Simple and easy way to keep your silk plants fresh.

Pin It

We all have it. That dried wreath, the faux greenery, the silk flowers. Yup, I betcha each and every one of you have some in your homes. Cause after all it looks amazing. Like, how can they make that stuff so real looking?

But a year later that silk plant looks dingy and the dried wreath is dusty. And you try to dust them with a cloth. Or you sick the blow dryer on them. You could probably even take them outside and shake them out. So what to do my friends? How do you keep them looking fresh and keep those dust bunnies away?

Same thing you do to your kids. Throw them in the shower! The shower will wash away the dust and brighten them up and make them look brand new again. Or, you can spray them off in the kitchen sink but either way, after you spray, let them drip dry for awhile. Shake them out a little bit and put them back out again. And if the colors run a little bit, no worries, it won't even hurt them!

Ways to drive your husband nuts, part 1

Pin It

My husband is a good sport. Really, he is. Over our almost 24 years of marriage he has tackled some pretty unique projects. All because I have asked him. Now that's not bad, huh?

However I have noticed a trend that, as the years have gone by, he has been less and less enthusiastic about some of my projects. Yup probably most of them if the truth be told. So for many years, I would do my part of the project and when I got to the part I needed help with (usually installation of something) I would start it myself which would get the immediate -- and anticipated -- reaction of "here, let me do that." Score!

An old picture from from my father-in-laws house.
I can't resist a great picture frame!
Not sure how to use it yet but will figure it out!

Now don't judge him. He is very handy and almost always willing to install a new patio door or hardwood flooring. Those kinds of projects he is okay with and even wants to do. It's the "The Decorating Chica's" projects that he struggles with because these are, in the big scheme of things, pretty unnecessary. Well,to him anyway!  

With a little creativity and some paint!

So thus begins my newest project the 'picture framed turned ceiling light medallion' project. I mean, after all, you can't let a good picture frame go to waste now can you?

After a few minor mishaps, the successful installation of a picture frame hanging on the ceiling. Yup, maybe this time I have really lost it!

My picture frame turned ceiling medallion!

Partying this week at:
How I found my style Sundays  
10 Beautiful DIY Lamps and Linky Party
nifty thrifty things

DIY showoff

Overflowing with Creativity @ It's Overflowing
Sundae Scoop Weekend Wrap Up Party @ I love Nap Time 

So Darn Crafty Party @ Sew Many Ways

Breakin' the Rules: My Chalk Paint Adventures

Pin It

Yup I finally did it. I bit the bullet and dove into the world of chalk paint. Now it's not that I haven't been reading about it for awhile but honestly, I didn't see much advantage over traditional furniture painting. Except for one thing. No prep. 

This is how the dresser looked when I got it.
Cost? Nothing. Well, it didn't cost money anyway!

Don't get me wrong I love to repurpose and repaint furniture but the prep work? Not so much. So, when I read about how easy chalk paint is and that there is little to no prep work. Well, that was it for me. I decided I had to try it.

Can't beat the price of this recipe!

You know what they say about the best laid plans? There was not a place to be found in the surrounding 2-3 cities that sold chalk paint. However one day I saw an ad on Craigs List for chalk paint and it was a couple of miles awhile. Can't beat that! I was so excited so off I went to check out this store. Made a total of five trips to this store and they NEVER had much selection of chalk paint on hand. Oh, yeah they could mix me up some if I wanted to come back another day. Or, they would get a new shipment in yet today, they were sure.

Cabinet post chalk paint and stencil.

So I went back to the internet and decided to mix my own. I chose the one of the Plaster of Paris recipes that I found. Loved applying it but after it is all said and done...can't say that I am sold. I think the work is about the same and it is definitely not as resistant as I would prefer. But for now, I love how it turned out which is a big change from the before.

For this week I'm linking up to:
A Stroll Thru Life/Inspire Me Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia/Tuesday's Treasures
Savvy Southern Style/WUW

Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking

Breakin' the Rules Painting: Choosing Paint Colors

Pin It

Let's face it, choosing paint colors can be super intimidating when it comes to redecorating a room. There are lots of instructions out there and rules to follow. Heck now the paint companies even put together coordinating color groups for you. Takes all the fun out of it!

