look like the leaning tower of Pisa! Ha!

Got this idea from a magazine (f course I can't remember which one as I'm typing this!). I just love the look of vintage toys for Christmas, don't you?

Little rocking horse from Home Goods.

Another view.

I can't wait until it's filled with lots and lots of presents underneath!

Linking to 2805's Christmas Tree party on December 9th.

Jeanine

$2 Dollar Xmas Gift and Xmas Peat Pot

2011-12-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all of my holiday shopping madness, I sat down over the weekend and made myself a little something for all of $2! Yup, I'm such a big spender - lol:

This is a simple Dollar Store prayer candle with a fabulous Keep Calm and Carry On image that I got off of Etsy for...$1 (graphique.etsy.com) that I Mod Podged on. I am keeping to a tight Xmas gift budget this year but figured I could splurge $2 on myself. I even had the little rhinestone on hand for the crown embellishment.

It's the little things that sometimes make you very happy - and calm! - during the holiday madness. And I think it would make for a sweet gift for perhaps a teacher, an Aunt, Grandma or Mom.

I'm also in the midst of playing around with decorations for my Xmas table. The little stack of books is from Home Goods. I painted a peat pot white for a shabby, chippy look and filled it with shredded sheet music. The little button embellishments I got from a giveaway last year. And I couldn't resist adding the French script, tea-stained seam binding and little crown.

My 6 year old suggested adding the little bird since he thought it looked like an Xmas nest. I couldn't agree more!

Linking to Faded Charm: White Wednesday.

Jeanine

Thrift Store Ice Skates

2011-12-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Although I haven't been ice skating in years and was never quite good at it, I do love the look of them in the wintertime. This is a pair I did a couple of years ago when I first started blogging. I had spied a similar pair in Romantic Homes and did a copycat you might remember from my old blog One Cheap B*tch:

Some of the glitter on the blades has started to wear off but I do still love the fur cuffs!

I bought another pair of old skates from the church thrift store a couple of weeks ago. They sat and sat until this week when Jill from The French Cupboard shared her French-inspired skates. It was just the little nudge I needed to get started on this latest pair of skates. Problem was they were in pretty bad shape so I had to spray paint them - the whole boot, blade and all. Here is one of them now:

I love how Jill used twine to lace hers, and as luck would have it I had some, what I like to call, candy cane twine from Ikea. I used that to lace them up.

I tied a Joyeux Noel coffee tag around the front of the boot, and stuffed some tissue paper in the top since I didn't want to use fur again. Then I added some random Xmas balls and faux branches, pine cones and berries from the Dollar Store on top.

Meanwhile, this is the other boot - patiently awaiting its complete makeover. =)

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Christmas Touches

2011-12-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

We're planning on putting up our tree this weekend, but in the meantime wanted to share some more Christmas touches about the house. Cindy from Cottage Instincts helped with the inspiration for these mason jars:

I had filled them with some shredded vintage sheet music but that's about as far as I got until I popped over to Cindy's yesterday. I loved her jars so much that I immediately went to the Dollar Store to get some big ornaments to put on the top of each one. I love the look of the twine ribbon too.

These clogs are actually from two years ago. I had gotten the idea from Martha Stewart's now defunct Blueprint magazine. They add a touch of color to the porch.

This little porch table is still a work in progress. I feel like it's still missing a little something.

And there is an awful lot of JOY in our house this year:

More here:

And here:

Here too:

Thanks for joining me on this mini tour!

Jeanine

Pandora's Box Giveaway

2011-12-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Patti from Pandora's Box had a giveaway a week or so ago and I was the lucky winner! Look at these lovely stockings! Believe me, my photo does not do them justice:

Thank goodness there were two because with two boys it would have been World War 3 here. And look at the cute Santa clothespin she enclosed.

Thanks Patti - I love everything!

Jeanine

And the Winner Is...

2011-12-01T05:52:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Theresa from the Old White House/612 Riverside! You won my Crafter's Delight giveaway! I'll be in touch to get your info or you can email at jeanineb4etsy(at)yahoo(dotcom). Yay!

