Monthly Archives: November 2011

Santa's Helper ~ Toy Giveaway!

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THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. 

Winners are:

#1 – GreenLeaf Laurel Dollhouse Kit

Ange said… 1

I have three daughters and they all want a wooden dollhouse, how perfect! My kids were afraid of Santa and one day I had to get a gift at the mall. We were in JcPenney and someone mentioned Santa was outside the store. My children freaked out, I had two kids crying, one clinging to each of my legs while I tried to get to the checkout to buy the gift and leave! You would think Santa was an axe murderer! Good times and good memories, makes me laugh when I think about it!

and # 2 – American Plastic Toys 38 Piece Deluxe Work Bench

Jodi Faye said… 32
Follow Wayfair on twitter @jodibzymom

CONGRATULATIONS, LADIES! I’ll be emailing you!

CSN has a new name and a new awesome site!  Introducing Wayfair! Wayfair has the same great product selection ranging from home décor items like accent pillows, bookcases, wall art, and much more! In addition to the wide selection of home décor items, they also have a breadth of items from cookware, luggage, and shoes to bedding, accent chairs and everything in between!
I’ve been doing some holiday shopping, including for my nieces and nephews.  Here are some of the things on my shopping list:

Growing up, I didn’t have a doll house but I did love making my own paper dolls complete with paper doll houses and accessories. I would have loooooooved a real dollhouse like this…
Victorian Doll House (a gift for DIY/decorating grown ups too!)
Plan Toys Victorian Dollhouse - 712400
It’s okay though, all those years of being good paid off and I decorate my life sized doll house now.
Kitchen sets are so much fun! Wayfair has some great prices…
le="text-align: center;">Play Kitchen Sets
All in One Modern Kitchen
I know my 2-year-old nephew watches for this everyday…
Town Trucks School Bus
All Baby Toys
Fascination and a great gift idea!
Parents would love this gift.  There’s so much to organize and store, especially after the holidays.
KidKraft Personalized Austin Toy Box in White - 14951
———————————
Wayfair Toy Giveaway!

One (1) winner for each of these:

# 1 ~ Greenleaf Laurel Dollhouse Kit
Laurel Dollhouse Kit

Set includes:
  • Three Floors
  • Six Rooms
  • Porch
  • Two Rooms


Features:

  • Dollhouses collection
  • Large wrap around porch completes the traditional detail
  • Buy the specially designed primrose to add on two more rooms


Specifications:

  • Material: Wood
  • Overall dimensions: 25″ H x 25″ W x 17″ D
#2 ~ American Plastic Toys 38 Piece Deluxe Workbench 

38 Piece Deluxe Workbench

Features:
  • Battery operated play drill
  • 37 accessories include a battery operated reversible drill with two drill bits, a hammer, wrench and screwdriver, four nails, six bolts, six nuts, five interlocking gears, five connector brackets, a cell phone and a ruler
  • Includes two drawers and storage shelves
  • One peg board and three hooks for hanging tools
  • Stands 33″ tall
  • Packaged in colorful corrugated carton with full color litho label
  • No assembly required
  • For ages 3 and up
How to enter:
  • Comment which toy (#1 or #2) you’d like to win and a childhood Christmas memory (yours or your child’s). 
  • Click one of the buttons at the bottom of this post to share (Facebook – @diyshowoff, @wayfair, Twitter @diyshowoff, @wayfair, #toy giveaway, G+ or Pinterest) and comment that you’ve done so for each.
  • “Like” Wayfair on facebook! Comment that you do!
  • Follow Wayfair on twitter. Comment that you’re following!

*Giveaway open to U.S. DIY Show Off followers only, starts today and ends Saturday, 12/3 at midnight EST. Hurry! Good luck! Winner will be notified/announced on Sunday, 12/4. Winners will be chosen via random.org. The first number randomly selected will get their choice.  The second number selected will win the remaining prize. Please include your email address in an entry if you can’t be contacted via your blog. 

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The Good Mood {board} – Living Room Edition

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Good Mood {board} – Living Room Edition

When I found out that “living rooms” were next up on the Good Mood Board event {blog friends sharing themed mood boards with a mood board linky finale}, I couldn’t wait to get started.  Remember the last time when I put together a mood board for my guest bedroom and shared the reveal about a month later? A mood board is awesome motivation for giving your DIY plan direction.

Well, this time, I’m doing a mood board for our family room. It’s a mess of a room right now with old mismatched furniture (not in a good mismatched way and not in a good “old” way – we’re talking hunter green striped couch with matching hunter green side tables…hellooooo 1990s!), walls in desperate need of paint, another plywood floor, windows with wood blinds but no drapes, huge potted plants and one ugly fish tank with one lonely gold fish that Mr. DIY refuses to part with (in fact he bought a fish tank 3x the size and it’s sitting empty along side the other in the family room at this time).   I’m saving the ‘before’ until I have an actual ‘after’. Hoping that sometime early 2012 demolition and remodeling will take place.

Anyway…Mr. DIY usually doesn’t offer up much in the way of preference when it comes to decorating but I think he’ll like this comfortable design.  If I like it, he likes it. (He’s wonderful that way!)  His only request is a ceiling fan. And of course the fish tank has to stay (gag!) but I’ll disregard that in my design today. It might look like I’m swapping out one mismatched room for another. lol  But this is my starting point in terms of colors and overall style. A mood board for me is a visual starting point – colors/overall feel. It might not be literal in the sense of each piece (definitely not as some of the things are not in my budget) but it gives me an idea of where to start in terms of design. Paint choice, furniture, color, textures…
Neutral, Navy, Texture. I even decorated for Christmas…
It looks a little cluttered but I never ever claim to be a minimalist (unless you count the one time when it comes to fish tanks). It’s so hard to fit all of the details on a little design board…there’s more space in real life. See something you like?  You can see the details of my olioboard here.

Get this look

What I like is that with this design,  I can add in more color with accessories. 

Pops of red 

or yellow/mustard

or green/chartreuse 

or orange/rust
or even pink/fuchsia if I was so inclined (and only if Mr. DIY became color blind) and it’d still look pretty. 
.com/-oAMzH-yugHg/TtT15GRL8CI/AAAAAAAAHNY/Mpmhe3JcfCc/s1600/gm.pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Very versatile. 

What do you think of my first rough draft?  I love seeing if the real design will be anything like dream version.  

