Okio B Designs

What do you do on a dreary New York day?

You give some old starfish candle holders a fresh coat (or two!) of paint. I picked these up from the Christmas Tree Shops a couple of years ago. I originally painted them black.

I was so over the black that I decided to give them a better pop of color. I wanted something that screamed, "Beach!"

And now they do!

I'm doing my beach-themed porch again this year, and these will fit in perfectly now.

Jeanine

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My youngest son's communion is this weekend so I haven't had much time to craft this week. I did find some time to paint these small Mason jars I picked up at Target last weekend.

I used white, grey and black chalk paint after seeing a similar color arrangement on Pinterest. I'm loving the neutral look.

I gave each a couple of coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and tied some raffia on. I also sanded in random spots to give them a more shabby look. I plan on using these as candle holders for the summer.

Quick and easy. Just what I needed this week!

Jeanine

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When I saw these wood tags in Target yesterday, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.

I love vintage enamel tags, but they can be a bit pricey on eBay and Etsy. So, I decided to make my own.

I gave each tag a few coats of white spray paint. Once they were dry, I broke out some rub-on transfers that I've had for a while.

I simply rubbed them on using what looks like an ice cream stick. I would have loved to add some French phrases and text, but I had to work with what I had. Grrrrr.

I bought two sets of these wood tags. And lucky me found a tutorial online on how to make your own rub-on transfers. Can't you just picture the next set featuring tons of wonderful images from the Graphics Fairy?! I plan on trying the tutorial out soon and will keep you posted!

Jeanine

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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