Jeanine

Basket o' Postcards

2011-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

I got this lovely little basket back in October at a garage sale. I used it for Halloween and now with a simple switch of some ribbon, I'm using it for a place to display some holiday postcards:

I simply added some plaid ribbon and tied it in the front. Then I added some white tissue paper and added my postcards. My mom gave me the vintage Santa ones last year. The larger black and white postcards are actually from Ikea. They show Paris, London, New York, etc. in the wintertime. They show some really pretty scenes!

I just couldn't hide the Paris one! I have it propped up on this vintage typewriter.

Click here for a great article with tips for selling on Etsy featuring your's truly.

Jeanine

Jingle Bell Peat Pot & Star Tree

2011-11-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

Was I the only one attached to the computer all day yesterday trying to snatch up some Cyber Monday deals? My fingers actually hurt today - ha! But I did manage to get in two quickie holiday projects. Excuse the pictures - it's raining here today so they are a little dark. First up is this star garland tree:

I bought this fabric star garland from a garage sale a couple of years ago. The styrofoam tree came from a church thrift fair. Last year I did a mint tree but the thought of using the hot glue gun with achy fingers just wasn't working for me so I literally just wrapped the garland around the tree.

Not sure if you can see but there are some silver, gold and green pins holding the garland on in random spots. I like the way it looks sitting in my little Goodwill urn.

I have a ton of peat pots leftover from spring so I wanted to do something holiday-ish with some of them. I used some French book paper and wrapped that around the pot. Then I tied some black tulle around it to hold the paper in place. The little button embellishment I won from a giveaway last year.

Then I added some shredded sheet music and propped some silver and gold bells on top. It just needed a touch of color so I used some bamboo party picks to create a little French script "sign" which I then tied some red ribbon around.

I'd prefer the peat pot with some tiny Christmas balls but I had everything I used on hand so I'm pretty happy with that.

Jeanine

Home Goods to the Rescue!

2011-11-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

***You still have time to enter my giveaway here!***

After searching just about every Dollar Tree in a 10 mile radius for bottle brush trees, I was just about to give up. Luckily, I popped into Home Goods this morning and lookie what they had:

I'm so happy that I found these two pretties! And I love the fact that I really don't have to do anything to them. Right now they are on a shelf in my livingroom - right next to a Dollar Store birdie I picked up last year.

I also couldn't resist these little books this morning. They were only $4.99 each. I have them stacked on the diningroom table for now.

These are some other Xmas goodies I picked up from Home Goods last year.

And here's a view of my Xmas kitchen window shelf which is kind of like a make-shift mantel since I don't have one:

A lot more Home Goods goodies from last year here too!

The Crown is a recent Home Goods find. Not sure if you can tell but it's filled with some small Xmas bulbs.

Am I the only one humming: "Oh it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." these days?! =)

Jeanine

Let the Decorating Begin!

2011-11-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday. We enjoyed a nice, quiet, peaceful day at my Mom's. I needed the relaxation because today I officially started to decorate for Xmas.

These are just little packages to put under our tree (which hasn't gone up yet) while we countdown to the 25th. With two little boys who still believe in Santa, I can't have the actual gifts under the tree so I decided to do some faux ones so it doesn't look bare under there. You can probably also see the shabby bucket I did a week or so ago. It's pleasantly filled with some red plastic ornaments from Ikea.

This is just a little envelope I made from some vintage sheet music. Got the inspiration from Pinterest. I sewed up the sides to keep it closed, and then added the button, baker's twine and jingle bell. The little tag says: "To Wish You Joy at Christmas."

Next I did a large Dollar Store matchbox - also with some vintage sheet music. I tied this one up with twine for a more rustic look. The "Compliments of the Season" tag I made using an image from The Graphics Fairy.

Lastly is this little shipping box that I wrapped in simple brown craft paper. The Santa image is also from The Graphics Fairy. I used some Ikea candy cane-striped twine for this one and added some faux greenery from the Dollar Store.

I have a bunch more to make and what's so nice is you can use any type of simple box. Maybe even one that you might have otherwise thrown out!

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday and Funky Junk Interiors:SNS.

