AlchemyJunk

Save Ferris

2011-06-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

My dear dear friend (who is also the creator of the doorbell and bird-mobile posts on this blog)
was featured on Apartment Therapy!!
She is an AMAZING photographer as I'm sure you can tell by this amazing photo [which is for sale in her etsy shop bytheway]

Oh... and all proceeds from the sales of the prints go towards their son Cash's medical bills.
He has C.A.H. [which means he spends waaay more time in the ER/Dr's than any little human being should]
You can read more about him HERE

Congrats Yellow House!
[that's dear friend's blog by the way. You should visit it, especially if you're a photography buff]

Pillows

2011-06-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Doing a Living Room makeover in our "new" house (only took me 9 months to get around to it!)
Here are the pillows I made last night:

Both are made from Joann's canvas outdoor fabric (which is 19.99 a yard so get it on sale at half off like I did or use a coupon), and dark green felt strips.
The above picture also features striped green Walmart fabric for the bow

Would you believe that the white couch these are on is actually a worn out couch we've had waaay too long with just a large CA king blanket over it?! Until I find an affordable white/cream leather couch **cuz leather = wipeable = less stains/messes = more kid friendly** this will have to do! Upside? blanket tucks in to look like slipcover, and UNtucks to wash in the washer!

Total cost of these pillows:

Canvas fabric: $3.50 (got 1/3 yard)

Striped fabric: FREE- already had but I think it's around $2 a yard a Walmart for those of you interested.I only used 4" (width)

Green Felt: FREE-already had, but I used 1/3 yard and this is VERY inexpensive especially with 50% off coupons. $1??ish

TOTAL: $3.50!
Even though every layer of these pillows was an afterthought (making these projects take 3X's as long as they should have.... basically ALL night) I.am.in.love.
and I am my own worst critic so that's saying something!

Unique Valentines Gift

2011-02-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day my friends ♥

p.s. Wouldn't this make a great gift ANY day/holiday of the year?!

Cousin Eric & CoCo Bean pay us a visit

2011-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

My cousin Eric and his uber lovely family are paying us a visit today from the land of YouTube.
Enjoy these hilarious clips :)

Skinny Jeans:

Ted Williams Remake:

And lastly... one of my personal favs... Daddy's work:

Go HERE to see the most popular clip "THE KID WORKOUT"
and I wouldn't be a good cousin if I didn't give you a plug: Go subscribe and leave a comment on what Daddy and son should do next!

The Yellow House spotlight with Vday Cards!

2011-02-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

One of my dearest, very bestest, go-way-back, grew up together, friends has an oh so lovely blog and today she has some super cute Valentines Day Cards for you to print out for FREE!

Meet: CIERRA

And her "so cute he should be on a cereal box" son: CASH

Cash has CAH {Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia}
You can read about his story HERE
In a nutshell... Cash is on several medications for life so he can produce the proper amount of hormones and if he is ever under any physical stress {cold, flu, sickness, injury, etc} he has to have an emergency shot to save his life.
All of this means Cash goes the ER more than any baby ever should! And that he is constantly being poked and prodded... so much so that his poor little veins are having a hard time taking it all.

Medical bills are taking their toll so sweet Cierra {who is an amazing photographer} opened an Etsy shop in which all proceeds go to help pay for those mounting medical bills.

Here's a sneak peak:

{Cierra, I lovers you ♥ You are an inspiration to many! }

Go check out her Yellow House 365 blog HERE :)

Clock Face

2010-11-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

In case any of you are new here I figured I'd best specify that there are 3 of us that blog here (Debbie, Cierra, & Stephanie).... hence all the varying stories and such :) Anywho....
Remember my clock face tutorial?
Were ya wonderin' where I ended up putting it?

Well wonder no more my friend :)

Mucho luvs

-Stephanie-

p.s. Be sure to head on over to Cierra's other blog to check out her amazing giveaway!

The One with the Holiday Wreath

2010-11-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

I've been absentee on this blog, I know, I know.
But all that matters is that I'm posting now, right? Please forgive me? K thanks. Besides, what I have to show you is pretty awesome.

What I love about this wreath is that you can have it up all year long,
depending on how you embellish it.

It's feminine without being too girlie
(my husband's not a fan of a lot of "frilly" things,
so this is a good balance.)

Plus, it's made from the pages of thrifted,
vintage books. Three of my favorite things!

So follow the link HERE to read the tutorial.
I have to warn you though, get more glue then you think you need.
I have a mini glue gun & I used (I think. . .) about 4 bags.

Seriously. And I burned my fingers. A lot.
Hopefully you will be more skilled with a glue gun than I am. :)

One more thing before we get to the photos,
this wreath might take you a while.
I sprawled out on my living room floor with a movie playing
after the bambino went to sleep so that I could
burn my fingers for hours & hours uninterrupted.
But I think it turned out quite lovely.

Now for an explanation if you have the time to read on.
I have been M.I.A. from this lovely blog for while for many reasons.
There has been a lot going on & if you want to read more about it, check it out here: theyellowhouse365.blogspot.com

I'm also doing a pretty sweet giveaway.
So stop in & say hello.
xoxo

How to create a Favicon

2010-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hey blogland! What a hiatus!! Can I just say that when it rains.... it POURS! and to top it aaaall off, my computer crashed a few months ago and took the hard drive with it. :(

But today I got my computer back, my photoshop back, and consequently my BLOG back!! YAY!