This is my looong, dark upstairs hallway.
Notice the dark door trim and baseboards.
Definitely time for the dungeon to go away!

Well you know I am not a rebel but heck I never was one to like a lot of rules either. My motto? If I like how it looks and the 'feel' is right, then go with it. That goes for paint colors too. 

My original plan for my upstairs hallway was for the
grey to be on the walls and the lighter color
to be on the ceiling. Just did not feel right to me. Why?
Because the grey was looking very blue when it was on the walls.

The rules that I break? 
1. I don't buy a sample to try on the wall. Shoot I don't even think that really works. You can't get a real idea of how the color is going to look by painting a little of it on a board or on the wall and looking at it for several days.
2. Don't be afraid to change the color yourself. If you get a color that is not quite right whether because of your choice or because the paint store goofed, fix it yourself by adding more white or black or whatever.

So I switched it up and put the grey on the ceiling.
Can you believe that grey on the ceiling is the same color
as in the other picture?

3. Don't be afraid of dark colors. I don't believe that they make a room look smaller but it does however, change the feel of a room and make it cozier and more intimate.
4. If you have to, change your game plan. Oftentimes I have redecorated in my mind and know exactly what I plan to do in a room. But when the rubber meets the road, things oftentimes don't work out how I've planned. It pays to be flexible even with painting.

Nook area at top of stairs.
Moved sofa table from another room
and am still working on the photo collages.

In the end, trust your instincts and know that your room will look worse before it looks better. Crazy I know! Remember too that oftentimes it is more than the paint but it is the accessories that really tie everything together and make it cohesive.

Linking up this week to:
A Stroll Thru Life/Inspire Me Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia/Tuesday's Treasures
Savvy Southern Style/WUW

How do you decide?

Pin It

Yeah, you know, how do you decide what your next project is going to be? If you are anything like me, you have a list a mile long of projects on your 'to do' list. 

This picture is a perfect example of a 
misdirected project. Purchased at a consignment 
shop for the frame to use in another picture 
(see below). Somehow it ended up on my wall!

Actually I have many lists, some are in my head, some are on scraps of paper, and some are actually quite organized where I go room by room and list out the fixes or updates or just 'wishes' that I would like to do to that room. But sometimes my list gets too overwhelming and I have to put them away and sometimes my list keeps changing because of the awesome inspiration and ideas that I get online. It's exhausting I tell ya!

This print, designed in Photoshop by my
youngest son, is what I was originally shopping
 for. Trying to find the right frame for the print.

But the biggest factor in deciding my next project depends on a bunch of things really. Sometimes it is flat out influenced by lack of funds. Sometimes the funds aren't the problem but finding just the right items that I need to finish a project just aren't available. Many times I am limited by my lack of skill and waiting on my husband to have the time to complete some of the preliminary work. Sometimes my next project comes out of nowhere when I am cruising through a consignment shop, or at HomeGoods, or I am driving down the road and find a sweet curbside find. Often though, it is my time. I find that my time is the most valuable resource and the hardest to find. 

You see in this example of shopping gone awry, I had been wanting to find a big picture for the above wall to hide something ugly that can't be fixed. Well, yes, it could be fixed by tearing down my ceiling, hiring an electrician to hard wire a ceiling fan that currently finds it's source of power from an ugly chain running down the wall. 

So how do you decide what to do next?

Linking up this week to:

The Sunday Showcase Party
NIfty Thrifty Things 
Sundae Scoop Party 
IT's Party Time

Everything changes and nothing stays the same

Pin It

One thing is sure in this life...everything changes and nothing stays the same. That sure is true around our house. We have been up to our eyeballs in my father in laws estate clean out. The trickle down effect is that my house is looking pretty messy to say the least! Having a lot of trouble getting my projects completed, keeping things cleaned, laundry done, work. You know the drill.

These prints moved from the living room to
 their new home in the kitchen.

But there is definitely something about Spring that makes me want to switch things up, move things around, and change things out. Exactly what I've been doing my friends! Here is a glimpse into some of the quick little changes I've done recently.

Changed out the darker plates for some lighter, brighter plates.
Definitely lightens things up!

It is truly amazing how new everything feels just by switching things around and moving stuff from room to room. It's like getting a brand new house!

Cute little table found at HomeGoods for $39.99!

Reworked the top of this cabinet by pulling things out of storage bins.