Make sure you pop over to check out the next design in line from
Chris at Just a Girl …

Monday November 28th:
1. Remodelaholic
2. Home Stories A to Z
3. The Handmade Home
Tuesday November 29th:
4. House of Hepworths
5. Simplified Bee
6. Our Humble ABowed
Wednesday November 30th:
7. Design Dump
8. Under the Table and Dreaming
9. DIY Showoff
Thursday December 1:
10. Just A Girl
11. All Things Thrifty
12. Link Party for your boards over at Remodelaholic
Psst…get your holiday/color themed/paint projects ready for:

starts tomorrow 12/1!
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Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

Purdy Awesome Giveaway!

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THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

WINNER OF THE PURDY AWESOME GIVEAWAY IS…
 
ryanac32 said… 38
my next painting project is the kitchen



PURDY PAINTBRUSH GIVE-A-WAY

 It’s no secret that I love my Purdy paintbrush. I used to buy my painting supplies at the dollar store. But, just trying a Purdy paintbrush one time changed my mind. I love the awesome quality and being able to paint a straight line with a steady hand without taping. I clean mine and hang it to dry after each use (super easy) to get lots of projects out of it!  So, when Purdy offered up some paintbrushes for a giveaway, we knew our DIY friends would be thrilled for the chance to win one of these stocking stuffers!

    e="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
  • Visit the 5 blogs listed below to enter to win a set of Purdy Paintbrushes.  We will be giving away 6 brush sets.

  • Giveaway runs Nov 29-Dec12 on all 5 sites. 

  • Do a blog post, Twitter post (tag @diyshowoff) or Facebook post (tag @diyshowoff) letting people know about the give-a-way each day that you enter. Help us spread the word to thank Purdy for their amazing DIY support and generosity. 

  • Leave a comment below about how you helped share Purdy paintbrushes and these giveaways with your friends. 

  • Leave a comment describing your next painting project. 

  • Winners will be announced on each site shortly after December 12th. Open to U.S. residents only. 


Increase your chances of winning by entering all five giveaways:

The DIY Showoff (you’re here!)



~*~*~*~

SEPARATE TOPIC BUT JUST A HEAD’S UP!  

December will be a fun month!  Starting December 1st, The DIY Club will be having the regular monthly contest party but we are also doing a fun Holiday Event!  The 12 Days of Holidays.  Each day a color themed linky party will take place on a different blog! See the details here. 

I’d love for you to enter to win now by sharing the giveaway and leaving a comment.  If you’re not wanting a Purdy Paint brush for your stocking, it’s a great gift idea too.  :)

Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

DIY at Two Thirty Five Designs

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Hellooooo, blog friends!  I’d like to introduce you to Allison from

Two Thirty-Five Designs
You might already know her. She’s been featured at quite a few of our favorite spots but not without good cause. She has some amazing DIY projects going on. Click the links below to see the details on her original post. 
I love this…so simple to do but what a statement. 
Would you believe those are posterboard circles, mdf board, trim and paint?
 
Love the sheen…
Allison was this chair’s fairy Godmother…
Before
Cinderella lives happily ever after…
Stunning!
I love the bright colors, bold patterns…
Not only is Allison a Stella & Dot rep, Etsy shop owner, painter, creative DIY’er and crafter, but they buy and fix up houses.  I don’t know how she does it all.  They took this kitchen…
Before
And with a really, really tight budget, turned it into this…
Unbelievable. 
Pop over to Two Thirty-Five Designs to see more! While you’re there, enter for a chance to win a beautiful gift for yourself, stocking stuffers or to check off a pretty gift idea for your accessory loving friend.

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Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

DIY Project Parade and DIY Holiday Centerpieces

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I was going back through previous Holiday Highlights parties and wanted to bring my centerpiece from 2009 back to life for those of you who might be new because I still love this simple DIY centerpiece…


I wanted a rustic/natural looking winter centerpiece for my new barn wood trestle table.

Materials are mostly things I already had:
  • Pine Wreath or pine clippings (I use a faux wreath and add real pine cuttings)
  • Candle
  • Glass vase or mason jar
  • Faux snow (the only thing I purchased but you could use epsom salts too)
  • Optional:  ornaments

I put together a centerpiece that turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.


To give the centerpiece a little more Christmas spirit. I added some ornaments and a mix of pine and juniper clippings to fill the room with a Christmas-pine scent. :) Lots of pictures. I just love it.

1.


I‘m thinking of doing this again this year. I love the simplicity and natural elements. 

But I love 2. last year’s antique chicken feeder centerpiece too utilizing pine cuttings, candles, pinecones and an antique chicken feeder…(but it does serve a new purpose as a cook book library shelf).
3. There’s also this creation from earlier this year when my Christmas centerpiece included reindeer on a bed of a mix of fresh/faux pines, candles and fresh roses in brown glass…

or 
4. Create something new!
What do you think?
Favorite DIY Centerpiece?

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!


The DIY Show Off

1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love. You post must be recent, shared at one DIY Project Parade only (not continuously) and be DIY related.

2.Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.

3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

4.If you notice your link has disappeared -please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today, a button or a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone’s links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also – this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only. 

5.  If reading this in an email, pop over to http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!

6. If you have a Holiday link to share, feel free to link up to here too!

7.  NOW you can “like” the links!  What a fun idea!  Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week.

8.  Visit a few other links to make some new friends, get some creative ideas and feel free to leave me a comment. I’m likely sitting here on the computer and could use a happy distraction! 

 



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Joining the party here:

Songbird & Cottage Magpie

christmas-linky-parade-button-songbird   


DIY Framed Brooch ~ Dans le Townhouse

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Meet:  Tanya from

Dans le Townhouse

I love love love the project Tanya is sharing today:
Supplies:


  • Cotton batting (I used leftovers from an upholstery project)
  • Silk (sourced from my fabric hoard)
  • Primer (leftover)
  • Paint (leftover from paper storage hoozit I painted)
  • Small paint brush
  • Glue (Aleene’s worked well!)
  • Vintage frames ($5.00 for pair at estate sale)
  • 2 Vintage brooches (try flea markets, yard sales and estate sales)
  • Sandpaper


Painting the Frames:

Lightly sand each frame, removing any sheen then give the frames a quick wipe with a damp cloth.  Using a small brush apply a coat of primer. Let it dry overnight. Next apply two coats of paint (following manufacturer’s instructions).  I used a smaller artist’s brush to get the paint into the “carved” detail.


