Switching It Up

Until yesterday, this antique rocking chair has been in the corner of my little girl's room. 

However, I originally planned to put a regular chair in her room, so before she was born I transformed a chair that my mom had given me.

We finally moved that chair into her room. Here it is: 

It used to look like this:

All it took was a little white paint and sewing a new seat cover using the old one as a template.  Pretty new chair!

She likes it, and more importantly, so does her dog!  It gives her more room for stuffed animals.  Plus, it's also a low chair, so it's perfect for her to climb into by herself. 

I think it's the first step in changing over the nursery into a big girl room. 

Easier Than I Thought! 

Linked to:  Thrifty Decor Chic Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Homestories AtoZ Wed: Restore Interiors,  Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Between U & Me, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday: Miss Mustard Seed,  Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Stainless Tile Backsplash

Let me start off by saying this is NOT a sponsored post.

About two years ago my husband and I saw Aspect peel and stick stainless tile at a local home improvement store and were inspired to use them to create a backsplash behind our slide-in range.  Since we have so much counter space, tiling the entire backsplash would be a little overkill in our kitchen.  I know.  What a terrible problem to have (insert eye roll).

We purchased the tile we needed to complete the project and planned to do it during the coming winter.  That was the same winter my daughter was born.  I have no idea what we were thinking.  Needless to say, the tiles sat and sat and sat.  Finally, I couldn't take it any more and decided to just start on it.  I knew I would then be forced to get it done.  And done it is!  Take a look!

I was a really bad blogger and forgot to take a before picture, but if you take a look at the first picture below, you'll get the idea.

It wasn't really that hard to do! The best part was that it involved no mortar, no grouting, and no special tools.

Want to know how we did it? Follow the process:

 Materials:

• Aspect stainless peel and stick tiles
• oil based primer
• fine grit sandpaper
• all purpose construction adhesive
• circular saw
• level
• tape measure
• safety glasses

Step One:
Clean and prime the wall using an oil based primer.

Step Two:
Decide on your desired pattern, measure the application space, and lay the tiles out on the counter or the floor.  This will give you a good idea how it will look and helps you anticipate any strange angles or cuts you will have to make. The Aspect website has a lot of different pattern ideas and application recommendations for different patterns (including the one I chose).

Step Three:
Begin installing tiles.  Start by using your level to make a pencil line on the wall. This line is used to keep the pattern level.  The top of the first row of tiles should touch this line.

Make any cuts necessary with the circular saw.  After cutting, I sanded the edge with fine grit sandpaper so the edges weren't sharp.

At first, I didn't use the construction adhesive and started with the border.  I used the peel and stick method. The next morning when I woke up, the entire row of top tiles had come off the wall.  Putting a couple small dots of construction adhesive on each of the corners and middle of each piece was plenty to keep the tiles adhered to the wall.

I began with the outside border and worked my way in.  Once I had the border, I started at the bottom row and worked my way up.  I applied the full pieces first and left the cuts for the end. We had to use a special bit to create the hole for the pot filler. 

Before putting the pot filler back up

Step Four:
Remove the clear plastic covers from the tiles. Buff the tiles with a soft cloth and admire your work.

I can't believe how much this has changed our kitchen.  It has brightened it up and given it some new character.  I love it!

Again, the opinions about Aspect tiles are my own.  I have not been compensated in any way for this post.  I just thought some people might be interested in a new product that has a different application process.

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Homestories AtoZ Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Between U & Me, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Bloggy Blessings

What a great weekend! My little blog experienced a lot of traffic this weekend due to a couple of fantastic features.  My jack-o-lantern shades were featured on Knock Off Decor and Tatertots and Jello.  Also, my reusable message banner was chosen as a top ten on the CSI Project.  I feel blessed and privileged to know that other people have found inspiration in my work. 

I want to take a minute and thank you, my readers, for your kind words and encouragement and your readership.  I have been involved in so many projects lately that I haven't even had time to blog about them.  I have vowed to dedicate some time to catch you up on some of my latest projects. Lots of good things to come.  Have a happy and productive Monday!

Ahna

Jack-o-lantern Chandelier Shade Covers

When I got my Ballard Designs catalog in the mail last week, the jack-o-lantern chandelier shades caught my eye. My little girl is mesmerized by the lighted jack-o-lanterns that are appearing in all the stores (and around our house). I knew she would really enjoy the pumpkin shades on the chandelier above our kitchen table, but I wasn't willing to spend $18 a piece on them for my six light chandelier. Upon further inspection, I decided that making covers for my existing chandelier shades would be pretty darn easy. And it was.