In the dark.

Pulled these prints from a back hallway and the plaque from over the back door.

How often do you changes things at your house?

Linking up this week to:

Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

my uncommon slice of suburbia: tuesday's treasures

not just a housewife

Be Inspired at Elizabeth and Co

savvy southern style: wow us wednesday! 

diy by design

Ye Olde Ugly Doors

Pin It

We have lived in a traditional style house, built in the mid-1970s, with a mediteranian style flair to it. Can we say U.G.L.Y.?

Lots of dark wood...talking all the baseboards, kitchen cupboards, interiors doors, paneling/wainscoting, and so much more. I have diligently worked for 8 years to rid the house of this dark wood and ugly, dingy brass fixtures. 

Thus the story of "Ye Olde Ugly Door" There are 14...yes, fourteen...interior doors that were original to this house that looked like this:

This is with the casing
painted white. Previously they were all
dark like the door. Ouch!

We have updated these doors in a variety of ways by painting and updating hardware to existing door, replacing the door with brand new, or simply removing the door (which is a temporary option at this point). As I've started updating the second floor hallway (that is a future post) my original intent/desire was to replace the doors. That amounts to 5 different doors which equals approximately $750-800 dollars. While replacing the doors may seem the best solution, beyond the cost, it has been somewhat problematic. We have replaced doors in a couple of different ways: by replacing only the door and fitting it into the original door frame and casing and we have replaced a door with the frame as a whole unit. Both have had their issues to get them to work. 

Replaced doors left in their 'natural' wood.
Tied together via door handle and trim paint.

The "easiest" solution has been to paint and replace hardware, however it is the most labor intensive.

Hallway closet door near kitchen.
Painted dark wood, replaced handled,
added framing from scrap wood and
chalk board paint. Trimmed with decorative
accent on top.

Linking up today with:

Boogie Board Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

The Dedicated House Make it Pretty Monday
Mod Vintage Life Mod Mix Monday
Alderberry Hill Make the Scene Monday
Whimsical Perspective My Style

How often do you update?

Pin It

My favorite time of year is after New Years and right into the start of Spring. Yeah, I know that seems like a weird season that is not really a season at all but I call it the 5th season. For me, it is the season of 'refresh' in my house. 

I believe that, to keep a house feeling fresh and new, that you should update a room every 2-3 years. Now, I'm not talking major bucks here. My design philosophy is to keep the hard surfaces...a.k.a. the expensive finishes...neutral and change out the inexpensive. 

How do I update a room? Sometimes I give it a fresh coat of paint and change the whole colour scheme. However if I still love the color of the room but I just want to give it a new look I will often change out the accessories. My first step is to swap furniture and accessories from room to room. It is amazing what that can do to make your rooms look brand new!

"After" picture of major renovation.
Read more here.

I recently finished updating my bathroom. You might remember the major update that was done three years ago (above).

Notice the ceiling color. That is for another post however!

Shower curtain found at Target.
Wrought iron artwork found in my living room

I was ready for a little more of a neutral look and had enough left over paint from my hallway update that I decided to use in the bathroom.

Bathroom sink area.
Still looking for a mirror solution.
Wanting one big mirror across the whole area.

So how much did I spend on this update?
1. Wall color, used from another project
2. Stencil. Pulled from my craft area as was the silver metallic paint used in the stencil. To read more about the stencil project.
3. Ceiling color was leftover from my office room
4. Artwork was taken from other rooms or reused from previous update.

That leaves the shower curtain, purchased at Target for $19.99. Not bad for a brand new look!

     
   

That season called Sprinter

Pin It

You maybe have never heard of our fifth season called Sprinter. You know it is that window in late February/early March when the days are noticably longer, the temps not quite so cold, and alas, you even hear bird chirping. That my friends is called Sprinter. Somewhere between the "I'm sick of winter and ready for Spring" season. How do you decorate for this?

Greening up the fireplace mantel

Adding pops of green brightens
up a winter dreary space

Well, by now we are all sick of the cute little snowmen and the pine cones and other wintery type home decor but it is a bit early to bring out the flowers and spring stuff. And if we see one more "Let it snow" yard sign....ugh!

The birds are back inside and out!