Jeanine

White Wednesday

2011-11-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes you just want to keep it simple:

Vintage scale, petite cloche with bird, white Xmas tree and a simple white candle which reads:

I am at Peace.

Linking to Faded Charm: White Wednesday. There is still time to enter my giveaway here!

Jeanine

Advent Bags

2011-11-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I saw this idea in Martha Stewart Living. I had the bags. I had the number stamps so it was really a no brainer and the kids think it's the coolest:

This is just a temporary hanging place. I'm still not sure where to hang them from nosey little hands. I got the striped bags off of Etsy over the summer and wouldn't you know it - there was exactly 25 of them.

So I stamped each one and then divided them into fours so I didn't have some ginormous (is that even a word - lol?!) banner to hang up. I don't know if you can tell but I hung them with some of my Joyeux Noel clothes pins.

The boys are very excited to fill them and then of course eat whatever goodies we add. I think it makes for a sweet countdown to Xmas this year!

Jeanine

Mini Bottle Brush Trees

2011-11-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know if these exactly qualify as bottle brush trees. I haven't been able to find them in my local dollar store or even at my local Target. These two minis are from Michael's and they go with one of their little Xmas villages:

I did not do much to the trees but I did paint both little wood spools white. Then I glued each tree on top. For my finishing touch, I stamped Joyeux Noel and Peace onto some tea-stained seam binding.

Then I kind of just draped them around each tree - tying the seam binding in the back. Two petite lovelies but not feeling the true bottle brush vibe so if anyone has any advice on where to find some bigger ones, I'm all ears!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday. And don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

Jeanine

Basket O' Book Stacks

2011-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

***Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!***

This basket sits in my livingroom and normally holds all of my favorite magazines: Country Living, Romantic Homes, Martha Stewart Living, etc. I wanted to make it a little more exciting so I turned it into a basket o' book stacks:

I picked up some old books this morning from the church thrift store and started tearing them apart once I got home. Once they looked good and old, I tied them together with some twine and added them to the basket.

The book stack in the front with the flower is one I bought off of Etsy a couple of years ago. I love the colors in the book stack to the left so I kept them as is. The one to the right I made last year and features some crowns from The Graphics Fairy.

Yup, I think this looks much better and my magazines are safely tucked in under the stacks!

Jeanine

It's Giveaway Time!

2011-11-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

I promised a giveaway and here it is! I've spent the past couple of weeks picking up craft items for me and YOU! Here's a bird's eye view of what I'm calling Crafter's Delight:

The winner will receive a paper mache dress form, paper mache cone (or tree depending upon which way you look at it!), black tulle netting, ribbon galore, pre-strung mini wood plaque (great for using with chalkboard paint!), a fat quarter of shabby chic fabric, mini clothes pins AND...

Pink beads, silver beads, Distressed Ink, hand-dyed ribbon (from my favorite Etsy shop!), Tiffany & Company ribbon (also from a favorite Etsy shop), plain tags for your embellishments tied with baker's twine, jingle bells AND...

A black fabric pen, fabric brushes, popsicle sticks, a wood plaque, wooden spools, alphabet stamps and more!

How does that sound to you?

Here are the rules:

1. Become a follower of OkioBDesigns.Blogspot.com. Leave a comment letting me know you are a new follower (and let me know if you are already a follower.) Pretty simple, right?!

You can earn additional entries by:

1. Posting about this giveaway on your blog or put it on your sidebar and let me know in a separate comment; and/or

2. Tweet about this giveaway, let me know in a separate comment with your @ name; and/or

3. Become a follower of Okio B Designs on Facebook.

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only (sorry!).

Winner will be chosen via random.org at 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Winner will be announced shortly after that time and will have three days to confirm or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Jeanine

Touches of Glitter

2011-11-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not the biggest fan of working with glitter. Mainly because I always seem to make a mess with it. But I do love the look in the end. This week I broke out my German glass glitter and some Martha Stewart glitter for some quick Xmas touches. First up is this old pocketwatch:

I've seen this look on Etsy and wanted to take a crack at it so when my husband dug up this old watch, I immediately staked my claim!

