I love: Doesn't this space just remind you of something right out of Parenthood? It would be so fun to have a front porch like this.
I have: Lovely friends ;)
9.29.2010
::i want. i love. i have.
I want: These boots from Piperlime. Why don't shoes count as an emergency? *sigh...
9.28.2010
::fall wreath
So, my coworker found a wreath online that she wanted to make for her mom for fall. Of course I'm a big copy cat and wanted to make one for myself! The best part about this is it's super cheap and you can customize it however you want! Just choose your yarn color, the fabric, and all the accessories. I'll see if I can bribe her to take a picture of hers. She said she put a little bird and a nest and fabric flowers on hers. (I used felt for my flowers). The tutorial is here, if you'd like to make your own!
This is what my mantel looks like so far (pardon the horrible camera + lighting)...just wanted to give you an idea...
9.26.2010
::hilton head
Just thought I'd post a couple of pictures from our trip.
There was Spanish moss Everywhere! This was taken in Savannah.
It's hard to tell in this picture (we were driving), but this is Rainbow Row in Charleston.
There was Spanish moss Everywhere! This was taken in Savannah.
It's hard to tell in this picture (we were driving), but this is Rainbow Row in Charleston.
The next few are from the beach. Check out how far the tide goes out. It was seriously about 200 feet at least. Just ridiculous. We found all sorts of wildlife in the ocean too. Jellyfish, starfish, sand dollars, sting rays, actual fish : ) It was a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend the location for a vacation if you've never been there!
9.21.2010
::thoughts
What do you guys think of painted floors? I have to say, I think if I had wood floors in my house, I'd be really tempted to do this. But would you just hate to loose that luster of natural wood? I guess the best thing here is that nothing is permanent. It could easily be changed....
*Side note: Check out that farmhouse sink in the second picture. Is that not to DIE for?! I'm so doing that if I ever get to redo my kitchen!
*Side note: Check out that farmhouse sink in the second picture. Is that not to DIE for?! I'm so doing that if I ever get to redo my kitchen!
9.20.2010
::refinish
This is in response to Brandi. I was going to just comment back on your blog, but it can get a little detailed so I thought I'd put this out there for anyone interested on how to refinish a piece of furniture.
So, Brandi found a great desk at Goodwill:
It's solid wood so it can easily be changed based on personal taste. I've tackled quite a few pieces myself, so I thought I'd share some tips. If you're interested in refinishing a piece of furniture and still have questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll try and answer your questions.
I'd like to note that this is an EASY project to take on and very inexpensive. The longest thing you'll have to do with this is wait for your paint/finish to dry.
Step 1: Remove all the hardware from the drawers. And take out the drawers so you can work on them separately.
Step 2: Sand down the furniture. If you have an electric sander, I would recommend using this, but it is not necessary. You can always use some elbow grease and just sheets of sandpaper to sand it down yourself. [This desk is fairly square at all angles. When you're dealing with spindle legs or lots of curves, you'll definitely want to just use a sheet and sand it down by hand so you can get into those little nooks.] Now, the grit on the sandpaper you use will depend on your project. The higher the grit, the finer the sandpaper. For this desk, it doesn't look to have too many scratches on it. I would recommend using an 80 grit piece for this. I think we typically go through a couple pieces of sandpaper per piece of furniture, so make sure to get a couple.
Another option is to use liquid sandpaper. Now, I've heard mix reactions about using it on wood. So you might want to check with your local retailer about this. It's mostly used to remove glossy paint, but I do believe it will take the varnish off of wood as well. You will not want to use this if you're looking to re-stain and piece of furniture. Use this only if you're planning on painting it.
Step 3: Wipe the desk down with a partially damp cloth. Remove all the dust and grit leftover from the sanding.
-------And here's where we split-------
Step 4.1: If you want to re-stain the desk another color, pick out your stain. To apply it, dab the stain onto a cloth and rub it into the wood going along with the grain. You can also just use a paint brush. (Note: stain is an oil based product and cannot be washed out with water. You'll have to use mineral spirits to clean the brush. I always just buy cheap brushes to use so I can throw it away when I'm done).
I've put on stain both ways. I think I prefer the look better when you apply with a cloth...but it's just taste. Let the stain dry for a good 8 hours before applying a second coat. You can apply as many coats as you like. Each coat will darken the wood.
Step 4.2: Prime it (if you're planning on painting it). I just use whatever primer I have laying around. Just pick up whatever primer you want. It's all the same ;) Let this dry overnight.