Using grains and berries
 are provide a natural touch

This is the perfect time to bring out natural elements and pops of Spring color without hitting too hard with the flowers and plants yet.

Great Aunt's tea set

Adding touches of greenery
indicate the arrival of Spring

Natural elements that are
season indifferent work well.

Adding hints of color, especially the greens, yellows, and blues will give a nod to Spring and be good transitional elements.

So pack away those snowmen and pine cones and bring out your Sprinter stuff! Spring is on its way!

Partying this week with:
Redoux Interiors
Grace at Home
Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home
Flaunt it Friday
   

Breakin' the Rules Guide to Stencilling

Pin It

Dare I say it, I am a rebel and I rarely follow the rules. When it comes to stencilling, for sure I do my own thing.

For instance, these stencilling tips from About.com:



Grey base coat with silver craft paint stencilled on.

About.com Stenciling Tip 1: Use a Professional Tool -- Stencilling brushes are round with short, stiff bristles. Use it in a quick up-and-down movement to dab paint onto your stencil. This helps prevent paint getting under the edges. A sponge or small roller works well too.

Seriously? I use sponges, rags, stencil brushes, plastic bags. Really any thing that I have on hand and can grab real quick.


About.com Stenciling Tip 2: Work from The Outside

Start panting on the edges of the stencil, working into the centre, rather than from the centre outwards. Again this helps prevent paint getting under the edges as you're less likely to accidentally bump the brush against an edge.

Facelift in upstairs bathroom includes this
stencilled feature wall.

Wow, I never even knew this and yet all the years I have done stencils, I don't think I've ever had a problem with paint getting under the edges. Okay, maybe I have a few times but that's what you keep the base color handy for!



About.com Stenciling Tip 3: Less is More

Don't overload a brush with paint as it'll seep under the edges of the stencil. Load the brush lightly, so that the ends of the bristles are covered evenly; wipe off any excess on a piece of paper or cloth.

Okay, this is true but I am definitely not this careful. I slap some paint on and stencil away. Remember the words, 'touch up'. Always keep a little of the base coat handy for quick touch ups.

About.com Stenciling Tip 4: Think Thin

You'll get better results by applying two thin coats rather than one thick one. Wait for the first to dry before applying the second.

NEVER have I done this. I don't have time to go back for a second coat!

About.com Stenciling Tip 5: Get Sticky

Keep a stencil in place by taping it at the top and bottom with a piece of tape. Low-tack tape is best as it's very easy to remove and shouldn't pull off any paint from the surface.

Yes, tape does help and in hard to reach or tricky places I use it. Most of the time, I hold it in place with one hand and apply the paint with the other.

Okay, tips 6 - 8 I don't even do so I did not include them.

This shelf once belonged downstairs.
Repurposing to the bathroom updo!

About.com Stenciling Tip 9: Wash Regularly

Not you, your stencil! If you're doing a repeat design, wash your stencil regularly in warm water to keep the edges free of paint. If there's some paint on an edge, you won't get a crisp edge to your painted stencil. As paper stencils don't lend themselves to washing, acetate stencils are better for repeat designs. With a paper or card stencil, wipe off the excess paint, then leave the stencil for a bit so the paint on it dries, before using it again.

That is a huge amount of work. I do let the paint dry in between each application but that's about it.

About.com Stenciling Tip 10: Store stencils Flat

A stencil, obviously, needs to be flat to be usable. To stop it from buckling, put it between two pieces of card and store it somewhere flat, such as in a book or telephone directory.

Yeah, I see the point in this but seriously I throw it up on my craft shelf and lay it flat. Never have stacked them between a book or anything and they work perfect every time.

The Decorating Chica's Stenciling Tips:

• Yes you can stencil on a textured wall.
• No you don't have to use official 'stencil' brushes and paints. Use what you have!
• Remember, base coat is your friend! Always keep a little handy.
• Don't feel like you have to use the same pattern that is on the stencil. You can create your own.
• Use a level it will make this so much easier.
• Never despair if you mess up and remember, base coat is your friend!
• If you are not precise with measuring and straight lines, use a stencil that is forgiving. 

  

  Scroll stencil used in bathroom is a very forgiving
  type of stencil! Read more here.

Hooking up this week to:
Trash to Treasure Linky Party at Kammy's Corner
Make it Pretty Monday 
The Power of Paint Party