Ballard's Version

My Version

Personally, I like my friendly little shades much better. The little one absolutely LOVES seeing their friendly smiles looking down on her as we eat.

The covers only cost me $2.10 for all six.  That's a savings of $105.90!

Do you have chandelier shades? Want to make them fun and festive?

Here you go:

Materials:

• craft paper
• scissors
• exacto knife
• orange scrapbook paper (the large, square cardstock kind)
• double sided scotch tape

1. Make a template of your shade by tracing the outline on craft paper.  Roll it along the craft paper and trace the outer edges. Begin and end with the seam, making sure to leave a little overlap on the end.

2. Cut out your paper template and try it on the shade.  Make any adjustments necessary.

3. Draw a jack-o-lantern face or any shape you desire on the template and cut out using exacto knife.

4. Trace your template and cut out design on the orange paper and cut out the shape.

5. Wrap the paper around the shade and secure on the back side using double sided tape.  Use the side opposite of the one you cut.  Then, you don't have to worry about stray tracing lines.

I decided to make the same pumpkin face on all six of my shades, but you could do cutouts of bats, witches, or different jack-o-lantern faces for every shade cover.  Get the kids involved and let them make their own designs.  Obviously, you will have to use the exacto knife to cut the designs out for them. There are tons of possibilities!

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to: Thrifty Decor Chic  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Homestories AtoZ Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Between U & Me, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,
 

Reusable Chalkboard Message Banner

My little brother is leaving. I can't believe it. He is moving to Atlanta! To give him a proper send off, my sister hosted a goodbye party for him this past weekend. I wanted to create a banner for him and thought I would use some craft paper, but it didn't seem quite good enough. That's when I thought that it would be awesome if I made a reusable banner.

Here it is:

The circles are coated with chalkboard paint, so I can erase the message and use it for any occasion!

This project was so easy, and I'm anxious to show you how you can create your own.

Materials:

• Krylon Chalkboard Paint
• Unfinished wood circles (3")
• Miniature clothespins
• Ribbon or twill tape

Give the circles a couple of coats of the chalkboard paint

Write your message on the circles with chalk

Hang them on string or ribbon and arrange your message using the clothespins to hold it to the ribbon.

That's it!

I thought this would be a great way to add some character to store bought banners too like the pumpkin one I picked up at Target.

You can change the color of the ribbon to jazz it up or leave it simplistic like mine.

My little one loves her Uncle J.  I know he's going to do great in his new job and we wish him luck. Like the sign says, we will miss you!

Easier Than I Thought!


Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Homestories AtoZ Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Between U & Me, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,
 

Doll Pillow

Since I had some extra fabric left over from the pillowcase I used for the baby doll quilt, I went ahead and made a pillow insert and pillowcase to make a matching set.

It was super simple and only took about ten minutes.

First, I cut a piece off of the bottom half of the leftover strip.

Next, I serged around the three open sides.  Pillowcase is finished.

To make the pillow insert, I cut two pieces of fabric the same size as the pillowcase.  I chose to save time and serge around the edges and leave them exposed.  However, if you don't have a serger, you can put right sides together and sew around the three sides and turn it.

Then, I stuffed it with polyfill and serged the last side closed.   Again, sewing machine users can sew seam closed.

The pillowcase and quilt now make a matching set!

Now all we need is the bed.  That's coming! 

Doll Quilt from a Pillowcase

As I mentioned before, my little one is loving on her dolls lately. I have a few doll related projects in the works for her babies for her birthday and Christmas (poor girl has both in the same month).  The first thing I wanted to make was a quilt for her babies.  She has been toting around her huge baby blankets and tries wrapping her babies in them.  The blankets are dragging the floor and taking up space in the toy storage bins.

I decided to make a doll size quilt using a vintage pillow case I scored from my grandparents last year.  My grandpa owns rental property and is always finding "ineresting" things people leave behind.  Last year, I happened to be at their house when he brought home three vintage pillowcases.  This might not excite some, but I thought I was one lucky girl.  I've been waiting for a project to use this particular pillowcase (my favorite) and thought this would be a great one. I followed Dana's tutorial from MADE for the most part, but I made a few adjustments.

First, I cut the pillowcase so that it was square.  All this meant was I cut the open end off to make all the sides even.  I maintained the seam on the other three sides. I also saved the extra material I cut off for a future project.