Paint it! For indoor furniture, there's not really a "rule of thumb" for what paint to use. I've worked with all types of paint and they've all come out just fine. Let this dry overnight. You can put on as many coats as you like, but really 2 should do the trick. I don't think I've ever gotten away with just one :) Let this second coat dry overnight as well.
Step 5: Lastly, you'll want to cover the furniture with a coat of polyurethane. I have not done this, and believe me...it makes a difference. This will protect your furniture and give it a little bit of shine. This, like stain, is an oil based product and the brush cannot be cleaned with water. Let that dry overnight.
There you have it. 5 easy steps for personalizing your furniture. If you want to quick it up a notch, switch out the hardware as well. You can find hardware at any home improvement store, Target, Walmart, Anthrolopologie, etc.
This desk reminds me alot of this desk. (Just to give you a little inspiration ;) )
What about you guys? Have you had any successes/failures with refinishing your furniture? Any tips you'd like to share?
So, Brandi found a great desk at Goodwill:
It's solid wood so it can easily be changed based on personal taste. I've tackled quite a few pieces myself, so I thought I'd share some tips. If you're interested in refinishing a piece of furniture and still have questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll try and answer your questions.
I'd like to note that this is an EASY project to take on and very inexpensive. The longest thing you'll have to do with this is wait for your paint/finish to dry.
Step 1: Remove all the hardware from the drawers. And take out the drawers so you can work on them separately.
Step 2: Sand down the furniture. If you have an electric sander, I would recommend using this, but it is not necessary. You can always use some elbow grease and just sheets of sandpaper to sand it down yourself. [This desk is fairly square at all angles. When you're dealing with spindle legs or lots of curves, you'll definitely want to just use a sheet and sand it down by hand so you can get into those little nooks.] Now, the grit on the sandpaper you use will depend on your project. The higher the grit, the finer the sandpaper. For this desk, it doesn't look to have too many scratches on it. I would recommend using an 80 grit piece for this. I think we typically go through a couple pieces of sandpaper per piece of furniture, so make sure to get a couple.
Another option is to use liquid sandpaper. Now, I've heard mix reactions about using it on wood. So you might want to check with your local retailer about this. It's mostly used to remove glossy paint, but I do believe it will take the varnish off of wood as well. You will not want to use this if you're looking to re-stain and piece of furniture. Use this only if you're planning on painting it.
Step 3: Wipe the desk down with a partially damp cloth. Remove all the dust and grit leftover from the sanding.
-------And here's where we split-------
Step 4.1: If you want to re-stain the desk another color, pick out your stain. To apply it, dab the stain onto a cloth and rub it into the wood going along with the grain. You can also just use a paint brush. (Note: stain is an oil based product and cannot be washed out with water. You'll have to use mineral spirits to clean the brush. I always just buy cheap brushes to use so I can throw it away when I'm done).
I've put on stain both ways. I think I prefer the look better when you apply with a cloth...but it's just taste. Let the stain dry for a good 8 hours before applying a second coat. You can apply as many coats as you like. Each coat will darken the wood.
Step 4.2: Prime it (if you're planning on painting it). I just use whatever primer I have laying around. Just pick up whatever primer you want. It's all the same ;) Let this dry overnight.
Paint it! For indoor furniture, there's not really a "rule of thumb" for what paint to use. I've worked with all types of paint and they've all come out just fine. Let this dry overnight. You can put on as many coats as you like, but really 2 should do the trick. I don't think I've ever gotten away with just one :) Let this second coat dry overnight as well.
Step 5: Lastly, you'll want to cover the furniture with a coat of polyurethane. I have not done this, and believe me...it makes a difference. This will protect your furniture and give it a little bit of shine. This, like stain, is an oil based product and the brush cannot be cleaned with water. Let that dry overnight.
There you have it. 5 easy steps for personalizing your furniture. If you want to quick it up a notch, switch out the hardware as well. You can find hardware at any home improvement store, Target, Walmart, Anthrolopologie, etc.
This desk reminds me alot of this desk. (Just to give you a little inspiration ;) )
What about you guys? Have you had any successes/failures with refinishing your furniture? Any tips you'd like to share?