Creating a Padded Backing:


Tanya used the original “artwork” as her base but you can cut a piece of thin plywood/scrap plastic etc., if your frame is empty.  Cut a piece of batting and silk slightly larger than the backing and “upholster” it.  She wrapped the fabric tightly, squeezed the backing back into the frame to check fit (and make sure the lines on the silk weren’t wobbly). Then glue the batting and fabric in place on the back.  Tip:  Secure with tape while the glue dries (hot glue is faster, but this has a better hold).



Putting it Together:

Tanya stapled beside the backing so instead of the staples going through the backing (into the thinnest part of the frame). The staples hold the backing in a kind of friction fit:


Beautiful art:




Isn’t that fabulous? I still have some brooches left over from my brooch wreath project and I love this idea.  Definitely putting this on my DIY to-do list.
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity, Tanya. They’re beautiful!
See more DIY  from Tanya at Dans le Townhouse. She has so many fun DIY projects…
and a beautiful townhouse tour…
(seriously inspiring before and afters you have to check out)
Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

Pssst….Check out House of Turquoise Today!

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I‘m not out shopping on Black Friday (too much to do at home) and I just don’t have the motivation to fight the crowds.  But you will find me here today:

House of Turquoise
Thanks so much to Erin for letting me share our guest bedroom makeover!
And if you’re visiting from House of Turquoise, welcome!  
You can click here to see my DIY projects and thrifty finds or Our Home Tour to see what we’ve been up to or the see the labels on the side bar for more specific projects (including DIY Show Off reader features). 

There’s also the 3rd annual
 The DIY Show Off

linky party going on – lots of beautiful holiday DIY ideas (past and present) to browse through for inspiration or join in by sharing your own holiday DIY projects!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you introduce yourself! I’d love to visit you too. Enjoy the weekend!!!

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Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

Silhouette America's Black Friday Deal and Paper Christmas Ornaments

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Black Friday! Are you out taking advantage of the sales?  I don’t brave the cold, the lines, the crowds or the wait. When you’re reading this, I might be snug in my bed dreaming of shopping. I might be sitting here catching up with blog posts and waiting for you to comment, wishing I had a Cameo to give away (but I don’t).  More than likely, I’m painting walls. 

I received the details of Silhouette America’s Black Friday deals.  Then I thought of you. Then I decided to make some ornaments using my Cameo because I love this machine…

Then, I thought…it’d be fun to create some ornaments for one lucky DIY Show Off reader. And because you’re reading my post today (HAPPY FRIDAY! Thanks so much for stopping by!), I thought I’d do a little giveaway.  It not much, just a small  holiday surprise for one reader. Using my Cameo, I’ll cut out some paper ornaments (some assembly may be required) to coordinate with the winner’s decor.  


Paper Ornament Giveaway

How to Enter:

  1. Please read about the awesome Silhouette deal below and answer the question I snuck into the Black Friday Sale text. Sneaky!  :) 
  2. Like the DIY Show Off on Facebook and tell me what your Black Friday plans.  Comment that you’ve done so.
  3. Facebook/Tweet about this giveaway.
Comments today through Sunday, 11/27 at midnight EST are qualified. U.S. residents only. I will choose an entry using random.org and announce the winner shortly after.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER IS…

Korrie@RedHenHome said… 4
Lately I’ve been using red and lime green for my Christmas decorating. For my wreath this year, I think I’ll use orange since that’s the color I painted my front door!

    ~*~*~*~
    If you’re wanting to add the Cameo to your holiday wish list, now is the time to get one at an amazing cost.  The benefits:  All year long you can make:  personalized gifts and cards, place cards, gift tags, gift boxes, party favor boxes, ornaments, cut out heat transfers for clothing, cut fabric, go crazy and label everything in your house with vinyl, create vinyl wall decals, signs, art, create a beautiful party with awesome cutouts, more, more, more…there are so many DIY projects that you’re definitely going to get your money’s worth right back into your everyday projects. 
    So here’s the Black Friday deal from Silhouette America:

    Use the discount code SHOWOFF at Silhouette America for an additional 10% off  their already 30% off promotion! (THAT’s 40% off of supplies including Starter Kits, new Tote Bags, Silhouette Designer Software and more. 
    You won’t find the Cameo there, to purchase the Cameo at a special Black Friday discounted price, you’ll have to use the discount code “SHOWOFF” at
     THIS SECRET LINK!!!
    (Even I don’t kno
    w the secret discounted price – it’s a surprise!)
    Use the code SHOWOFF to take advantage of this amazing deal!

    Black Friday sale runs from Nov. 25 (12:00 a.m. MST) through the 28th. 

    ***Leave a comment telling me the colors or theme you use to decorate for the holidays to enter the paper ornament giveaway shown above.***
    *The Cameo was provided by Silhouette America to share tutorials, projects and promotions with DIY Show Off readers.  Projects, tutorials, materials and opinions are my own. As a Silhouette America affiliate, using the code SHOWOFF will earn me a small commission. I appreciate your orders using the SHOWOFF discount code. 

    HEAD OVER TO THE 
    The DIY Show Off
    TO CHECK OUT SOME PRETTY HOLIDAY LINK UPS, A PRETTY DIY ORNAMENT WREATH (link to ornament wreath giveaway too) AND TO SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY DIY!
    Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

    DIY Holiday Highlights – Easy Ornament Wreath Tutorial

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    Happy Thanksgiving to my awesome U.S. blog friends and readers!  Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving today or not ~ I’m so thankful and so blessed by so many things, including your friendship, support and encouragement.  Thank you.  Wishing you a day filled with happiness, blessings, family, good memories, fun traditions and lots of food!
    {image courtesy of Country Living}

    It’s time for …
     The DIY Show Off

    Meet new blogger:  Amanda from 

    mommy is coo coo

    I recently met Amanda when she linked up to the DIY Project Parade which lead to talking more which lead to her sharing a tutorial and giveaway with you today. She’s creative AND funny. How can you not love a blog called “mommy is coo coo“?    

    “I am Amanda, the Crazy Momma, wife and mother of three young children.  My happy life revolves around my family but I love a good project.  If you were to visit my home, you would frequently find things in the driveway I am painting, what appears to be a thrift store in my garage, and my living room furniture rearranged from when you visited  last week.


    I retired from my professional job at the age of thirty and then enthusiastically went into the baby making business.  Before motherhood, I worked in the health care field.  I have a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.


    I hope following my blog will make you laugh about the realities of marriage and motherhood and inspire you make your every day surroundings lovely, regardless of your budget.”





