The DIY Project Parade

It’s that time of the week!  What have you been up to, my fellow DIY friends?
We’ve been doing this…
1.  Installing faucets.  Our faucets are from Waterstone.  Super easy to install.  Super cool to use and look at.  Everything is serviceable above the deck (the counter) – even filling the soap dispenser!  I’m addicted to hot tea. I drink it all day long so the instant hot water faucet and tank makes my life so much easier. I love it! Pardon the mess…still under construction but I’m so excited I had to show off a sneak peek…(are you focusing on the pots of cactus or that gorgeous faucet? lol).
2.  Electrical – We swapped out the dirty beige outlets and switches with clean white – big improvements! We’re also wanting LED cabinet light under mounted (when LED lights are in the budget) so Mr. DIY has been running electrical up into the cabinets from a lower outlet to install an outlet inside the cabinet in preparation to be ready for future plug-in.  I attempted a DIY tutorial but it’s really out of my area of expertise and I steer away from contributing to electrocution.  Please seek professional help and advice but here are some pictures of the process…
3.  Installing the marble backsplash.  The 1 review was right. The Veratino marble tiles from Lowe’s are extra crumbly.  We’ve been using Frog tape on the cuts to help minimalize breakage.  We are okay with a little crumbling/tumbled look since this an old farmhouse.  You know our motto:  “Imperfection adds character”.  Walls are not square.  Grouting will help disguise imperfections. And we love the new look that’s emerging. 🙂
I couldn’t find any pictures of how tile ended when counter is further out than cabinets. We chose to use a border of the same marble stone, mitering the top corner and ending our backsplash at the counter’s edge.  I’ll share a better picture when it’s grouted and cleaned up (and wall is painted!).
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If I could “SHOP” last week’s DIY Project Parade, here is what I’d come home with (click the links for tutorials):






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Do you have a DIY project to show off this week?  I’d LOVE to see it!  Or please visit the links to get inspired!



The DIY Show Off



If you’d like to link YOUR DIY project post to The DIY Show Off Project Parade:


1.You must use the button above 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.

Get Motivated!

I got this sweet letter from Fawn of Fawndear…One Dream at a Time:

“I’m a recovering hoarder, and mom to six kids. I’m reclaiming my home one room at a time with the help of a very dear friend. Everything I’ve done is Do-It-Yourself, and I’m amazed at how many new projects I’ve been able to complete that I’ve never tried before. Maybe my journey can help inspire others as yours has helped me?”

Here are a few of Fawn’s DIY success stories:

The Nightmare (Hoarding) Room Before…

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And After…

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Want to see more before and after of her beautiful bedroom and her DIY-talent? 

Her dining room was much of the same honest story with a very happy ending…
before
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and amazing after…
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See all of the details and more before/after pictures at her original post…Someone Pinch Me!

I am so proud of you, Fawn.  You’re doing a beautiful job at de-cluttering.  It’s spring cleaning at it’s best and I know it has to feel so good!  Keep up the good work!  You are an encouragement and inspiration to others.  Amidst our kitchen remodel, our home office has taken on a similar look to your before pictures. It’s the space where everything gets thrown and hidden.  Fawn, you are my inspiration today. Thank you for sharing your hard work!
What about you, do you have a room that needs ‘tackling’?  Does Fawn’s determination motivate you to spring clean – really pitch and purge and start fresh?  I’m heading to that office disaster of ours. If I don’t return for the DIY Project Parade tomorrow evening, you know my office swallowed me!  😉

Kitchen Reveal at Flea Market Trixie

When I saw Trixie’s kitchen reveal – beautiful and full of charm, I fell in love.  I still have her kitchen reveal post open on my computer.  It’s hope and inspiration that our own kitchen remodel will have such a happy ending. 
FleaMarketTrixie
See all of the details and more kitchen pictures at 
Kitchen Reveal
Here is Trixie’s kitchen before…dark. Outdated. They gutted the entire kitchen with the exception of drywall.  Everything is DIY (minus plumbing and electrical).

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After…unbelievable that it’s the same room/wall! It’s so light. Open shelving and white walls and cabinets really make this wall appear more spacious!
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Before
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After…a window nook, more storage and seating!  Best seat in the house! 😉
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Before
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After
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If you’re not yet a follower of Flea Market Trixie, you can visit her at 

Her beautiful home is full of flea market style charm, soothing blues, creamy whites and fresh greens.  Her home and photography are completely magazine worthy and an inspiration.

Thanks for sharing your amazing kitchen reveal and beautiful dreamy home, Trixie!