Okio B Designs

This is actually the second time I've upcycled this picnic basket. When I first got it a few years ago at a garage sale, I painted it white.

But after years in the tea room, it got quite grungy. Over the weekend, I gave it a few coats of pink, spray chalk paint. Then I agonized over what else to add to it. Use the Mod Podge method? Break out some waterslide paper?

I went simple and just stenciled the word PARIS on the front. I used a black Sharpie and then lightly sanded over it when it was dry.

I added a Frenchy tag with tea-stained seam binding to one of the handles.

Sometimes it pays to keep it simple! It's back in the tea room now.

Jeanine

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Oh boy! As someone who has never, ever done a Black Friday in her life, Target's launch of their Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection came pretty close to Black Friday madness.

I was literally up every hour Sunday morning trying to buy online so I could avoid the above photo. Since the site kept crashing, I went to bed and got up 3 hours later. I drove over to my local Target and there was about 50 people already in line. Before 8 a.m.

They let us in eleven at a time, but by the time I got in, most of the clothing was gone. I did get the two bracelets I wanted and some makeup bags.

I then started furiously grabbing random pieces - not making note of the sizes. I went home with four pieces of clothing including this tunic. Three pieces I returned later in the day because they were huge on me. Luckily this one fit.

My husband told me I was crazy not to list the other three items on eBay but I believe in karma and I wasn't about to mark them up to some crazy amount. Hopefully, someone who really wanted the pieces to wear - and NOT resell - grabbed the three I returned.

Jeanine

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Finally! Need I say more? Spring has finally gotten its act together here and we were able to get some outside work done over the weekend. Tops on my list was getting my tea room cleaned up.

I moved some things around in between dusting and vacuuming. I used to have a stack of white suitcases under the mirror. Unfortunately, they got a bit moldy so I'm trying to figure out whether to clean and re-spray them or toss them and start over.

This bench took up a lot of space in there. Now, it's on my porch.

I also moved these around. Both had been tucked into corners but now they are more accessible.

This little table and chairs set is now where the suitcases used to be.

And I found a bunch of stuff that needs some sprucing up paint-wise - starting with these baskets. They have to be cleaned (lots of spider webs) and given a fresh coat or two of white paint.

This little step stool also needs fresh coats of paint. I'd like to get a French image on the top.

The sticker on this bottle peeled right off when I picked it up. It'll get a new one. The little cherub bowl also needs some paint.

I guess I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Jeanine

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*This post is in partnership with Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus.*

How can it be that someone who loves to do laundry, hates to iron? I don't even let my husband go near the washer and dryer. But ironing? That's an entirely different story. For years, I have cringed at the thought of ironing and have actively avoided doing it. Seriously. Well, let me tell you, my prayers have been answered!

The wonderful folks at Downy must have had me in mind when they came up with this a.ma.zing idea: Wrinkle Releaser Plus sprays.

This incredible box of goodness landed on my porch last week. I felt like the old couple in the Swiffer commercials. I actually looked around for a camera crew.

It even came with this cute t-shirt. It's like we were meant to be. So, the big question is: does it work? The spray is pretty easy to use. You simply spray your garment, stretch and spread it out and then hang to dry. Easy enough.

This is my test shirt. Not terribly wrinkled but enough for me to avoid wearing it. We can't have that, now can we? I sprayed a few areas - particularly the pocket which was folding oddly.

This is the after. Big difference, right?

And here is a close-up of that pesky pocket (it was still a little wet when I snapped my pic): no more odd folds. Yipeeee!

I'm sold. If you want to give it a try, Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus is available at Walgreens and Target, to name a few stores. They have a travel size for less than $2. A full spray bottle is around $6.99-$7.99 depending upon the store.

Jeanine

*I received a free sample box of Wrinkle Releaser Plus, however all opinions, words and images in this post are solely my own. All opinions in my posts are ALWAYS 100% my own. I will only review products, books, etc. that I have personally used/experienced.*

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Sharing some random pieces I worked on the last couple of days. It's been a rainy, spring break here. I'm itching to get some spray painting in, but we're stuck indoors - again.

This is another pair of vintage baby shoes that I embellished. It's hard to see, but I hot glued some vintage lace on the sides.