    Today, Amanda is sharing her take on the ornament wreath (much easier than the coat hanger method)…

     

    Here’s Amanda:

    Supply list:

    1. a foam wreath (not floral foam)
    2. glue sticks and a glue gun
    3. spray paint (for the foam wreath) 
    4. about a million ornaments (different colors and sizes work best). 
    5. spray on glitter
    6. a small piece of ribbon to hang your wreath


    Spray paint your foam wreath. You can use whatever color you want but keep in mind some paint will show  between your bulbs. I choose Carmel Latte, which I bought with my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby.

    Place your bulbs on the inside of the foam wreath. Don’t use your favorite bulbs on this part because a lot of these bulbs will be covered up.  After you have placed your bulbs, use your glue gun to secure them in place. You will glue each bulb to the wreath AND to the next bulb in place.


    Repeat this process for the outside of the wreath. I like to alternate the size of the bulbs and use sturdier (not vintage-they break really easily) bulbs on the outside. (Again, don’t use your favorite bulbs here).
    Now you are ready to start placing your favorite bulbs. When you finish placing all your bulbs, decide what part is the top and weave your ribbon through.  Finally, spray your wreath glitter.  This will really make it shine!

    Important Note:  Store your wreath at room temperature!  Otherwise your glue will expand/contract and the bulbs will fall off and possible break (causing your husband to wonder why you are crying in the attic in July holding your ornament wreath).
    TA DA: Christmas Ornament Wreath

    Merry Christmas!!!



    What do you think? I think it’s beautiful!  You too, you say?  Well, guess what!  Amanda, in an attempt to grow her blog, make new friends and wish you a Merry Christmas is GIVING AWAY A BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENT WREATH!  She’d love for you to introduce yourself.  How? Where? When? Hurry to enter at 


    Good luck! 



    The DIY Show Off
    1. You must use the button above in your blog post or side bar to share the linky love.
    2. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your holiday project post url which is the web address that goes directly to your holiday project blog post, not your blog address). Feel free to link a Past Post, just be sure add the DIY Holiday Highlights button to your side bar. Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.
    3. Holiday DIY includes Thanksgiving, Fall, Christmas, Winter…whatever you are celebrating this season. (The DIY Fall Festival has ended.)
    4. If you notice your link has disappeared -please check the content of your post. Is it holiday related? Add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today with a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! 


    All linked up?  Did you remember to enter the Christmas Ornament Wreath Giveaway?


    I’m so happy to help spread the word that Kristin at A Simply Klassic Home is hosting an awesome 12 Days of Christmas Printables party and you’re invited…don’t worry, I had permission to bring guests.  No blog crashing going on.  There will be free printables, giveaways and a linky (oh my!….that was her line and I cracked up! Kristin is so cute!). Anyway, I can’t wait!  All of those free printable goodies for the holidays linked up in one amazing party?  I think it’s an awesome blogger Christmas gift!  

    Photobucket


    I’m sharing my styrofoam wood chip tree tutorial at the DIY Club today!


    Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

    Organizing Your Pantry ~ My Happy House

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    Molly from

    My Happy House
    always has some great cleaning, organizational tips and DIY.  With holiday cooking and baking on the agenda, I thought you’d enjoy some helpful tips:


    Up until just a few days ago, on a good day, my pantry used to look like this:

    Before: 

    Maximizing the pantry is key. Oh and I want it to look pretty, am I asking too much? Perhaps, but that didn’t stop me from trying. See the tips at the bottom of this post. 

     
    After: 

    How to achieve the pantry of my your dreams:

    1. Really only stock the items you need. I ditched a few things I really didn’t need and have a pile of stuff to donate.
    2. Visually break up the shelves. A nice balance of baskets, containers, cookbooks, and serving platters helps big time!
    3. Uniformity is somewhat key. I wasn’t about to drop $$$$ on new baskets when I had quite a few I could repurpose. I actually like the variety there, but I wanted to have all the same containers for the most part. So I spent some money on those.
    4. The wire rack on the side wall was one way to house can goods, but I needed a better solution for items I keep in bulk (diced tomatoes, chicken broth, etc.). Fridge bins work great for this! They are clear, so they go with whatever theme you have and are the perfect size since they are for soda cans.
    5. Don’t overfill the shelves. This one was hard for me to do because I really do need all the space in there, but I’ll show you something I did later that really helped with this!
    6. Make sure to use all the vertical space! The way the pantry was originally set up, there was a good couple feet above the shelf that wasn’t used because I just didn’t have that many tall items. We added the wire shelf up top, instant space. And notice on the left, where I have some serving pieces, those little “S” hooks. Again, vertical space. It still looks aesthetically pleasing by not looking crowded, but without those hooks, I’d lose an entire space for a basket.
    7. When using that top vertical space, be smart about it. I kept all the canvas baskets at the very top light in weight. Linens, chips, cereal, etc. are easy to get down without fear I’ll knock myself unconscious when I need to get them down.
    8. Keep the color scheme light. The paint we chose was some paint we had bought and weren’t able to use the perfect paint for the little closet space with no natural light. (Platinum by Ace) However, I’m pretty sure any paint would have been an upgrade from builder grade beige, and especially so seeing as the ceiling white came about 2 feet down the wall with a jagged line to finish it. Seriously builders?
    Thanks so much for sharing your great tips, Molly! Perfect timing! I know that not only with the holidays do we do more cooking and baking, but with cold winter weather and shorter days, there are more home cooked meals, more comfort foods and having everything organized feels so good! 
     
    You can see more from Molly at 
     

    Things We Fancy – Using Fabric as Wallpaper Tutorial

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    Meet:  Hillary & Breann from 
    Things We Fancy
    Why would you want to meet these talented ladies?  Because they’re new to blogging and DIY divas!  I’m loving these DIY tutorials…
    DIY Anthropologie Inspired Snow Globes
    DIY Anthropologie Inspired Silverware Easel
    DIY Ornament Chandelier
    AMAZING, huh? There’s more where that came from!  But, first…
    Today they’re sharing their tutorial on how to use fabric as wallpaper – a beautiful solution for those of us with anti-wallpaper phobia (when you’ve scraped an entire house with layers upon layers of wallpaper, some even painted, some on ceilings…you understand the hate and fear of wallpaper).  This is gorgeous and the fact that it’s easily removable is a huge bonus! Not to mention fabric comes in so many beautiful designs, patterns and colors.  Welcome Hillary & Breann: 
    {BEFORE}
    {AFTER}

    Directions:
    • take starch and poor into your paint tray
    • take your paint roller & roll starch on just part of the wall about a 24″x 24″ square
    • line up your fabric and stick it to the wall

    Tips: They found it easier to thumb tack the corner and top to make sure it stayed and didn’t slide–{make sure to always start at the top corner}[also make sure to leave about an inch extra on the top, bottom, and sides. the fabric shrinks about 1/2"].
    • after putting your fabric on, take your roller and roll starch over the top.
    Tip: {fabric should be soaking with starch}-also when using the roller brush only roll upwards. if you you roll the roller down, all the starch comes gushing out of the roller-

    • continue doing the same thing with the rest of the panel & each one after that.

