Time To Pack It Away...

{Until Next Year}

Christmas Postcard

Spirit Of The Season

{Wishing For Peace On Earth This Holiday}

Every Who Down in Who-ville...

{Liked Christmas a lot}

Brian and I are finally off work ~ our season begins tonight!

We hope all are having a very jolly Christmas time!

Jewelry Display

{Canvas Jewelry Display}

Earlier this year I came across YHL's office crash ~ here. I loved Towne&Resse's idea so much that I went to our local Binders and picked up two 12x24 linen canvases. Simple T-Pins tack the jewelry in place. I also hung the letters Brian gave me on our wedding day ~ and speaking of, Brian and I are celebrating two amazing married years on Monday!

DIY Circle Garland

{Christmas Garland}

Tis' the Season! And to kick it off we started with a

simple DIY project.

We kept it neutral using 5 different textures from Walmart ~ everything from burlap to backing. I purchased 1/3 yard each, keeping the total to $8. Then traced and cut out 1.5" circles. To complete the garland, we used a sewing machine to sew them together ~ alternating textures as we went.

Viola ~ easy Christmas garland!

Bedroom Makover ~ Part III, Accent Wall

{Wood Accent Wall}

After being inspired by other reclaimed wood accent walls, we decided to include one in our bedroom. We did plenty of online research looking for reclaimed wood, only to realize A) we couldn't find exactly what we wanted or B) it was way out of our price range. We then decied to distress new wood and make our own faux "reclaimed" wood. Here's how we started:

On the ride over to Lowes, Brian had the idea for us to use fencing ~ it's more coarse and tends to be cheaper than finished pine. We decided on 8' and 6' pieces and at $1.34-$2.50 a piece we felt they were affordable. But to make this a real bargain, we asked an employee if he would give us a discount on defected boards {spit, warped or cracked}. They said yes and ended up selling them to us for 25 and 50 cents a piece!!!

Our total came out to just under $10!!

Inspired by driftwood ~ we brushed each piece with a grey stain, then white washed over each one. I used a different white wash ratio with each board to make each slightly unique ~ working the brush against the grain. After they were dry, I distressed additional boards using a chain and hammer.

Brian went to work cutting each board and installing them.

Once our accent wall was complete, Brian installed our trim. He used the same molding as our guest bedroom shown here.

Check back soon to see Part IV!

Mirror Image

{Mirror, Mirror On the Wall}

During a recent trip to Ikea we came across this mirror {shown above}. It reminded me of one I'd been eyeing at a local thrift/consignment store. While Ikea's prices are typically a bargain, not in this case!

I've been eyeing this old metal mirror for a couple months now. Originally priced at $60, the shop takes off 10% for every month it sits idle. I waited...and waited...until finally 5 months had passed. I contemplated waiting another month, but figured it would sell.

So at $30 this one came out cheaper than it's Ikea look-a-like!

Country Living Fair 2011

{Country Living Fair ~ Stone Mountain}

A little over a month ago my Mom and I went to the Country Living Fair. Not knowing what to expect we were thrilled to find so many vendors with antiques and vintage finds!

We scored some amazing finds ~ big and small. Of our larger deals my mom and I both bought vintage theatre seats. Truth be told my mom came across hers first ~ and I had to copy! She's planning to paint hers {shown below} ~ possibly stencil numbers on the front and use them in the Colorado house.

I came across mine in the Repurpose tent. These were found by Cari from HGTV's Cash & Cari. She was kind enough to take a moment to tell me that she found them while going through an old Michigan Farm. How fun is that?!

I have additional finds I'll share later and for anyone considering going next year...it's a MUST!