The pink twine is from Target's Dollar Spot. I used it for my "laces." The fleur de lis charms were a thrift store find. I thought they'd make for a sweet Frenchy touch to the laces. The old black & white children's photos are from The Graphics Fairy. I just tucked them in each shoe.

I love this image - also from The Graphics Fairy. I've used it for several projects. It was the perfect fit for this little apothecary/candy jar.

I also upcycled a tuna can. Hard to see, but it's wrapped in vintage sheet music. The front image is another fave from The Graphics Fairy.

I'm using all of these pieces for a pretty, little vignette in my dining room.

Jeanine

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Wishing all of my bloggy buddies a very happy Easter!

Jeanine

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I never realized how many pairs of vintage baby shoes I had in the house until I bought yet another pair on Friday. After perusing Pinterest for some upcycling ideas, I decided to keep it simple for this first pair.

I started by stuffing each shoe with Poly-Fil to plump them up. I wasn't sure if I wanted to make them into pin cushions or use them in my spring decor. I opted for the latter.

I added some tea-stained seam binding and faux pearls to each shoe. This one also got a petite French fabric tag.

On top of the Poly-Fil, I added some faux moss (from the Dollar store) and lil' photo holders to hold some vintage French flashcards.

I thought they'd look adorable in this little metal cage I upcycled a couple of years ago. I'm working on the next pair as we speak!

Jeanine

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Found a bunch of great loot this morning at our local thrift store. Total cost for everything: $4. Woo hoo!

I have so many of these shabby chic style dishes. I just can't resist
them. It's stamped Made in Austria on the bottom. Can you see the cabbage rose design???

How cute are these baby shoes???

I just had to grab this adorable bunny ornament.

I'm constantly looking for French book paper, which seems to be harder and harder to find. Score: this religious book is in both English and French!

Not a bad haul for $4.

Hoping everyone has a great weekend!

Jeanine

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I'm a little obsessed with making my own vintage-inspired flashcards. I whipped some up yesterday for Easter/spring.

I only made a few because, truth be told, I couldn't think of too many Easter/spring-y words.

Plus it's still cold here and the weather has been less than inspiring.

I'm open to any suggestions on additional words!

Jeanine

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So much to swoon over at Michael's these days. I popped in last week and was greeted with some much needed spring-inspiration.

Tons of these cuties for Easter.

And lots of Mason jar-inspired love.

I was most taken with the denim. It's everywhere! Loving that ampersand.

I spy: ribbon galore and yes, even denim wrapping paper.

So much to choose from. Where do you begin?????

I didn't buy anything this trip, but I'm definitely going back this week and will likely fill my basket with lots and lots of denim.

Jeanine

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...Until spring officially begins. Meanwhile, we have snow in our forecast for Friday. Still, it's encouraging to know that warmer days are on the horizon.

Jeanine

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Today's haul set me back a whole $5.50!

Not sure what is up with my camera with the glare, but I think you can make out these two ceramic bunnies. The perfect size to fit under a cloche!

I had a cake tray in my hand at Home Goods last week, but put it back down. This one was only $2. I couldn't pass up the mismatched salt & pepper shakers. They let me have them for 50 cents.

I always grab old dictionaries when I'm thrifting. They are great for ephemera and random projects. I'm very particular though with dictionaries. They can't have the thumb tabs. These didn't; so I grabbed both!

Super happy with my finds!

Jeanine

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I think I've mentioned before that I started my crafting endeavors 20 years ago when I made jewelry. So how excited was I when I was offered the chance to review DIY Statement Necklaces, a new book by Erin Pruckno of Thanks, I Made It fame?!

I'm a HUGE fan of statement necklaces - the chunkier, the better. How fun would it be to make your own? Well, this book shows you how.

How about this pretty? The book tells you everything you need to get the look and how to DIY.

The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow - even for someone like me who is admittedly a little rusty.

I'm still trying to decide which one is my fave. There are so many to choose from (35 in all).

If you're looking for a little jewelry-making inspiration, definitely check out DIY Statement Necklaces.

Jeanine

*I received a complimentary copy of this book but opinions are my own.