Merry Kissmas!

This is my super easy (i totally spaced the teacher gift this year) idea for my children's teacher's.

Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas this year! 



Burlap Bench

 When I spotted this coffee table on Craigslist I thought that I would just paint it and distress it.  But when I went to pick it up I didn't realize how small it was.  So the gears started turning and the thought that this would be the perfect size for an entry bench came to mind.

 Just a little bit of flat black paint and some distressing was the first step. I picked up some Poly Foam for the cushion and 1 1/2 yards of burlap. 

Using my staple gun I put it all together.  The burlap was a little tricky to work with but I like how it turned out.

 I grabbed some really cool ribbon from an antique store to add on top and placed a new knob on the drawer in front.

 Now the real test will be to see if it handles well with having actual people (kids) sit on it.



The Witch Is In!

I love this time of year, my birthday month is October and so since I was younger I would look forward to it (until I hit 30):)

Recently I found this and I had to have it.  My husband said he would cut it out for me if he could get a new jig-saw.  Of course I said yes because I have "other" projects that require a jig-saw...he just didn't know that at the time. hehehe 

I printed the template and taped it together on a sheet of plywood.

I then traced it with a black marker...

 
 

and my sweet husband cut it out for me (a serious labor of love).

 

 I bought two cans of outdoor spray paint and gave it a couple of coats.  I also sprayed the back to seal it and prevent moisture damage. 

Now to add her accessories!

I bought a 3/4 in x 5ft galvanized pipe and brackets.  We attached them using a small piece of scrap wood so the nails wouldn't show through.  We also placed a metal stake at the bottom for extra support.

For her broom I just bought a handle ment for a  rake and attached some twigs I had laying around the house.  I attached the twigs with electrical tape and sprayed everything black.  For extra support I added twine.

Her lantern was on clearance at Lowe's for $1.00. I placed a flame less candle inside that I purchased for 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby.  

   

So this is what she looks like in the "spot light".  I love the shadow cast on our house.

Her official debut will be October 1st....get your tickets now!

http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

http://www.alittleknickknack.com/
http://thriftydecorchick.com/

$25.00 Hutch Make-over

This hutch was purchased at a garage sale back in June.  I was so excited because I have been wanting one for awhile and the price was great. It sat in my garage for 2 months and finally I was determined to finish it. 

After cleaning the mouse "gifts" left behind from the previous owners, I set off to painting it.
I used Valspar Baby Blue spray paint and six cans later it was covered.  I thought it was a little bit too "new" looking and so I added a glaze.  My kids asked me why I like everything to look dirty...I am pretty obsessed with my glaze I will admit that.

I replaced the glass with gardening wire I found at Lowe's and added some great knobs from Hobby Lobby.

Now I have to figure out if I want to keep it or sell it.  Any Takers...hahaha!

A Quick Chair Redo

We have had this table and chairs for about five years.  With three children, this color was not the best choice.  Not to mention it's a very boring color too.

 

I stepped outside of my comfort "beige" zone and bought some fabric to give some life to these chairs.

Seriously this was the easiest fix in the world.  I didn't remove the old fabric so covering it was fast. I unscrewed the seat and used my trusty heavy duty stapler to attach the fabric.  I also added some heavy plastic to protect them from my lovely children.

If you want to add some bold print to your home this is a smart and quick way to do it.

Our Teacher Gift

I can't believe the school year is over!  My kids had some pretty fantastic teachers.  I am kind of sad t

 o see this year pass.  I will have all three kids in school all day long next year.  Not to mention my son is going into middle school too. 

 I remember looking forward to having the house to myself during the day...now...I'm not so sure.  I miss them already!  Holy Moly, I think I need

  a moment!

Anyway back to my post.  I found a cute printable here and printed it as a mirror image. 

 I found the canisters at Wal-Mart and place the stickers on the inside of the jar.

 I then placed a few layers of brown coffee filters inside the jar to hold the cookies.

 
A little twine and there you have a great teacher's gift.  I even made a sticker with a little message on it to place on the inside of the lid.

I am very thankful for great teachers.  It takes pretty special people to teach our children. 

Now let summer begin!

A Recycled Glass Lamp

Back in February I found these tall glass candle holders that I just loved...well I put them on my mantle.  The story doesn't end there.  My mantle was not secured to the wall  and my 6-year-old hung on it...and yep you guessed, they fell to the ground and broke.

 I wasn't mad because it was an accident and it was my fault for putting them there.  After cleaning up the mess I put them into the trash.   I went to bed, and laid there thinking what beautiful lamps the glass would make.  I jumped out of bed and "dumpster dived" in my own trash can. 

About three weeks ago my husband picked me up a drill-bit so I could make a hole in the top and today I purchased a lamp kit from Lowe's.  This it what the first lamp looks like today. 

In a few weeks (or months) when I finish the next lamp, I will have to find some cute shades for them. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Cobble Stone Path

Well spring has arrived at our new home and that means time to pay attention to the yard.  I came across these concrete forms at Lowe's and thought they would look great in front of our gate.  When my husband took the project and ran with it...well...I couldn't stop him right?


Step #1: We decided where to place the concrete and then removed the grass.



Step #2:  We then placed the form to plan out the design and where the concrete should be placed.

Step #3: Mix a bag of concrete with water.

Step #4: We added some dark color to match our existing rocks.  One bottle is enough for two bags of concrete.

Step #5:  Place the concrete inside the frame and make sure there aren't any air pockets. 

Step #6:  Smooth it and put extra concrete back into the bucket.

Step #7:  After lifting the frame, round the stones so it resembles a natural looking rock.

And there you have it...beautiful cobble stone!  (i did help a little bit)