9.16.2010
::to the sideline
To make a post on a little more personal note, just wanted to say we got back from vacation this last weekend. We went to Hilton Head for the week. We got to spend a day in Charleston and a day in Savannah. And as you can probably figure, we stopped at the Ikea in Atlanta on the way down and coming back ;) We had a Blast! The weather was perfect, the beaches weren't crowded, the food was good, the shopping even better! I got about half my Cmas shopping done already *pats self on back*. This week has just been so weird trying to get adjusted to normal scheduling.
We started a study on the book of Ezekiel this last Tuesday compliments of Truthseekers. This is definitely going to be an intense study but I am really looking forward to it! It's nice that it's not just a women's study so Aaron and I can do it together.
Garage sale coming up this weekend in Countrywood for all you crazies like me :) I'll actually be selling stuff this time around (for the first time), so we'll see how that goes. Feel free to come pay me a visit.
Aside from that, everything has been relatively quiet on the home front. Hope you all are doing well and getting in the swing of the school schedule (read- traffic).
We started a study on the book of Ezekiel this last Tuesday compliments of Truthseekers. This is definitely going to be an intense study but I am really looking forward to it! It's nice that it's not just a women's study so Aaron and I can do it together.
Garage sale coming up this weekend in Countrywood for all you crazies like me :) I'll actually be selling stuff this time around (for the first time), so we'll see how that goes. Feel free to come pay me a visit.
Aside from that, everything has been relatively quiet on the home front. Hope you all are doing well and getting in the swing of the school schedule (read- traffic).
9.14.2010
::ode to capitalism
Oh Ikea, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
Well, I got what I could ;)
1- You let me buy rugs that cost less than a meal out with my husband.
2- You let me shop for 2 hours straight without getting bored or tired once.
3- You offer products that are not only cost efficient but actually cute. Go figure.
4- You smell of cinnamon buns as I walk out your doors.
5- You make DIY projects a manageable task to those who are less eager to take on projects.
But oh Ikea, must you be so stingy? Why will you continually refuse to ship the vast majority of your products?! Or if you insist on this...why can't you multiply? This mirror would have gone perfectly in my bedroom and I would have gladly handed over the cash. Unfortunately, my car is too small (and at that point, far too full) to carry this home with me. I considered duct taping it to the top and just holding onto it through the window. *sigh
Well, I got what I could ;)
9.13.2010
::multipurpose
So, I've now seen this twice...
New trend spotting? Repurposing your dish towels as cafe curtains in your kitchen. The other time I saw this, they had actually sewn up the top of the dish towel to turn it into a pole pocket style curtain. I have to say....I like it! Maybe that white sailor curtain will have to come down one of these days...
New trend spotting? Repurposing your dish towels as cafe curtains in your kitchen. The other time I saw this, they had actually sewn up the top of the dish towel to turn it into a pole pocket style curtain. I have to say....I like it! Maybe that white sailor curtain will have to come down one of these days...
9.10.2010
9.08.2010
::your turn
Again, I'd like for you to share your opinions. What do you like best about this space? What do you like least? I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on this one...
9.07.2010
::i want. i love. i have.
I want:
This chair from chiasso. Shoot, if we're wishing for things, I'd like 2 please.
This chair from chiasso. Shoot, if we're wishing for things, I'd like 2 please.
I love:
These reproductions of vintage refridgerators now available at Sears! *swoon
I have:
Some serious free time. :)
9.03.2010
9.02.2010
::a little fun DIY
Wall art has to be the easiest (and maybe most fun) thing to DIY. Remember a while ago when I was talking about the office, I said my friend had gotten me a really fun birthday gift. Well, that gift was a free class at ArtJamn. They have several pictures you can paint or you can bring in a picture you like and paint whatever your heart desires. Of Course I brought in my own picture...I know you're just shocked. : ) Well, my friend Kim ended up liking what I brought too so we did the same painting! I love seeing how different people interpret the same thing. Her colors will go Perfectly with her bedroom and mine are what I wanted to lighten up that dark office. Without boring you any further, I'll show you the pictures!
In the painting process...
Kim's finished piece! Love the border and the colors!
My finished piece...you can see the feet on my bird as well *_*
So much fun!
Kim even brought Gigi's cupcakes with a little candle since this was my birthday present. Too cute! Well there's one piece of art down for this room. We might just have to go back and make another!
In the painting process...
Kim's finished piece! Love the border and the colors!
My finished piece...you can see the feet on my bird as well *_*
So much fun! 
Kim even brought Gigi's cupcakes with a little candle since this was my birthday present. Too cute! Well there's one piece of art down for this room. We might just have to go back and make another!
9.01.2010
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