Then, I cut a piece of batting 1/4" shorter than the pillowcase on all sides.

Placing the batting inside the pillowcase, I smoothed it all out and pinned the opening shut.  I also pinned in various places around the pillowcase through all three layers of fabric to keep the batting in place.

Next, I sewed two lines around the edge of the pillowcase.  The first one was as close to the edge as I could get.  This closed up the opening on the one side and strengthened the edge around all four sides.  The second line was about one inch in from that.

Using my scalloped ruler and my marking pen, I created a leaf looking design.  This was the first time I have tried quilting anything that didn't use straight lines.  It was fun. I just followed the lines with my sewing machine.  I used a coral and gold colored thread and had fun experimenting with an easy way of quilting.

The quilt for the baby bed is finished (oops, that may be a hint).  One present down, more doll presents to come.  Stop by tomorrow for a look at how I used that extra fabric.

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Between U & Me, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,

Lamp Makeover

 Remember the lamp from my mom's basement?

This lamp base is the project I told you about a few weeks ago that had been giving me so many fits.  I like how it turned out, but went through about three different processes before I was happy with it. Read on to see the finished product.

It started with wanting to paint the base. I know some people are afraid to spray paint ceramics, but not me! I spray paint everything (purses, picture frames, closet tags).  However, I had never painted anything ceramic before beginning this project.

First, I cleaned and primed the entire lamp using Rustoleum spray primer.

Then, I spray painted one coat of paint using a can I already had that the label had worn off of. It was an off-white Krylon spray paint. Several hours later I went back outside to see the most horrific looking cracks!

I had never experienced cracking before. After letting it dry completely overnight, I sanded the crackled portions  away using medium grade sandpaper and started over with the primer.  I only sprayed the parts that I had sanded.  Then, another coat of paint on top.  More cracks showed up on a different part of the lamp. AHHHHH!!!

Then, I decided I was just going to go with the crackle look since obviously the lamp weas telling me it wanted to be crackled, so I sprayed the entire lamp brown.   I used Elmer's glue to make the crackle look. I applied it with an artist's brush, waited until it was tacky, and painted over top of it with a satin latex paint in off white.  It did crackle, but I still wasn't happy with the look.

It turned out like this: AWFUL!

Finally, I decided I would leave just a little crackle here and there, so I applied one last coat of paint followed by a glossy spray finish.

TA-DA! FINALLY!
It has kind of an old world look and really compliments the shade. I couldn't get a good close up picture of the finish, but a little brown shows through and there are some cracks here and there.  It makes it look like an old piece of pottery.

After researching my spray paint issues, I found no real reason why it cracked in the first place.  It wasn't in the sun, I was painting in mild weather, and I had primed.  My husband suggested I didn't clean it well enough and maybe it had some kind of oil residue on it that was repelling the paint.  I don't know.

Sometimes things aren't as easy as you thought they'd be.  This project definitely was one of those.  However, after many coats of paint, I am happy with the lamp and the way it looks with the sheet music shade.  It's going to be another great addition to the music studio sitting room.

If you haven't seen the other music studio projects, you might want to take a look at the painted upholstered chairs and the sheet music shade. 

Making Baby Clothes into Doll Clothes

My almost two year old has become totally enthralled with her baby dolls.  All of a sudden, she is toting them around the house, trying to feed them her food, and sleeping with them in bed.  She is even trying to put her own clothes on them.  Needless to say, 4T pants don't fit her small Fisher Price doll (her favorite).  Her baby needed some size appropriate clothing.

Since Hurricane Isaac dumped a ton of rain on us this past weekend, I had some time to think about making doll clothes while it rained outside.  I went and found a pack of onesies someone had gifted to us. Unfortunately, they were never used because my little girl was already too big and had grown out of that size (0-3 month) by the time we got them.  I decided I had nothing to lose to try and downsize the little shirts to make doll clothes.  It was so easy!

First, I turned the onesie inside out and put it on the doll.

Then, I pinned around the doll.

Next, I carefully removed the onesie from the doll keeping the pins in place. 

After that, I used my serger to create new seams by following the pins.  If you don't have a serger, you can use a sewing machine.

 I finished the bottom edge with the serger after cutting the bottom of the onesie off.  Now her baby has a little sleep sack that fits!

It took me five minutes to make a baby doll nightgown, and she was thrilled with her baby's new clothes.  I'm pretty sure I'll be making a few more of these. 

Easier Than I Thought!
Cost: Free!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime,