Fun Fab Finds

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Roeshel

There’s nothing I love more than adding unexpected fun character to a room. My favorite part about room makeovers is shopping for and adding the decorative elements.

…Fab.

Are you familiar with Fab? It’s an online marketplace offering {constantly changing} designer products at great prices. I enjoy discovering new-to-me decorating shops and thought you might too. Plus, they’re offering free shipping today and tomorrow (3/27-28) on any size order. I was recently invited by Fab to share a few of my favorite finds. Just being silly, I call this my THRIVE collection of items I love currently on sale:

Here’s what I found fab on Fab:

Who else has a spouse who ‘misplaces’ everything? “I Wear Rack” in walnut is perfect for holding items (i.e. wallet, shades, mail).
Great price on this indoor/outdoor Danube 6 x 9 ft. sized area herringbone rug…and I love the awesome pattern.
Industrial touches like this Birdcage Black Lamp catch my eye every time. Love!
Giant Rocky Ram – don’t you just love cardboard animal heads? Maybe it’s just me. ?
Personalizing the dinner table with a cute Placecard Activity Kit.
Vinyl cut-out decals {Huelva}…great for DIY storage labeling.
Chalkboards are trendy, but a US map chalkboard is even more irresistible.
Love notes: Carve Your Own Card.
Rewined Candle: clean burning soy candle in a recycled wine bottle which can be recycled with DIY soy candles again!
Vintage Peace Globe: Peace on one side and a flock of birds on the other. Love it {inspires a DIY project}!
The Garden Deck – set of 48 individual cards packed with tips on growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables. Help for acquiring a green thumb!
Vintage industrial rolling shop storage inspires organization since it’s too cool to junk up, right?

There’s only one shopping day left ’til tomorrow. ~Unknown Author

*This post is sponsored by Fab, but choice of products and opinion is my own.

Spring Decorating

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Roeshel

Five days until spring officially arrives but who’s counting? This girl! I’ve been ready since January. Not to mention, Easter Sunday is only a little over 2 weeks away too and we’re hosting. So, time to start decorating, starting with the dining room and a little Easter vignette…

DIY faux chocolate bar tutorial {and spray painted thrift store ceramic bunnies}
Thrift store tray makeover

I dusted off my DIY Pottery Barn inspired Happy Easter eggs from two years ago for the occasion and put together a centerpiece…

DIY Pottery Barn inspired decorative Easter eggs tutorial

Just reading the message on my DIY spring sign makes me think of spring sunshine.

and an indoor fairy garden in a miniature greenhouse has me just itching to see green outdoors…

Okay. It’s my birthday today, so let’s have a party! It’s my turn to host the Countdown to Spring party. Last on the list, but that means it’s nearly spring!

I’ve had so much fun collaborating with My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Sand & Sisal, Domestically Speaking and It’s So Very Cheri. Did you see their spring projects too? Check them out!

Are you decorating for spring or Easter or even St. Patrick’s Day? Let’s see your spring goodies! Link up your spring décor, mantels, recipes, crafts… you name it… as long as it’s spring related, please share!

Subtle Valentine Decorating

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Roeshel

Love and hearts are February’s traditional decorating theme but at our home void of little ones, red and pink and over-the-top would look out of place. I do plan to work on something DIY-Valentine related. However, inspiration hasn’t hit just yet so I set about collecting some subtle Valentine ideas.

I added a frame to my turquoise ribbon heart wreath from last year for the focal point of the vignette on our dining room buffet and shopping from around the house discovered a few eclectic coordinating accents to tone it down…

I love Jessica’s creative idea, inspiration from a romantic movie {or book} is a perfect subtle theme for Valentine’s day. The Notebook inspired mantel at Mom 4 Real is so inspiring…

Why not turquoise for Valentine’s Day? We “love” the color right? This turquoise Valentine wreath spotted over at ModPodge Rocks captured my heart. It’s not extra-frilly or pink and red. Try adding a small Valentine related accent to a regular wreath … maybe inspired by a ‘conversational heart’?

Lyrics from a love song provide inspiration for all sorts of subtle Valentine decorating. This is DIY sign by Seven Thirty Three is one of my favorites…

Kim at Today’s Creative Blog adds just a touch of glittery red to her terrariums. Just the small simple embellishments look as if her pretty thoughts of spring garden display is sporting lipstick kisses.

Valentine DIY doesn’t have to be time consuming or messy. This sweet little DIY Valentine topiary at Celebrations is a great little Valentine gift for your every day decor. Just tuck it on a shelf, near books, lined up with your plants, mantel theme…any spot and instant touch of Valentine goodness. Does this topiarary remind anyone else of a Dove foil covered chocolate heart? Just had a sudden urgent craving for dark chocolate…

Jennifer at Dear Lillie has big talent for subtle anytime decorating and Valentine’s Day is no exception. A simple neutral banner, splash of fresh pink flowers and Silhouettes reminiscent of vintage Valentines. Did your heart rate increase just a little too? pitter~patter~pitter~patter…

This sweet Valentine’s Day canvas by Doreen at Hymns & Verses is a great reminder any time of the year of what’s truly important. Love.

Easy and full of Valentine charm – pop one of these adorable free Valentine chalkboard printables by Create.Craft.Love . into an existing frame…clutter-free, simple instant Valentine decor.

Do you decorate for Valentine’s day? Subtle touches or bold & traditional?

Ginormous Giveaway Alert!

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Roeshel

Extra, extra! Read all about it!

I have an awesome announcement to share, DIY readers! A teaser. Something to look forward to. A great way to start the week! What do you get when a group of DIY blog friends plan a fun “thank you for your encouragement and support” event?

3 days.

3 giveaways each day.

Total value of combined prizes? Over $14,000.

You.don’t.want.to.miss.this!

Monday 10/15

Tuesday 10/16 – The PINacle of DIY Goodness Giveaway

Wednesday 10/17 – Shut the Front Door {to keep it all in} Giveaway

Wait until you see all of the fabulous prizes ! It’s an awesome giveaway highlighting some of our favorite home improvement and home decorating brands, companies we all LOVE! It’s HUGE likeohmygoshiwanttowinthissobad! And since I can’t, I sure hope you do! Hope to see you here Monday for the start of the ultimate DIY giveaway!

Enjoy a wonderful weekend!

October’fest of Fun! {Theme: Fall Crafts}

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Roeshel

Welcome, DIY friends! In lieu of the regularly scheduled DIY Fall Festival this week, I’m super excited to be kicking off and hosting the October’fest of Fun with some of my blog friends! Today’s theme is “crafts”. All fall crafts, including spooky!

I decorate one area for Halloween every year, one small fun Halloween vignette. This year, I’m bringing back my “nevermore” tree that I made a few years ago. I swapped out the container, added a few more crows. Here are some tips on how I made mine for making your own:

Materials:

Vase, container, urn. I used glass this time but any container for holding small branches works. A few years ago, I used an old thrift store vase and spray painted it black…

Small branch (desired size that fits your container). Choose one that has several branch-offs to look more like a tree.
Black spray paint
Styrofoam cone
Handful of dry moss. Other options: shredded newspaper, crinkled paper
Dollar Store accessories: faux crows, plastic spiders, cotton spider webbing, ribbon
Optional: low temp hot glue

Tutorial:

1. I started by spraying my branch black and adding a touch of black to my dried moss and let them dry.
2. Because I used a glass container, I lined it with a scrap piece of dropcloth.

3. Paper, newspaper, moss would also work.
4. Using the bottom of my tree branch, I poked a hole into the circular side of my cone. Insert the Styrofoam cone into container with the circular side/hole facing up. You can secure your foam to the container. I didn’t.
5. Insert the branch into the Styrofoam hole. Secure with hot glue if needed.
6. Cover styrofoam with dried moss, crinkled paper or shredded paper. Glue into place if desired.
7. 8. 9. ACCESSORIZE: I strung more dried moss and spider webs to my branches (drag the spider webbing). Attach crows. I used black twist ties to attach some of my crows, others are just propped on branches. I did use hot glue to attach a few plastic spiders and added a couple of snips of sheer ribbon here and there for a little added whimsy.