I covered the top part and part of the front with Mod Podge, and then I dipped the watch into my German glitter glass. I love the icy/snow affect the glitter glass adds to it! It's hanging from a piece of that plaid fabric that is quickly becoming my go to for holiday projects.

These little birdies are from Ikea. They come in a package of 4 in plain white for something like $4.99. When I saw them, I knew I wanted to give them a quick sheet music makeover. I also added the French stamps and gave them a generous coating of the Martha Stewart glitter. I left the backs plain - just with the sheet music. I think they have a Pottery Barnish feel to them with the sheet music, don't you?

Jeanine

Dollar Store Matchbox Makeover

2011-11-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

First I wanted to send a big thank you out to Karen at The Graphics Fairy for featuring my sled on today's Brag Monday. It really made my day! And thank you to everyone who left such lovely comments about it!

And now onto today's project. I had a ton of leftover Dollar Store matchboxes from two years ago. Yup, you read that right. I bought them two years ago to do a copycat Country Living advent calendar and a bunch of them were still hanging around:

Today I wrapped each one in vintage sheet music and tied some with twine, and red, green and silver ribbon. Some I just left plain, while others I stamped joyeux noel on or added a simple rhinestone.

Then I added some shredded sheet music to my apothecary jar. Just enough to bulk up the bottom of the jar. Then I carefully added each matchbox so they settled nicely on top. I grabbed my favorite plaid fabric - yes the same one from the church thrift store fair! - and tied that to the front of the jar.

Oh yes, it's beginning to look a lot like Xmas here. I am waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate but it is getting harder and harder!

Linking to: Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday and My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia: Tuesdays Treasures.

Jeanine

Goodwill Makeovers

2011-11-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

I popped into my local Goodwill earlier this week and came back with a lot of goodies:

The bucket was only 99 cents.

The candle holder was $6.99 - pretty pricey for Goodwill but I couldn't resist considering it came from Target where it was probably originally double the price. I also got 5 little bottles that I plan to embellish. First makeover is the bucket:

Can you tell I ran out of white spray paint?! I had originally wanted to paint it white but I just ran out of it, so plan B of course was to paint it black. Then I stenciled the 8 onto to some scrap fabric with a fabric marker. Once that was dry, I sewed it onto a piece of burlap. Hot glue to the front and done! Right now it's holding some of my French script clothes pins.

Next up is the candle holder which I really didn't do too much to except that I added some of my hand-stamped joyeux noel candles.

I think it's going to look stunning on my Xmas table!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Burlap Stocking

2011-11-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Got to play Martha Stewart yesterday. Well, not really but I did use the fabulous stocking template mentioned in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. You have to go to: marthastewart.com/stocking-template to download and print it, and then you get to make one of these:

I used the larger template for this stocking. I have been wanting to do a burlap stocking for the past two years. I don't know why I never did one before because I do love the rustic look of burlap and lord knows I have a ton of it left over from other projects. Seeing the stockings in MSL gave me just the nudge I needed.

I added the white wood B (for our last name) with a grungy red safety pin. You probably can't tell but I used a little brown paint to distress it a bit and then sanded it here and there. I'm planning on stuffing the bottom of the stocking with tissue paper and then adding little wrapped "presents" or other Xmas-appropriate goodies for a kind of "spilling" from the top look. This will probably go on our front door this year in lieu of a wreath.

I also printed off the smaller MSL template which I plan on using with some of the fabric I got at the church thrift store fall fair last weekend.

Jeanine

Thrifty Holiday Shaker Boxes

2011-11-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

I'm still happily transforming some of the goodies I got at my local church's thrift store sale a couple of weeks ago. The sled was my first transformation, and yesterday I put the finishing touches on these cute shaker boxes:

I spray painted both of them black. Once they were dry, I added some vintage sheet music to each top.

Then I tied them together with some of the plaid fabric I also got at the fair. Like the sled, I used the faux Dollar Store berries and pine cone as toppers.

I think these will look lovely stacked up on our faux fireplace this year!

Jeanine

Tart Tin Ornaments

2011-11-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

I've had these little tart tins for a while now. You've probably seen them in blogland and in Somerset Living magazine - they even sell them on their website but I got mine off of Etsy. I knew I wanted to make them into ornaments so I got the hubby to drill a little hole in each one yesterday so I could make these Santa ornaments:

Both images are from the Graphics Fairy. First I tried to stick them on with Mod Podge. That was a bit of an epic fail as they peeled off. Plan B: Glue Dots. I put like four or five of them on the backs of the cardstock and voila! - they stayed put.

Next I drizzled some glue on the edges and pressed them into some German glass glitter. I also added some glitter to each image to make them sparkle. The final touch was the red and green ribbon.

Now I have two new Xmas ornaments to add to our rustic-inspired tree this year!

Jeanine

Possibly The Prettiest Xmas Wrapping Paper Ever

2011-11-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

I was at my local Marshall's last week and could not believe the gorgeous wrapping paper they have this year! Lookie what I picked up. It's so pretty that I actually framed it:

I really am a sucker for sheet music and I can see lots and lots of faux presents under the tree wrapped in this paper.

I have some other plans for it on some petite boxes and such.

And of course I can't wait to wrap some real presents with it!

Jeanine

Thrift Store Wood Sled Makeover

2011-11-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

It was a bit mild here today so I was able to get outside and do some spray painting. First up was the little wood sled I got last weekend at a church thrift store fall festival. I gave it a few coats of black paint:

Then I sanded some random edges to give it a more shabby look. I traced some sheet music around the "seat" part and cut it out. Break out the Mod Podge and add a coat to stick it to the wood and then another coat to seal it in.

While the Mod Podge was drying, I printed off the great vintage Santa image from the Graphics Fairy. I glued that to the middle of the sheet music.

Then I tied on some twine and tea-stained red seam binding. The faux pine cone and berries, I picked up from the dollar store. Just slip that under the twine and seam binding. Final touch was the joyeux noel tag clipped on with a French script clothes pin.

I may or may not add some glitter for a more sparkly look but I'm really pleased overall with the final look! P.S. Now that my new blog has reached 200 followers, I'll be putting together that giveaway I mentioned a week or so ago!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday.

Jeanine

Friday's Thrifty Finds

2011-11-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Popped over to the local church thrift store this morning and picked up some goodies that I think will work for the holidays:

The cake stand is missing the bottom piece but for 50 cents, I can deal with it. I love the little rag heart primitives wreath. The colors are very Xmas-y to me. The little urn I think would look lovely with some candies. Here's a close-up of the lion handles:

And I just couldn't resist these tea cups. They scream shabby chic to me!

All this for $5. Can't beat that! And there's another church fair tomorrow so I'm sure I'll find some great stuff there too!

Jeanine

Creating Vintage Charm

2011-11-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

The folks at Creating Vintage Charm were so sweet to include one of my Halloween bottles in their Fall 2011 issue!

Cover.

Photo of bottle.

And a lovely credit for my Etsy shop!

Love this mag!

Jeanine

Sheet Music Cones

2011-11-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have an abundance of vintage sheet music? Why you make sheet music holiday cones of course!:

Very easy to make and I think the sheet music is just so perfect for the holidays. I did three different versions: one with a heart and some twine; one with tea-stained seam binding and the last with some bells and twine.

Each one has the red faux pearl embellishment on top and twine "hangers." I'm hoping to make a bunch more because I think they'll look sweet on our Xmas tree this year. Or I might get some dollar store faux berries to add to them.

And of course the best part once again is having everything I needed on hand!

Jeanine

Bee Box

2011-10-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! It's been a crazy day and now that the madness has died down, I have a quickie project to show. Remember that little candy tin I got at the church thrift store sale? Here it is now:

I bought this image off of Etsy a week or so ago, and althought I can't stand bugs, I do love to decorate with bees. I printed it off onto some sheet music and glued it to the front of my tin. Then I glued some scrapbook paper to the bottom and the sides. Lastly, I hot glued some black tea-stained seam binding for the sides and back of the lid.

Not sure if you can tell but I also lined it with some French poetry book paper, which I distressed a bit. I just couldn't resist adding a French-y touch!

It perfectly holds my Martha Stewart Living baker's twine!

Hope everyone had a lovely and safe Halloween! And happy birthday to my sister Kathy!

Jeanine

Pinterest Inspiration

2011-10-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only one obsessed with Pinterest in the blogosphere. I could spend hours - yes, hours - clicking on different images and loving every minute of it! Yesterday, I saw this really simple idea for a small framed mirror that I got at a garage sale last year. I knew I bought it for a reason but nothing was coming to me - a year later:

How simple is that? I saw that someone (I need to start jotting down names to give credit where credit is due!) used a little gold frame too (and a silver one) and just added some vintage paper and a key. I've done some framed keys before but this one just called to me.

I used some French poetry book paper to line mine. I had to actually remove all the backing to get the little mirror out. That is what I glued my paper to. Then I had to glue felt back on to keep everything nice and secure. I went crazy looking through my craft room for a spare key. My little monkeys often times "borrow" things from the craft room and then I go crazy looking for something later. About an hour later I located one.

For such a simple idea, it really looks beautiful, doesn't it?!

Jeanine

Saturday's Thrifty Finds

2011-10-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's snowing here today. Can you believe it?! No real accumulation but enough to make it messy. It wasn't messy enough to keep me from my favorite church thrift store's annual fall fair. Popped over there this morning and it did not disappoint:

How cute is the snowman? I got it for $1. One booth allowed you to fill a bag for a buck. I could have gone to town but I tried to hold myself back so I wouldn't feel more guilty than I already did. I always give them a few bucks extra because it's for such a great cause.

I got two styrofoam Xmas trees, one styrofoam wreath that I am determined to do something grand with this year, two little wreaths, tons of holiday-ish fabric, a little box and some twine.

Then I spied the little wood sled for $1 and the scented wreath - also $1. The little candy tin was 50 cents. I'm picturing the sled painted either black or white and then covered in vintage sheet music with a fabulous Graphics Fairy image in the middle.

Still trying to decide what to do with the box and candy tin but I'm sure those two makeover will include sheet music.

Jeanine

Embellished Ikea Picture Frame

2011-10-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

I really love the embellished frames my sister Kathy from Creative Home Expressions makes. In fact, she has some for sale in her Etsy shop. Me, I'm trying to work my way through my craft room trying to use things I already have for some projects. Since I had this white Ikea frame, I decided to make an embellished frame too:

I printed out the French script onto cardstock. Then I printed the little crown onto the French script. Easy enough! I also had the little fleur de lis lying around so I painted that white and glued it to the top of the frame.

Don't you just love the look of a clean, white frame with a French touch? I know I do!

For now it's on my little antique school desk but once I take down the Halloween decorations next week, I'll find a more permanent home for it.

I have one more frame left and one more fleur de lis. I'm planning to do a holiday one next!

Jeanine

Holiday Tussy Mussy

2011-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when you have everything you need for a project and don't have to make a last minute run to Michael's or AC Moore for something you need?! I was ecstatic this morning when I realized I had everything I need to make this holiday tussy mussy:

First I printed off the French script onto plain white paper. I bought this great image off of Etsy for $1. That's right, $1! I wrapped it around my cone and glued it on. Then I used some Distressed Ink to age it a little.

Next, I ripped some regular craft paper and distressed its edges. Add a quick stamp of joyeux noel and some rhinestones, glue on the craft paper piece and that part's done. Final step was to hot glue my fur on top and vintage lace on the bottom.

Super easy and super French!

Jeanine

Holiday Soaps

2011-10-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Brrrr...it's a bit chilly here today, so I didn't feel guilty whipping up a few more Xmas goodies this morning. Last year someone gave me a bowl filled with these scented soaps. They are wrapped in plastic still making them perfect for this makeover:

I bought a disc with a ton of these vintage holiday card images off of Ebay a few years ago. This was before I discovered the joys of Etsy. Still, they come in handy and I used them today for my holiday soaps.

Obviously, blue was the theme - although my bathroom is pink?! It didn't dawn on me until they were all done. Oh well, I still think they will look cute in there stacked on the wall-mounted soap dish we never use.

You could probably even use some holiday wrapping paper to make these. All I did was print off the images, cut them to fit my soaps and then adhered them on with Glue Dots. I like that I can use them again and again depending upon the holiday and images I have on hand.