    Tip: {it would be a good idea to place thumb tacks through out the whole process. especially where the panels overlap.}
    • once your wall is completely dry, go over it again with starch to get all the air bubbles out
    • after that dries, take your rotary cutter and cut the excess fabric off the sides.

    Tip: [using a rotary cutter [or razor blade] was the best way to get a smooth straight cut. scissors… no bueno.]

    For more information or questions, visit Hillary and Breann and their awesome DIY at
    Things We Fancy

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    This Messy Business – Bathroom Reveal

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    Welcome Monday!  Of course I only say that when it’s a short work week!  Today I’d like to introduce you to Meaghan, a young, poor, obsessed with decorating DIY’er redoing her first place and documenting her experiences and DIY at her blog, 

    Photobucket

    Meaghan just recently completed an amazing bathroom makeover.  Take a look:


    BEFORE

    “The walls were a weird pinkish beige and the old light fixtures made the room HOT. So hot in fact they had burned spots onto the ceiling. Awesome. The towel rack was in a weird spot  and the accessories were kinda childish.”

    “Here was the bathroom shower area. It wasn’t very pretty for sure. Crappy towel rack, ugly paint, weird door sticker… I didn’t enjoy spending time in the bathroom really.”


    “There were several things that had to be done and I soon found that my list from above was getting longer… and longer… and longer. First step though was to have my Dad help me with the wall repair. Which we thought was only going to take a couple hours when really ended up consuming the whole day.“

    Here’s Meagan’s DIY Checklist:<
    /span>
    And here’s the beautiful AFTER…

    <
    br />

     ”The goal of the entire reno: storage and function.”




    Before:

    Now the after:

    “Here’s another glimpse of all the different angles of the room. From the entry to the bathroom to each vanity I have touched every surface (except the counter tops) with a paint brush or a new look. Top to bottom the space is absolutely nothing like it was when I bought it back in 2008.” 


    Here’s the comparison:

    pan>
    Isn’t it amazing?  Want more details or have questions?  See the Meaghan’s original post with more information at 
    This Messy Business



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    DIY Project Parade ~ Dinner Party Details and Silhouette Cameo Review

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    It’s party time!  My baby girl’s birthday is tomorrow.

    I don’t know how this little girl…
    became this young lady so fast…
    {Happy Birthday, honey…love you!}
    All I did was blink. 

    Can I get a 
    (x) A hug 
    (x) A tissue

    My family gets together for birthdays and she’s requested that I cook. If you know me, you know that Mr. DIY is the chef around here (but I do know how to cook, I just resign because he enjoys it so much – who am I to argue?) and since she’s moved out, home cooked meals are few and far between. At her pleading, I’m making a salsa chicken soup.  I tweak this recipe a little. I set the table with fresh bread, shredded cheese, avocado strips, sour cream and Goldfish crackers. And since we’re not hosting Thanksgiving dinner (a tradition my brother and his wife generously invite us to)…and because it’s her birthday, I’m in the mood to add a little festivity to the dinner table. (A special thanks to Butch and my Mr. DIY for fixing the dishwasher…otherwise plan B was pizza and paper plates!)

    I saw these on Pinterest… 
    Pinned Image
    Aren’t they cute? Chocolate and peanut butter yummies!

    Perfect! I’ll be making them later today.
    I am lucky enough to review the new Cameo for Silhouette America who will be running an awesome discount on Black Friday (through November 28th) for DIY Show Off readers and the Silhouette online store will already be having a huge discount during those days so you’re going to want to stop back on Black Friday and add the Silhouette Cameo to your holiday wish list!   
    The Silhouette CAMEO™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac®
    with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more    . 

    Use Code SHOWOFF at Silhouette America.

    Silhouette CAMEO™
    $299.99

    Now, I need boxes to hold the acorn treats and place cards. This is where the Cameo saves the day. No need to get dressed to run to the party store. Using some scrapbook paper I have on hand and purchasing three shapes from the Silhouette online store, I used the Cameo to cut out two deer for place cards and a fun favor box. 

    The Cameo cuts up to 12 inches wide. 

    There’s only one blade (instead of Silhouette’s 3) but it’s adjustable. 


    It’s quieter and cuts nice and quick. Ever try cutting in bulk using scissors? Not fun. Cramped hands and not perfect results either. You’re going to want to add the Cameo to your holiday wish list. 


    I chose a pretty box pattern for holding yummy acorn treats…

    And these cute little deer for place cards…

    Colorful and pretty. Perfect for a birthday dinner party?

    Now…time to go clean for company and run to the grocery store for ingredients. You know I love to host a fun party! Right? You’re invited to this one: 


    Let’s see what you’ve been up to lately!  Do you have an amazing decorating, home improvement or room transformation to share?  Consider doing a guest post instead of linking (send an email to thediyshowoff@gmail.com). 
    The DIY Show Off

    1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love.

    2.Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.

    3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

    4.If you notice your link has disappeared -please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today, a button or a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone’s links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also – this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only. 



    5.  If reading this in an email, pop over to http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!



    6. If you have a Fall or Holiday link to share, feel free to link up to those parties going on too! See side bar for the button and link. 

    7.  NOW you can “like” the links!  What a fun idea!  Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week.


    8.  Visit a few other links to make some new friends,
    get some creative ideas and feel free to leave me a comment. I’m likely sitting here on the computer and could use a happy distraction! 

    *The Cameo was provided by Silhouette America to share tutorials, projects and promotions with DIY Show Off readers.  Projects, tutorials, some supplies and opinions are my own. As a Silhouette America affiliate, using the code SHOWOFF will earn me a small commission ~ thank you!


    I’m sharing a quick and easy burlap art over at the DIY Club today using stretched burlap  from Canvas Corp and a Sharpie. Check it out!
     