Stand back and admire!

Do you decorate for Halloween? Any fun fall crafts to share?

Note: Today’s theme is “crafts” – Fall or Halloween crafts only please {ALL FALL DIY FALL FESTIVAL resumes next Wed.}
Please link back using the button below or permalink to this post. Thanks!

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Don’t forget to visit these blog friends this week:
Thursday: Link up your fall mantels with Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage

Friday: Share your fall tablescapes with Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Saturday: Debbie @ Debbiedoo’s - share your fall home tour!

Where I find decorating inspiration.

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Roeshel

I’m guest posting over at Heartland Homes blog today!

When it comes to decorating our home, “where do I begin?” Here are a few things that give me idea and jump start my decorating motivation:

My INSPIRATION

YOU! Blog friends, DIY Home Improvement and Decorating blogs. I love all of the ideas linked up to the DIY Project Parade each week. And that leads to
Pinterest. Addicted? Yea, me too!
Catalogs.

Magazines.

My reading nook is filled with my magazine collection…

Decor Books.

Google Images: A good way to search for something with specific descriptions.
Fashion/Style
Working with what I have.

Taking direction from our collections. Bri’s plate collection…

Lifestyle: Can you tell something I might like to do by the picture below?

Inspiration piece -

ORGANIZING THOUGHTS/PLANS:

Ways to organize favorite ideas and inspiration:

Scrapbook: a collection of ideas and images, paint and fabric swatches.
Design board for online favorites using Powerpoint or a Word document or an online source like Olioboard or create a real board using physical items as you would a scrapbook.
Utilize Pinterest.
Keep a notebook on hand.

We spend more time than anyone else in the world in our home. Our motto is “do what you love”. Surrounding myself with an environment that works with our lifestyle and personality makes us happy and comfortable.

Visit Heartland Homes blog for more thoughts on how I gather inspiration for decorating my home.

Thrifty Treasure Transformation – colorful candlesticks

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Roeshel

I shared this over at the DIY Club a few weeks ago but wanted to share here too. When I saw this Martha Stewart image…I loved the coordinating colorful candles and candlesticks.

colorful candlesticks

So, I started collecting wooden candlesticks from thrift stores and yard sales…

wooden candlesticks

I wanted a fun colorful accent to go with our family room plans:

What I used:

Wooden candle sticks
Candles (color matching my Patio Paints)
Deco Art Patio Paint (dark eucalyptus green, waterfall, fuchsia, buttercup)
Deco Art Patio Paint reusable Home & Garden stick on stencils
dark glaze (TransTint Dye by Rockler)

How I did it:

1. I gave my wooden candlesticks a few coats of Patio Paint each. Because I didn’t sand the wood, I used a dry brush technique. I preferred an antiqued look. I let the candlesticks dry between coats.

2. I brushed on and wiped off my glaze (TransTint dye) to give it an old finish.

3. The Deco Art stencil was sticky (and reusable) making stenciling super easy:

Ta-da!

{fabric is waverly santa maria desert flower – I’ll be using it for my drapes}

Love them – fun colorful accent to add to our family room…if I can ever get back to working on the makeover!

DIY Club

Summer Mantel

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Roeshel

Time to change out the dining room mantel for the new summer season.

Something green, something fresh and pretty…

and I needed a break from the not so fun cleaning routine.

Decorating and DIY is my reward. {And placing part of my stencil crooked is my mistake…oops! Imperfection – fits with our home’s theme!}

Fresh flowers are a gift to myself and a new DIY sign is a gift to our home {tutorial coming right up}.

Summer is my favorite time of the year. In my garden, sunshine makes my soul happy.

Enjoy a beautiful summer weekend!

Sharing at these parties:

*Don’t forget to enter to win*

Granite Gold cleaning kit & $50 Bed, Bath & Beyond gift card

granite gold products Bed Bath & Beyond gift card

Thrifty Treasures

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Roeshel

My trip to the thrift store this week resulted in two Venice prints. A little more expensive than I’d normally consider ($10/each) but the retail price shows $40/each and they have an old world feel that’s perfect for the living room. $80 for $20. Not bad.

I needed to add some steel wire to the back to hang {tips for hanging pictures on plaster walls}…

and now they fill a previously empty wall space:

Continue reading →

Spring Mantel & 3D Love Letters wall art

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Roeshel

I love spring and we have been having some ah-mazing nearly summer-like weather with lots of sunshine and warmer-than-usual temps. Nothing lifts my spirits more than open windows, fresh air and no snow. It’s motivation to do-it-yourself (that’s a verb, right?) something pretty, colorful and fun. A spring mantel:

Continue reading →

How To Get This Beach/Eclectic Cottage Look

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Roeshel

Good morning! There have been some questions regarding the details of the room Cassity and I designed. Then we’ll move on to the regularly scheduled DIY posts.
These are the final professional shots of the beach themed room:

With the exception of the handscraped Rockbridge Dusk hardwood floor and the beautiful Ikat panel area rug, the room, the furniture and accessories are photo props at Tribuzio Hilliard in High Point, NC. So, nothing from this room was purchased via shopping from a store when we decorated. Everything was selected from a warehouse. It was the candy shop for DIYers! Packed full of decorating goodies.

Here is a breakdown of the room details with links to similar furniture and accents as well as some DIY tips.

Hardwood & Area Rug

Handscraped Maple Hardwood (Style: Rockbridge/Color: Dusk)and Ikat panel (Multi) by Shaw Floors HGTV Home collection. The rug is listed as contemporary and even has a traditional feel to the design. We loved the pattern for our cottage room. As Lisa LaPorta agreed, an area rug is a great starting point for inspiration in your home.

Ikat Panel (Multi)

Wall Color

COPEN BLUE by Sherwin Williams for HGTV Home.

SW0068 Copen Blue
Interior/Exterior

Color Collections: Rustic Refined, The Streamlined Years

Color Family: Blues

RGB Value: R-192 | G-204 | B-198

Hexadecimal Value: #C0CCC6

Chandelier

We loved the detail of this chandelier when we found it and felt it added a touch of whimsy to the other red coral accents in the room. This chandelier was originally white. Painting it antique red was a fun way to add color to the room.

SW7587 Antique Red

DIY: Our chandelier was originally white. Paint a thrift store find/old brass chandelier. Color shown is ANTIQUE RED by Sherwin Williams for HGTV Home.
Shop: (better off with the DIY option with something like this because affordable red chandeliers are hard to find) Home Depot has a glass version.

Sofa

We were limited by what was in the warehouse but chose a neutral color and clean lines. We both agree that furniture is a big purchase and should be neutral enough for when redesigning or changing accents in the future. Keeping big pieces neutral ensures many years of use and your money’s worth!

DIY: Add a neutral colored slip cover to your existing sofa or re-upholster in a neutral fabric. DIY drop cloth slip covers are a little challenging but affordable!
Shop: Crate and Barrel, custom sofa covers http://www.comfort-works.com/

v style=”text-align: center;”>Wall Gallery

Place art on the floor to create the layout you’d like to show off on the wall. Find tips on how to hang art for a photo gallery HERE. Look for art with a theme. Add a plate, wooden letters or mirrors for interest.

DIY: Frame prints from books, calendars or printed from a site such as Vintage Printables. Do something unexpected. Mix in a canvas with framed prints. We used double sided tape to display a starfish on the square plate. Non-matchy letters were all painted a pretty oil rubbed bronze and sanded for a distressed look. Round mirrors simulate port hole windows keeping within the nautical theme. {Tips for Hanging a Wall Gallery}. Placing a mirror (from Michael’s) or convex mirror into a painted pie pan or plate could give you a similar look to the port hole mirrors.

Shop:

Small Sepia Nautical Art: Amazon

2 Nautical Sailing Art Prints Bow Hull Ship Posters Sail Decor Sepia

Porthole Round Convex Mirror

DIY version using convex mirrors and pie tins:

Letters: Craft Cuts, Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, etc.

nted wood letters come in many heights and thicknesses.

