Old Crate

I've been working on my "multi-purpose" room and needed storage for magazines, etc.  I had this old crate and decided to spruce it up a bit.

 I sanded it to remove the "roughness" and then dry-brushed the surface with a buttermilk-colored paint.  When it was dry, I applied dark walnut danish oil to the surface to darken the exposed wood areas. 

I wanted to add handles so I braided some jute and then drilled two holes on each side of the crate for the handles to be attached.  I also made a liner for the inside of the crate using burlap.  I added a strip of muslin for the trim and a fabric rose for a feminine touch. 

Thanks for stopping by...have a great day!
Lesa

Bird Print on Burlap

Hi all!
Another project to share with you.  I love the look of burlap and I love the look of printed fabric, therefore, I thought I would try printing on burlap using my computer printer.  I know, this isn't new...many of you have already tried this technique, but I had to give it a go.

I cut a piece of freezer paper the same size as a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 in. paper and ironed it to a piece of fabric.  I trimmed the burlap to the freezer paper, so it would go through my printer.  I found the image I wanted to use (which turned out to be a bird silhouette) and printed it onto my burlap.  (remove the freezer paper)  I then cut two mats to enhance the silhouette and made the frame out of mdf board.  I painted the frame with dark walnut, rubbed it with candle wax and then added a french grey blue top coat.  When dry, I used 220 grit sandpaper to remove some of the paint.  I then assembled the glass, mats and print inside the frame.  Another easy project.  I plan to hang it in my laundry room.
Just a note...is anybody else having troubles uploading pictures to blogger?  I would have added step by step photos, but I keep getting error messages and can't seem to upload photos - very frustrating and very time consuming uploading just one photo!  If you have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for stopping by...and a BIG THANKYOU to my 11 Followers!!!

Lesa

Bird Silhouette Plaque

I was inspired by Kim of Too Much Time on My Hands when I came across here "Little Birdies" plaque.  I loved it so much that I thought I would create my own version and this is what I came up with...

I simply found a scrap piece of wood and basecoated it with a chocolate brown color.  When it dried, I rubbed it with candle wax and then applied a light buttermilk paint color.  Again, when it dried I then sanded it to removed some of the paint to let the basecoat show through.  I drew my bird silhouette and then scanned it into my computer, enlarged it to the desired size and then printed it.  Using transfer paper, I traced the pattern onto the wood and then used black to fill in the birds and the branches.  Again, I sanded it to remove a bit more paint and then applied dark walnut Danish Oil to give it an aged look.  That was it.  Very simple. 

I haven't decided where I'll hang it...just can't decide if I like it on a neutral wall or my cinnamon-colored wall. 

Thanks for stopping by...have a great day!

Lesa

Bargain Chairs are Slipcovered

I finally found fabric to sew slipcovers for my bargain chairs.  However, I'm still undecided if I should add a ruffle to the bottom of the slipcover or just leave them with the cream cording on the edge. 

I guess I'll make my final decision once I finish the legs on the chairs.  They are in rough shape so I have to sand them.  Then I'll probably stain them a dark walnut colour. 

After the chairs are done,  I need to finish my table - again, I will sand the entire table and stain it a dark walnut to match the chair legs. (I think.)  Next, I have to finish the existing chairs - one step at a time, though.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day!
Lesa

I've Been Given My First Award!

I would like to thank Suz at Inspiring Creativeness for honoring me with the "Versatile Blogger Award".  It's a bit intimidating being the "new kid on the blog", so to be recognized with an award is very exciting.  So, again, thankyou Suz!

Now, its my turn to pass this award on to 7 other blogs, but before doing so, the rules state that I must answer 10 questions.  Here is goes:

1.  Why did you create your blog?
I thought it would be fun to be able to share crafts and decorating projects with others who share the same interests. 

2.  What kind of blogs do you follow?
Decorating and crafting blogs.  Anything that inspires creativity and DIY projects.

3.  Favorite brand of make-up.
L'oreal

4.  Favorite brand of clothing.
I have no particular favorite.  Basically, anything that fits well, looks good and doesn't need to be drycleaned!  However, I must say that I have a couple of "dressy" outfits by Joseph Ribkoff - absolutely love!

5.  Indispensible make-up product.
Cover-up

6.  Favorite color.
I love neutrals, browns, beiges and creams.  (My daughter says I'm beige and boring!)

7.  Favorite perfume.
Again, I have no particular favorite, but Vera Wang and Chanel are a couple I like - just to give you an idea.

8.  Favorite movie.
Tough question to answer...I love comedy-romance movies.  Now, if you asked me what my favorite tv mini series is,  my answer is "|Thorn Birds".