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    Blogging for Dollars at Homemaker On a Dime

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    I just wanted to share that my super talented friend, SJ at

    is sharing a series called Blogging for Dollars. I’ve really enjoyed reading how the bloggers she’s selected have been sharing their experiences.  If you’ll remember, SJ was a part of the Roomspiration party, sharing her beautiful master bedroom reveal.  I love her beautiful projects and pretty style.
    When SJ asked me to participate in Blogging for Dollars, I was a bit nervous (and didn’t realize I should have included some pictures like the other features or my blog button/etc…oops. Interviews make me a nervous wreck!) – I don’t feel qualified to be giving advice (I’m just a regular blogger) but I do share my thoughts. That’s more interesting than pictures anyway, right?  Thanks, SJ! Please read my Blogging for Dollars Q&A and tell SJ “hi” Homemaker on a Dime and leave a comment. It’s really a great series and so helpful.  {Thanks, SJ!}
    And just in case I lost you…here’s a picture for today’s post, on how I sum up blogging:
    Blogging for money is definitely a sweet bonus but don’t ever forget…
    Pinned Image
    Bloggers:  Friends helping Friends.
    Enjoy the day!
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    Painted Porch Floor – It All Started With Paint

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    Happy weekend, DIY Show Off readers! Don’t you just love Saturdays? I can’t wait to see what you’ve been doing tomorrow at the DIY Project Parade! 

    I‘d like to introduce you to a blog called IASWP…isn’t that a catchy blog title, especially when you realize the power of paint?  Love it!  Linda is a do-it-yourself’er updating her home on a budget of $500 or less per room (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?!).  She just finished the porch. You know my love of painted floors, right? (I hope you said yes – proof here and here). Well, Linda just painted her porch floor and it’s a beauty!  Ready to see it?
    Painted Porch Rug for Blog 2 (600x450) (2)

    See her full post for all of the details at Painted Porch Rug.

    Paint Porch Rug for Blog Closeup Border (600x450) (2)

    Paint Porch Rug for Blog Long Shot (600x450) (2)

    Linda says you can’t see it from the side walk, but it’s ‘like a secret surprise waiting for guests’. And what a pleasant one!
    Painted Porch Rug for Blog 3 (600x450) (2)
    Painted Porch for Blog (600x450)
    Painted Porch for Blog 2 (600x450) (2)
    Painted Porch Rug for Blog 4 (600x450) (2)
    Painted Porch Rug for Blog longer (600x450) (2)
    I love it! The best part – no mold from being wet. Easy to clean. And so pretty.  Great job, Linda! 

    You can see DIY from Linda at 
    it all started with paint
    Here’s a hint of some of my favorite “It All Started with Paint” projects…


    A Kitchen Before and After Story
    Kitchen Table Open Close Up (580x435) (3) watermark
    for blog sink counter for blog (600x450) (2) watermark

    Love these!
    blog.benchcloseup (2) (600x450) entrylight
    entrybasket 
    Fall Wreath.best(600x450) (2)

    Have a great weekend!

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    DIY Fall Festival

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    I‘m still loving the beautiful fall inspired DIY projects linked up every week.  Thank you so much for sharing!  Here are some highlights from last week’s party with some beautiful DIY ideas:

    Whimsical Autumn Nature Tablescape

    Gorgeous!
    Fun Fall Table Runner
    Beautiful fall colors…
    FALL TABLE RUNNER
    MORE fabulously festive printables at 
    Natural, vintage mantel 
    {my style – neutral and so pretty}
    Warm and welcoming fall decor

    This new to me site that I’m loving…
    Tablescapes by Diane
    Click above to see oodles of tablescape inspiration!

    And lastly, visit Leasa at
    Funkymom Cards
    to see a beautiful chair transformation and a sweet pillow reminder, perfect for this time of year…

    Let’s see what you’ve got for FALL!

    The DIY Show Off



    Rules: FALL ONLY (Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving)!  Regular DIY Project Parade HERE and Christmas HERE. 

    •Create a blog post about an Autumn/Fall project that YOU HAVE CREATED. Feel free to include a past link, however please make a note on a recent post about the DIY Fall Festival to invite everyone over to join in or to search the collection of fall inspired ideas.

    •Add your project title to Linky party below.  (example: House # Pumpkins)

    •Type in the permalink address, not your basic blog address. A permalink is the address that links directly to your specific post. (example: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2009/08/house-number-pumpkins)

    •Please add the DIY button or link to the party in your post to share the party with your readers.

    •Although a tutorial is helpful, it’s not required. It just must be your project.  Please only link up same project once to one party.

    •If you notice that you’re link disappeared, please make the correction according to the rules above and re-link!
    • By adding your link, you give the DIY Show Off permission to highlight your project in a future post. Enjoy and be inspired!

    HAPPY FALL! (oops! sorry for the delay in opening the party!)

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    DIY Holiday Highlights Linky Party ~ Empty Fireplace Card Holder and Vintage Soda Crate Advent Calendar

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    Who's Moved on to Christmas? THURSDAYS!
    When I decorated my dining room for Emily Henderson’s Holiday Guide  a few months ago, I added in a couple of easy holiday DIY projects. (Have you checked it out? So many great holiday ideas from DIY, decorating, entertainment, gift suggestions, etc.)

    Advent Calendar
    An old vintage soda crate has 24 boxes. I turned it on its side, added stamped numbered boxes and let the countdown begin, with sweet little gifts inside…
    Pin It
    Favor boxes found in the baking section of Michaels.
    Free printables:  Maggie Cat, Family Crafts
    Pretty Etsy Options:  Here, here and here
    Pin It
    Christmas Mantel
    Pin It
    An empty {faux} fireplace with a few covered tension rods and curtain clips became a Christmas card display:

    Tension Rod Christmas Card Holder How to: (works for windows or open shelving too!)

    Have you been in the Christmas spirit a little early this year?  L
    et’s see your holiday DIY posts!
    The DIY Show Off

  1. You must use the button above in your blog post or side bar to share the linky love.
  2. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your holiday project post url which is the web address that goes directly to your holiday project blog post, not your blog address). Feel free to link a Past Post, just be sure add the DIY Holiday Highlights button to your side bar.
  3. Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.
  4. IF YOU’RE STILL IN THE FALL/THANKSGIVING MIND SET, LINK UP TO THE DIY FALL FESTIVAL AT http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20Festival.
  5. If you notice your link has disappeared -please check the content of your post. Is it holiday related? Add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today with a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! 

    6. Pin It

    I‘m joining the new party over at
    Photobucket 

    Made in a DayTickled Pink at 504 Main good one Sunday's Best Linky Party!


