$5 Dollar Store DIY Decor

Hope you had a great weekend. Mine was perfect. The weather turned nice, my inlaws came to visit and I finished a new piece. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

Yesterday I was doing my Pinterest thing and saw a bunch of Dollar Store DIY's...and I thought I'm going to challenge myself. I wanted to find an item to makeover in under $5. Sounds easy enough. Now the thing is, I was on the search for the perfect thing. Wasn't sure what that was? I was sure I would know when I saw it. 

Here's what I found. Kinda cheap looking up close. Not really my style.

I purchased this for a whopping $3.00. 

First step was to hide the black and cross picture. I went with chalk paint, kind of a Paris Grey mix.

Two coats to cover the original front. Next I traced with a pencil around a pot lid. Make sure to leave a gap at the top. I think mine is about 2 inches. Then I took to the white paint. I didn't draw on the leaves. They were small and simple, so I went for free hand. I would like to add: I am not an artist and this was my first time free handing anything! So if I can do it, any one can.

One leaf, two Leaf. How many more?

I left the middle open, but would like to put a monogram 'M' in the center. Super easy and cheap. If you had the paint at home, $3.00. Not too bad for my first challenge.

Thank you for stopping in. Hope I've inspired you to try one. Take care.

Party Time!

kammyskorner, astrollthrulife, stonegableblog, linda-coastalcharm, cozylittlehouse, thewinthropchronicles, carolynshomework, domestically-speaking, savvysouthernstyle, diybydesign, greenwillowpond, gingersnapcrafts, justalittlecreativity, familyhomeandlife, theblissfulbee, elizabethandco, posedperfection, staceyembracingchange, beyondthepicketfence, aglimpseinsideblog, commonground-do, thecraftiestallie, frenchcountrycottage, redouxinteriors, nancherrow, persialou, jenniferrizzo, meeganmakes, lifeonlakeshoredrive

Stepping Up My Guest Bathroom

This year, we will have more friends and family staying at our house. Just because! So I wanted to step up my guests' experience. I want them to feel at home. My hubby has made me promise that I will wait for major changes to the guest room, until he is done his night courses in spring. 

I started with a little staining of the oak trim, you can see here. I would like to refinish the doors on the cabinets. I'm not a big fan of the rounded profile doors, so I found a fix. Not sure on the color yet.

Maybe I'll keep them white, with a fresh coat.

I saw this idea on Pinterest. I managed to rummage up these items in one stop at Good Will for less than $5.

I hate it when your staying at someones house, and you forget to bring q-tips. Problem solved for my guests.

Some extra toiletries. I read on Pinterest, to collect samples from hotels. And that's what I've been doing on our ski trips this winter. I usually bring our own shampoo and conditioner, etc. I also put in some other samples {and items my family doesn't like} oops. Is that bad? The products are good, just not for us. 

I love these serving trays. Perfect for storing jewelry and watches at bed time. You could even empty your change onto it?

Lastly, I placed this right outside of the shower. This way if you forget, it's a quick reach! Hope you find some useful ideas for your bathroom or the one for guests.

Thank you and take care.

I {heart} dark wood

After years of moving, I have finally decided to make my home, MY home. I've always avoided decorating. I would even go as far to say, "I don't have an eye for decor". It does NOT come natural for me. Sometimes I search Pinterest for hours, just for a little inspiration. I admire the colors people pick to do their pieces. I always wonder....how did they know those two colors would look so well together? {maybe they used Pinterest too}

SO I bought a curio last week. It was a good price at my local thrift store. I manned the piece into the truck, tied it down with bungees, watched it in the rear view mirror on my way home, and unloaded it into my front entrance. Knowing that when my hubby came home he would take a double look and shake his head. You see, I have a collection of unpainted things in our basement. Instead of working on an item I already own, I go and buy more. I think I enjoy the thrill of finding a good deal. Or am I afraid of missing that one unique item? Regardless. I have one more piece of furniture now.

What to do with it? I've been creeping on a ton of blogs lately, trying to narrow down the look I want for my house. I like rustic, industrial, chic, crisp and dark wood. Sunday when I came back from grocery shopping, I found it tucked in a corner by our entrance. It fit perfect in the corner! Hubby claimed it for our house. Yay!! {good thinking}

This is what I have found for my inspiration from missmustardseed. 

I'm thinking, the dark wood color for the shelves and inside. Then Ironstone for the rest. I {heart} 2 tone pieces, especially when one is wood color.

I have started tonight, and will post the finished product soon.

Take care.

Out with the oak, in the with the new

Ever have those days, when things just go right. Today was my day. I had a few hours to entertain myself in the city, this morn from 9 am to noon. Not ideal times for a Sunday? But the stores I wanted to hit, open early. 

First stop...Home Depot. I'm working on a bench made from an old headboard, and needed the Kreg Jig.

This cool tool is going to help me {hubby}, attach the sides to my bench. 

Anyways... I was also in need of a new Purdy Paintbrush. Following the isle.. I checked out the stains, but have yet to try any. Can you believe it? I have not re-stained raw wood. Until today. I bought a can of Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut.

This is the shelf.

Nice yellow oak.

I can't tell you how easy the stain was to apply. When you open it, the gel is quite thick. Kind of like sour cream or yogurt. I bought a foam brush and dipped straight in the jar. Using an even brush stroke, I spread in one direction the length of the shelf. It really is easy to apply. I also taped off the edges, as I'm not a great line cutter.

This is first coat. {i did 2}

I let the gel do its thing for 5 minutes, before wiping {softly}. I used a dry painters rag to wipe off the excess stain. Then followed the same directions for a second coat.

This is the finished shelf.

I also did the small shelf under the bathroom window.

Feeling a bit more ambitious, I did the stair railing to our basement.

Before

After

I love this stuff!! You can't see the thickness of the clear coat on the railing. It made my husband a little weary of how well if would cover. I can't believe how well it did or how fab it looks. You can still see the wood grain. I would recommend Varathane Gel Stain to anyone who wants to change the look of anything. This stuff is excellent for beginners, like myself. Next is the other two flights of railing and any others items I decide to go Dark Walnut.

Take care.


Party Time
savvysouthernstyle
glamorousbride

Lady in Red

Hello, Happy Tuesday! I was hard at work the last few days. Check out this beauty...

She had potential....for $20 on Kijiji.

Lady in Red.

This shows a more true color. Sometimes I'm so excited to take a pic, I will do my best to take them in better lighting.

BE SURE TO SCROLL AND ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE AT A $20 HOME DEPOT GC!