Jeanine

Petite French Holiday Stocking

2011-10-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have a ton of Osnaburg fabric sitting around in my craft room. I haven't been sewing too much lately but once the weather gets colder, I feel myself drawn to a needle and thread - or the sewing machine. This morning, I whipped up a petite holiday stocking. Excuse the dark pictures. It's a bit gloomy and rainy here today:

I had purchased this graphic from Etsy a few months ago and hadn't really gotten around to using it. I thought it would fit perfectly for my stocking so I printed it out onto my fabric.

Then I cut the stocking shape out of it and another piece of fabric. Stitch it up and voila: instant holiday stocking. I think it has a bit of a Ballard Designs/Pottery Barn feel to it, don't you?

I'm hoping to make a few more because I think with the French script, it will make our Xmas tree look tres chic this year!

Jeanine

One Xmas Gift Down, Many More to Go!

2011-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

I hope my mom isn't reading today's post! I actually started planning some of the holiday gifts that I want to make this year. First up is one for my mom:

These ceramic Dollar Store mugs are just great. My mom is a big coffee drinker and she likes to alternate her pretty mugs each morning. I'm hoping she likes these!

I hand-stamped Mode de Paris in black ink on the bottom of each one. Once that dried, I gave both mugs a coat of poly spray to seal the ink. I was careful not to get any on the inside though - that would be kind of gross and maybe not safe?!

Simple and sweet I think.

And while I was at it, I made a Mode de Paris soap dish which you can find in my Etsy shop. I love the look of the white dish, black ink and Frenchy words for this one. Might try a blue or green one next!

Linking to Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday.

Jeanine

Vintage Holiday Book Stack

2011-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

What is it about plain ol' craft paper that gives everything the perfect rustic touch? Since I've got Xmas on the brain, I wanted to do a holiday book stack:

First I measured my craft paper to wrap around my books. Then I hand-stamped the Xmas sheet music to the bindings part. Can you see my little oopsie?

After wrapping each book, I printed out this great Xmas image from the Graphics Fairy for the front book. I'm not sure if you can tell but there is some German glass glitter on the front as well. Lastly, I wrapped them together with some twine.

I think these will look lovely in my bookcase for the holidays!

Linking to The Graphics Fairy: Brag Monday and Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday.

Jeanine

Pumpkin Picking

2011-10-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

We're having such a beautiful - albeit windy - weekend here. We took the kids pumpkin picking yesterday:

My little pumpkins!

Stay tuned because it's been awhile since I did a giveaway and I'm starting to put a great one together!

Jeanine

Beware Kmart.com

2011-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Along with crafting ideas, I like to pass along bad experiences with retailers to spare others the grief of encountering what I have. I have written about Target and AC Moore in the past, and am always comforted - yet not surprised - when I hear about others experiencing problems that I have too. Today, it's Kmart.com.

I just want to warn anyone considering purchasing anything from Kmart.com to think twice should you have to return an item. I had purchased a cute flannel back in September. Cute, but didn't fit me. I returned it via first class mail the very next day.

Here's where the word of caution comes into play. I thought I'd save myself the $2 so instead of returning the item priority mail, I sent it back first class mail. Long story short, they cannot find the return and because there is no tracking number on first class mail, they refuse to refund me the $22 and change. So now they have my money, the item and I have a big fat goose egg.

So my advice to you is this: if you order from Kmart.com and have to return the item, be sure to send it using a method that provides a tracking number. Otherwise, you'll be as frustrated as I am and might be writing a post warning others like this one. Unfortunately, I've had to get my credit card company involved and after 10 or so emails back and forth with the inept Kmart customer service team, I'm officially fried.

Jeanine

Now It's Pottery Barn's Fault

2011-10-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here we are 2 weeks away from Halloween and I've got Xmas on the brain. First it was Home Goods' fault and now I blame it all on Pottery Barn. I just got their new holiday catalog and it's definitely put me in an Xmas mood.

I picked up a few of these battery-operated candles from AC Moore earlier this week with the intent of using them for Halloween. But after flipping through the PB catalog, I decided to make some for Xmas too.