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    Budget Decorating – Better Decorating Bible

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    Suzy from Better Decorating Bible is sharing her beautiful bedroom today.  What I love about her room is it’s cozy feel and collection of pretty things that have special meaning to her.  It all comes together with a beautiful, comfortable, eclectic vibe.  Here’s Susan:

    Here is my all-time favorite place to hang out – my bedroom. It was inspired by a bohemian, cozy style with a touch of French regency.I recently redecorated it from a sunny yellow color which was looking tired, and decided to keep the ceiling a sky blue color. To glam it up I installed a gold chair rail trim to complement the cream white walls and painted the door trim in gold as well.I love the lived in and well-traveled look as it’s filled with lots of antiques and art which all has a special meaning to me. I made my room functional by using an antique piano bench as a coffee table and having a day bed which doubles as a couch. This makes my room a great place to hang out and doesn’t feel like much of a bedroom.Everything was decorated on a budget and I tried not to invest too much since I move around a lot. Hope you enjoy! 
     Uber Chic Bohemian Decorated Bedroom 

    Uber Chic Bohemian Decorated Bedroom 
    Uber Chic Bohemian Decorated Bedroom

    Uber Chic Bohemian Decorated Bedroom
    What do you guys think?  I swear if I put all of those things together, I don’t think it’d look this planned or this pretty but she really has a talent for display and staging, doesn’t she? This room has history. Decorating can be as simple as rearranging everything you already own, not breaking the bank to buy tons of coordinating decor and still achieving a beautiful look.  The addition of the gold chair rail is a beautiful detail. I love it!

    See more decorating ideas and DIY from Suzy at

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    Freckles Chick – Nursery Reveal

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    The last I ‘talked’ to Freckles Chick, she was awaiting the {late} impending arrival of her baby girl.  That was last week, so I’m hoping that as of today, she’s holding her precious princess in her arms and back home putting this beautiful nursery to good use.  

    It all started with putting together a mood board…

    Room before:

    Lighter neutral walls are the perfect backdrop for the white furniture and pretty blooming branch.

    Dresser before:
    Becomes a beautiful changing table…
    Some DIY wall art…
    Photobucket

    A favorite poem (I Carry Your Heart With Me by E.E. Cummings) that I’ve been reading aloud to the Peanut.
    Photobucket


    Photobucket
    So peaceful and calm…
    Photobucket

    Photobucket

    Photobucket

    Photobucket
    />
    An organized dream closet…
    Photobucket

    See the source list at the Reveal. { See more Nursery Diaries: Part 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 }

    Pop over to more awesome DIY and pretties see Freckles Chick at 
    {freckles chick}

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    Dazed. And then some…an old window DIY project.

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    Meet:  Rachelle from

    Dazed. And then some...  
    who has recently turned some old windows into some amazing things.  Today she’s sharing one of her awesome window projects.  Here she is:



    Yay!! I am SO excited to share this project with all of you!


    I started with just the window frame (it came with the glass) and went from there.


    Okay, so here’s how I did it!

    Supplies:
    • Window Frame w/glass
    • Crackle Paint
    • Country White Acrylic Paint
    • Brown Acrylic Paint
    • Sandpaper
    • Raw wood shelf
    • (3)  Longer Nails/Hammer
    • Twine
    • (2) Screws
    • Screw Driver
    • Wall Decals (Optional)
    • Hot Glue Gun and glue

    Instructions:
    1. If the frame you chose already has a dark stain or dark color paint, you do not need to paint it again. Just take your Crackle Paint and brush on a nice layer in one even direction. Let it get tacky. Do NOT let it dry.
    2. Using your Country White paint, brush on a nice thick layer. Within a minute or two you will start to see it crack! You can speed this process along using a hairdryer, as well.
    3. Using the same brush you used for the white paint, start painting your raw wood shelf brown. 
    4. Sand both the shelf and window frame along the edges and even more so on the corners.
    5. Flip your frame over and screw in your screws. (One on the top of each corner for hanging.) 
    6. Cut enough twine to fold over 4 times and tie a loop on each end. Apply to screws.
    7. On your shelf, hammer in 3 nails. Make sure they are long and sturdy enough for keys (or whatever you think you will be hanging from them).
    8. Now apply a nice thick layer of hot glue to the back of your shelf and press onto the bottom of the frame.
    9. Finally, apply your decals to the windows. I used Designer Wall Accents in “Swirly Branches”. 

    Note: You do not have to apply the decals at all if you prefer not to. If you like the idea of branches but don’t want to buy decals, you can just paint them on the back of the windows. (That was my initial plan until I spotted the decals!)

    HANG HER UP! :)

    **I kind of forgot to take a before shot, so here is the back of the frame after I had already finished it.

    Close up of the crackle effect… Cool, ri
    ght?!




    This is a shot of it without the decals. It looks great either way! 



    Beautiful and so creative!  Great job, Rachelle!  This would be perfect in an entryway! Love it!


    See more DIY and creativity from Rachelle at her blog…

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    Sleeping Beauty by Click Clack Gorilla

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    Meet:  Nicollette from 
    I love her DIY story:  In July 2009 a couple gave me the 60-year-old wooden caravan/trailer (German: Bauwagen) that they had had on their garden plot for the last 20 years. All I had to do was dig the axle out of the ground and get it home.


    Two days later and a few layers dirtier we hauled trash house home to the wagenplatz where I live and the oh-crap-I’ve-never-built-anything-more-complicated-than-a-CD-shelf, diy renovation gauntlet began. A year, 900 euros, and many borrowed tools and trips to the dumpsters later, I had me a sweet little house on wheels.


    Here’s the transformation: 
    I am astounded that I’m really finished—well, finished enough to be sleeping in trash house, lighting the wood stove in trash house, and gazing around the room looking at the physical reality of what I’ve been imagining for over a year. Technically I’m not really finished—someday soon the pleas of my frozen feet will be too loud to ignore and I will insulate the floor—but as far as daily life goes, trash house is ready to have a bottle of champagne smashed against her snow-bobbled buttocks.

    So, here are some before-and-after pictures for your consideration. May they astound you the way that comparing my memories of the last year to the present astounds me.
    once upon a wagon…

    When I first got trash house home from Rüsselsheim after digging her out of the garden where she’d spent the last 20 years she looked like this:
    My very own sleeping beauty, given to me for zero euro because sometimes people would rather just be rid of something than to do the work of taking it with them when they move. My first task was to insulate the walls. Below you’ll find her stripped and defiled some months later:
    And today, parked in a new spot, covered in snow, and bedecked with a wind chime.
    The siding in the pictures above was born of an ex-ceiling. The hose carries water from the rain gutter and into the rain barrel that will make watering my garden next summer exponentially easier. The hose is from the trash, the barrel is from the trash, the ladder, the candle holder, trash, trash, trash, etc, usw, et. al.