Canvas Art: Amazon

Accent Table

DIY: Stack crates and top with glass for a vintage look. Often a yard sale or flea market find or build your own crates using reclaimed wood or pallets. Stamp or stencil wording and sand/distress for a vintage finish.

I have this accent table in my barn patio area:
Crate with an old vintage window top…

or use an old barrel as a side table like we did in our sitting room:

Shop: Joann Fabrics, Michaels, Vintage crates at Ebay

Lanterns

DIY: Accessorize varying sizes of lanterns with small plants for terrariums or add candles with sea shells, star fish or palm leaves. Wrap candles with jute to add texture. (Paint lanterns if desired.)
Shop: Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc.

Horse

DIY: Paint/decoupage a paper mache horse
Shop: Linens N Things, Country Door

Mantel

DIY: Use large wrought iron salvaged pieces or a small piece of iron fencing to make a statement and a large clock for balance. Accessorize with old books tied with twine and pottery. Shop thrift stores or yard sales. Find a shape of ceramic pottery and spray paint a pretty turquoise if needed.
Shop:

Clock

Timepiece - Large Distressed Wall Clock with Pendulum

Vintage Books - Etsy

Pottery

Turquoise Glass

Red coral – 15.97 at Amazon

Worldwide Imports Painted Coral Red 5-7"

Cloche. Everything looks special under glass. Try Pottery Barn or search for glass sconces and globes (turn upside down)/etc. at thrift stores.

Lamps

DIY: Scour thrift shops for lamps in shapes you love. I just scored two turquoise lamps at GoodWill! Spray paint desired color in a glossy finish. Try Krylon’s Blue Ocean Breeze or Catalina Mist.
Shop:

Turquoise - Lowe’s, Amazon

Southwest Turquoise Décor - 20" Azure Glazed Ceramic Jar Desk / Table Lamp - JCO-X4014

Crystal - JCP. Acrylic - Lamps Plus.

Accessorize

DIY: Use a small old drawer as a tray for books. Add vintage hardware to the sides for handles. Fill a bowl with glass orbs or DIY your own orbs using twine or seashells to add texture. Spray paint accent bowl if you can’t find the right color in thrift stores. Spray paint small urns and fill with grass. Small thrifted ceramic fish or other themed accent can be painted to coordinate. Give an accent the spotlight by displaying it under a glass cloche.

Telescope

Shop: CSN.

Side Chairs

DIY: Search Craig’s List or estate sales for wicker chairs. Great texture! Spray paint brown to freshen up or a fun color if you love the unexpected. Add neutral cushions.
Shop: Pottery Barn

Typography Ottoman

DIY: Built it yourself (info on this coming soon) or give an old ottoman a new look using fabric similar to this:

typography

Shop: Neiman Marcus

Throw Pillows

DIY: Sew or No-Sew using typography printed fabric or grain sacks.
Shop: Pottery Barn and Etsy

Speaking of typography, love these trays from Pottery Barn:

Ceramic Garden Stool

So many wooden step stools can be found at thrift stores and yard sales. Paint and distress if needed!
Shop: TJ Maxx and HomeGoods seem to have the best prices for ceramic garden stools (under $50)

Console Table

Shop

Sailboat Art

We hung two large vertical prints on the left side of the window to balance the art on the right.

Shop:

Amazon

Sailboat Sea Nautical Sepia Framed Print Picture

All Posters

Coffee Table Book

Shop: Cabinet of Natural Curiosities, Amazon

Cabinet of Natural Curiosities (The Colored Plates 1734-1765)

much less expensive version:

Albertus Seba: Cabinet of Natural Curiosities (25)

Large Round Mirror

(shown far left)

Shop: Great price on sale at JCPenney!

Drapery

Hang drapery as high as possible to add height to a room. Expand rods past the window and “frame” window with drapery to allow the maximum amount of light into the room.

DIY: Sew your own simple curtains using drop cloths or white linen fabric. Rod pocket or using curtain rings with clips to hang. Using white/off white twin sheets is also an inexpensive option.
Shop: Overstock

Coffee Table

Rustic.