I hand-stamped some Xmas holiday music onto plain ol' craft paper. Then I used some dots to adhere it to my candle. I tied some twine around the top with some jingle bells for a rustic look. Super easy and the candles were only $2.99 at AC Moore - although I'm sure the Christmas Tree Shoppes will have them cheaper as we get closer to the holidays.

I can't wait to put a few of these in our front windows in December!

Jeanine

Blame It on Home Goods

2011-10-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

We popped into our favorite Home Goods over the weekend looking for something we could use as an island in our new kitchen. Of course they had their Xmas goodies out already and I spied this neat picture frame with wooden letters spelling out peace. Since I couldn't bring myself to buy any Xmas items yet, I did the next best thing:

I made my own!

Unfortunately, I didn't have the letters to spell out peace, so this morning I headed over to AC Moore (they have redeemed themselves with me after correcting the coupon fiasco many people - including me! - encountered with them) and you know what? They were out of those letters too!

Plan B was to spell out the word joy, which is exactly what I did here. These letters were pre-painted black - saving me the time and effort of painting them - and were only 29 cents each. Yuppers, 29 cents each! The frame was $3.50 and I had a 40 percent off coupon for it. The red border was $1.50 I think and I had the sheet music.

I simply added my sheet music and put the glass behind the sheet music so the frame would still stay thick but the letters would stick out. I used glue dots to attach each letter.

Seriously super easy. The Home Goods one was $9.99. I got them beat at approximately $3.47 before tax!

Jeanine

Garage Sale Basket Halloween Makeover

2011-10-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

I picked up this little black basket at a garage sale yesterday morning. I gave it a quick Halloween makeover last night. Everything can easily be removed so I can use it for Thanksgiving, Xmas, etc. too:

I added a few crumpled pieces of orange tissue paper to the bottom - which came from a thrift store - and then added the sheet that is just slightly coming up from the top. My 4 year old wanted to add the skeletons which we got from Home Goods last year. Could have sworn I had 4 of them but we could only locate three - lol!

I tied on some orange tea-stained seam binding as a finishing touch. We hung it on the porch. I will be adding more photos of our porch Halloween decor this week.

Once again, a quick, easy and cheap project! My favorite kind!

Jeanine

Garage Sale Finds

2011-10-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Americana primitives seems to be the theme for this morning's garage sale finds:

The wooden pilgrim will look cute hanging on our front door next month. The little ladder was just too adorable to resist - although I have no idea where I'm putting it yet. The little globe is designated for the 6 year old's room - after his father tightens up some loose screws. And lastly, the little black basket is the perfect Halloween find! I think I have some orange tissue paper I can add to it with some random Halloween goodies.

Not bad for $4!

Jeanine

$2 Garage Sale Frame Makeover

2011-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

This $2 garage sale frame has been sitting in my home office since July. Yup, July. I kept knocking into it this past week so something just had to be done with it:

I have been wanting to use this Graphics Fairy image for a while now. I printed out the image onto transfer paper and ironed it onto a piece of scrap Osnaburg fabric. I gathered up some random French-y pieces to add as well. I hand-stamped the coffee tag with a vintage-inspired French postcard. Then I added some French book paper - after distressing the front and edges. The Parisien tag is also from The Graphics Fairy.

I was hoping to have a larger key but, alas, I did not so I had to use the little one. I like the shadowbox look and feel of it! AND that I had everything I needed!

Linking to Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday.

Jeanine

My First Prayer Candle

2011-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

I'm always inspired by Donna at MyShabbyChateau. We share the same love of glitter and I really love what she does with her prayer candles. I had picked up a bunch at our local dollar store last week. I put some aside for Halloween and Xmas projects but I wanted to try at least one real prayer candle:

I printed off the image from The Graphics Fairy and mod podged it to the front of the candle. Once that was dry, I added the vintage doily on top and tied it on with some tea-stained seam binding.

Then of course I added some fine German glass glitter to give it some sparkle.

I really love this image and it looks so pretty on the candle, I think. Unfortunately, I had to cut off the bottom part which said The Good Shepherd.

Jeanine