    In the picture below you can see the one side I managed to cover with the original boards (only one side’s worth of boards survived the crow bar’s wrath and my impatience), and the end I sided with boards from Natasha’s ex-ceiling. Most of them were kind of fucked, so next summer will probably see another brief re-siding project. My neurotic side wishes that all four sides looked exactly the same, but since I usually don’t have to look at them all at once, and I like having saved some of those purdy original boards, my neurosis’ twitchy pleas for further symmetry remain quiet enough to ignore.

    First, the climatic before photo. Summer 2009: shortly after hauling trash house home from Rüsselsheim, I filled her innards with huge Styrofoam bits that I intended to slice into insulation-sized pieces. Those blocks ended up back in the trash where I’d found them after I discovered that cutting Styrofoam is a big messy. Many other objects have come from (and gone back to) the trash since. I even made 40 euros selling what it turned out I didn’t need at the flea market for 50 cents a pop.

    Note the small window to your right, the unplea
    santly bland wall and ceiling color, and the cardboard-brown color of the floor for future comparison:
    Today: wha-la! Lived in, cheerful, and filled with the crap I call my possessions:
    As seen when facing in the opposite direction (with my back to the door), before the make-over:
    And don’t forget the big hole in the wall where I had to cut out some scary sponge mold! Wasn’t that a blast! Does the fun ever start?! (Ugh.)

    And there you have it folks, a year’s worth of learned building skills, and an incredible amount of timely dumpster dived resources: my finished house. And the best part? The even better bestest of the best part? The whole thing–the house, moving costs, building materials, and tools–cost me under 1000 euros.

    It’s an awesome story and amazing transformation, Nicolette! Just proves that home is what you make it and you are a DIY super star!  Thank you so much for sharing!  It reminds me of the episode of HGTV’s Design Star last season where they transformed tiny houses…only you had a bigger challenge!  It looks so cozy and you’ve done a great job cleaning it up and making it livable!  Great job! See more at Click Clack Gorilla.

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    Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

    DIY Project Parade

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    I‘ve been working on some home improvement  DIY and decorating projects but nothing to share in that department quite yet. I’m determined to stop procrastinating, get brave and jump right in this week. However last week, I saw these $448 shoes in the Anthropologie catalog…
    LOVE!  Well, minus the peep toe. I like gray but I’d prefer black. Did you know I love clothes, shoes and fashion almost as much as I love DIY? Most of my clothes are thrifted…I just love shopping those racks way more than at the mall. Budget. Budget. Budget. 

    Then I remembered I have these shoes…

    Using a flower tutorial from Jones Design Company (love her flower tutorials – I even made some felt flower hair clips too)…anyway, I got to work making flouncy flowers….
    Fabric was left over from a sheer curtain that I turned into a pillow cover that I cut up (resourceful)!

    and now I have these. Not exactly like the Anthropologie shoes but from old to new and pretty for FREE! And I like them better than the Anthro ones. 

    Just in time for a real live date night because believe it or not, life is more than DIY (our last date was in April). We have to remind ourselves of that here. We try to make time to do something fun together (although we do find date night at the hardware store fun too but it’s nice to just forget about DIY and refresh once in a while). Last night, we went out for a delicious dinner at Rock Bottom followed by entertainment at the Improv and Sing Sing. Hiliarous!

    And instead of looking like this…

    I got a little sassy and wore a leopard scarf and movie star sunglasses instead of safety goggles…

    and because my daughter says she thinks scarves look better with hair up or back, I wore a ponytail.
    The rest of my outfit was toned down.  Just black and cream, nothing fancy but all comfy, classic.  Can’t get too wild with a leopard scarf. Plus walking around town is chilly in November so pants and sweater it is.
    Button Tip – if you have a button that’s ready to fall off or the thread is starting to u
    nravel, apply a coat of clear nail polish to keep it from unraveling more and popping off. (Thanks, mom!)
     + = SECURE
    My OLD NEW Flouncy Ruffly Shoes:
    (sneak peek of my dressing room – one of those projects I mentioned)

    Here I am with my handsome date…(isn’t he cute?):

    So, that’s my DIY project and my weekend.  Let’s see what you’ve been up to!
    (Anyone notice that my post is scheduled for Sunday, 11/13 at 5 a.m. but it’s showing up Sat. night? Strange!)
    The DIY Show Off
    1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love.
    2.Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.
    3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

    4.If you notice your link has disappeared -please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today, a button or a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone’s links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also – this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted.


    5.  If reading this in an email, pop over to http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!


    6. If you have a Fall or Holiday link to share, feel free to link up to those parties going on! See side bar for the button and link. 

    7.  NOW you can “like” the links!  What a fun idea!  Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week.

    20project.%20">Pin It
    Partying here:
    Tickled Pink at 504 Main Photobucket   Link Party
      Sunday's Best Linky Party!
     Remodelaholic’s Anonymous

    Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)

    Wingback Chair Before and After ~ Strange and Lovely Ride

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    Meet:  Aja, (beautiful name, pronounced “Asia”), a Midwest girl on a constant mission to make her house a home and blog author at 
    It's a Strange and Lovely Ride
    Aja recently and successfully performed wingback chair surgery.  Take a look: 
    Sound the alarm, people, they’re done!
    After much toil, tribulation… blood, sweat and tears, my Twinkie Wingbacks are finally finished and just waiting on you to come over and sit on them! They’ve actually been done for some time.. (story of my life, right?).. but I was hesitating on the nail head trim on the arms. Why, I don’t really know. I think I was nervous that they wouldn’t turn out right. But I love it! Perfect? No. But I challenge you to come to my house and find any project that I’ve taken on and call it perfect. :)  
    A little Before & After action for you:
    BEFORE

    AFTER
    What do you think??

    How did I do it?? HA! See above blood, sweat and tears rant! If you’re thinking of taking on a similar project, I HIGHLY recommend this great tutorial. And this one. I looked all around on Pinterest for ideas for these chairs. 
    A few more action shots:

    Beautiful!  I love a happy ending and perfect? It’s what I see! Great job, Aja!

    See more DIY, beautiful photography, family life, her sweet tiny dancer (her first name is my middle name) and gorgeous home at
    It's a Strange and Lovely Ride.
    Pin It

    Coming soon – in order to fix the feed, the DIY Show Off will soon have a new look. Unsuccessful attempts have pushed me to switch to my own domain. Thanks for your patience and sticking with it while I work out the bugs. :)