9.  What country would you like to visit and why?
Honestly, I would like to explore more of my own country, Canada.  All the vacations we plan are out of country and it would be nice to see more of Canada.  I'm in the West, so it would be wonderful to travel to the East coast and Maritimes.
(For a more "exotic" answer, Italy and/or Germany as my Mom is of Italian decent and my Dad of German decent.)

10. Would you rather forget to put on mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
I would rather forget blush, as my cheeks are usually pretty "rosy" without using any blush.

Okay, now its time to pass this award on to the following talented women and their inspiring blogs. 

1.  Cecily at Lavender and Pumpkins
2.  Dana at House Tweaking
3.  Stacy at The Project Shoppe
4.  Lori at Our Forever House
5.  Charlie at Attempting Aloha
6.  Meghan at Simply Stoked
7. Brittany at Pretty Handy Girl

Here are the rules:
1.  Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2.  Answer the 10 questions above.
3.  Pass the award along to 7 blogs you recently discovered and enjoy.
4.  Leave your recipients a note telling them about the award.

Thank you for stopping by,
Lesa

Kitchen Backsplash Transformation

Look what a bit of paint and drywall compound can do!  I transformed my backsplash from stark white and burgundy tiles to a warmer tumbled stone look and I am quite happy with the results.   The original tiles measured 8" x 8" and were very ugly.  They looked like leftover tiles from a bathroom! 

This is how I created the look and, just a warning, when I undertook this project I had not idea that I would be sharing the process on a blog, so I didn't take many pictures of the process nor did I take any "befores".

Here's my "How-To":
1.  I washed the original tiles with T.S.P. all purpose cleaner to remove any dirt or grease and then I applied a good primer to the surface.

2.  I masked off each tile into four smaller tiles using 1/4" tape to create the grout lines.  I also created a border tile using the tape.  After the taping was complete, I started applying a thin layer of drywall compound using a spatula or putty knife.  I applied three coats, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next one.  After the final coat was dry, remove the tape and lightly sand the surface to remove any rough or raised edges.

3.  I wanted my border tile to have a design, so I drew a pattern and created a stencil.
**I'll share my stencil-making talent with you, but don't laugh.  I draw out my pattern/design onto regular white paper or kraft paper (whatever is handy) and then I cover the front and back of the paper with clear packing tape.  This kinda "laminates" the stencil and protects it from ripping, etc.  Once its all taped, I use an exacto knife to cut out the design. Voila!! A stencil!!**

4.  Now, apply your stencil to the tiles using a putty knife and drywall compound.  This can get quite messy!  Once, completely dry, again, lightly sand removing any sharp edges.

5.  Paint the entire surface with your basecoat color - mine was leftover wall paint in a light beige color.  Let dry.

6.  The I started adding a darker wash to the surface using more leftover latex paint thinned with water.  Just dip an old damp rag (t-shirts work well) into the paint mixture and start washing it onto the surface in a circular motion.  Keep working the paint into the grooves  until you are happy with the color. 

7.  I then added bits of highlights using a cream colored paint using a dampened seafoam sponge.  Again, just "play" with it until you are happy with the look.

8.  Finish by applying a coat of varathane in a gloss finish.  This gives the backspash durability.

This took me three days from start to finish.  I am very happy with the results and have actually fooled a few people who thought is was actual tile!  I did a fireplace makeover using a similar technique, which I will share with you in a later post.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at maloneyl@telus.net.

Thank you for stopping by.
Lesa


3.

What a Bargain!

I have to share with you the great bargain I found at our local New & Used store.  I found four of these chairs for $14.95 each.  I just couldn't pass them up so I bought all four.  They need some cosmetic finishing...the wood needs to be refinished and I definitely need to recover them or make slipcovers for them, but other than that, they are very sturdy and very comfortable. 

Now, I need some suggestions and help from all of you.  My husband built our table a few years ago, as we needed a table to sit twelve people.  (I had my family come for Christmas.)  He also had plans to build 12 chairs, but ran out of time after finishing six chairs.  I think he has since lost interest in finishing the remaining chairs, so I have been on the hunt to "outfit" my table.

 Here are a few questions that you can help me with:

1.  Should I only use two of the new chairs - one at each end of the table and keep the existing chairs?  Or, should I use all four and find two other chairs for each end of the table and keep the existings chairs for extra?
2.  Should I recover them or sew slipcovers?  If slipcovers, a ruffle at the bottom?
3.  What color of fabric?  I love all the white slipcovers out there, but I don't think that would fit in my house.  So, any suggestions?  My kitchen is a tan colour with a cinnamon color accent, wood floors and white cupboards.
4.  Should I paint my table?  I had thought about painting the bottom of it a creamy white and then refinishing the tabletop with a dark walnut stain.

Your help and suggestions would be welcomed!!

Thank you for stopping by.
Lesa