You'll be noticing some changes around here in the next few days as I update the blog. One of those changes... (if you haven't noticed already) is our new FAVICON!!! What's a favicon you ask?? Look at the top of the screen in the address bar where you see our blog address and look at that cute littel baby image next to our address (http://www.alchemyjunk...etc)

Here are a few other examples

It's seriously easy. ANYONE can do it! The Stories of A to Z (One of my fav deco blogs) has a super easy tutorial and I'm gonna send you her way rather than explain it myself :)

So CLICK HERE if you haven't already clicked on the link above.

Ahhh it's good to be back!!

-Stephanie

Small Shabby Chic Cottage

2010-07-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Remember those beautiful pics of that romantic bed loft and books shelf perched in the vaulted ceilings?
Well I recently found the story behind that stunning house and would you believe that the entire house is only 9 x 14 and was renovated and decorated for only $3,000!!!

And the cute little lady that owns it doesn't even live in it full time as it has no kitchen, heating, or air.

She calls it "my refuge" because she really lives in a TRAILER

and everything needed to renovate and furnish the place had to be hand carried across a small stream! CLICK HERE to read the full story from the NY Times and CLICK HERE for a slideshow of more amazing pics including her trailer and the stream that seperates her trailer and the cottage

Inspiration Pics

2010-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Guess who's done hiding under a rock! :) Sorry we've all been M.I.A. It's been a chaotic, drama-filled few months but things have been settled for a month or so. I feel rested and ready to blog again! I'm sure the others will follow suite shortly. If you only knew the drama with a CAPITAL D we've all been through! And what are the odds that Cierra, Debbie, and I would all be handed lemons at the same time?! anyway.....

I've been scouring blog land, google, bing, etc for inpsiration because......... WE'RE GETTING A HOUSE!!! We'll be moving in within a month and I can't wait to start decorating!! I'm soooo ready to blog about decorating again! So, over the next few weeks I'll post my inspiration pics (my camera and computer with my photoshop on it is 5 states away with my hubby for another month so copy/paste will have to do for now :)I'll post original pics when my camera/photoshop come home to momma! (momma misses you)

anyway...

As some of you may know, I'm Danish so I like searching through Scandinavian blogs as the pics are what I like to consider, "fresh meat". A lot of my inspiration pics will come from there. Hope you all enjoy the eye candy until I get my camera, computer, and life back over the next month. (Debbie, Cierra, help a girl out and lets get posting!)

----

First off... a few pics from VINTAGE CHIC-stines blog One of my FAVE Norwegian blogs.

These pics she grabbed from The New York Times

I gotta say I'm not a huge "romantic decor" fan. It's something I'd do in my girls rooms but not through out my whole house. However I'd move into this house in less than a heartbeat given the chance!

 LOOOOOVE the book loft! Genius.

----

And although I'm not doing any cowboy themed rooms these next pics are definitely worth sharing!

They come from DEJA VU CRAFTS

LOVE the colors. Especially the blue. Most people I think would have opted for brown or black (on the bed and dresser) which would have looked nice but that color blue is oh-so-much-better given that it's a little boys room.

scrap wood turned coat hanger

It's all in the details. She could have gotten away with knobs but the rope pulls are much more country and look so cute!

I've gotta tell you... I'm extremely picky when it comes to decorating and it takes more to impress me than I'd like to admit. That being said, I think she did an amazing job!! She hit the nail right on the head! I don't think I've ever seen a cuter cowboy themed room.

John Deere Themed Baby Shower

2010-06-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

I threw a John Deere themed baby shower for my sister back in March and completely forgot to share the pics until now. We went with a John Deere theme because:

1. her hubby is studying to be a diesel mechanic and loves tractors

and 2. her hubby's name is Jon :) We thought that was funny

We sent out these invites which I designed in Photoshop and then had printed at Costco as "pictures" so they only cost me .13 cents each! I think I spent a total of like $3 something.

In our family we rarely throw "regular" baby showers. We've done dinners parties, gone out to eat, had a cheese tasting party, and for this one we did a chocolate tasting party!

We served chocolate dipped fruit, donuts, jalepenos, and chips for appetizers

We carved tire tracks into the donuts

And we served the drinks in bottles with green and yellow straws.
(which we later cleaned and gave to her for her new baby boy)

Our theme colors were green, yellow, and brown (with bits of cream as an accent color) so we served lemonade & chocolate milk!

Our centerpieces were rusted iron baskets which we stuffed with raffia and rolled up diapers to mimic flowers (which also went to the new mom).

We used burlap as an underlay on the tables and a striped green fabric on top.

We bought some Lindt specialty chocolate bars at our local grocery store and cut them up into bite size pieces for our guests to try.

We had 9 really fun flavors including a Sea Salt Chocolate which had bits of rock salt in it. A Chili Dark Chocolate which was a spicy dark chocolate. A White Chocolate Coconut which surprised even the white chocolate haters. It was Delish! and a bit gritty from the mashed coconut. and of course a really really Dark Chocolate (85%) which was so dark it was like eating straight cocao.

and we cleansed our palate inbetween samples with sliced lemon and lime

(which again brought in the yellow and green thing we had going on)

All in all it was a blast! You can't go wrong with friends and chocolate :)

Pottery Barn Bedroom for Less

2010-05-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

While browsing through the PB summer catalog I found THIS lovely bedroom I absolutely fell in love with!

The nearly $1600 (not including artwork) price tag? Not so much.

Here's my picks on how to get this look for le$$

LINKS

TARGET glass table
PB Cooper Mat
SANDHILL wood basket
ALL POSTERS Monet painting
ART.COM Van Gogh painting

My total INCLUDING selected artwork? $642.84
OR $442.74 if you opt for the cheaper and slightly smaller rugs.
Same great look without the hefty price.

List of MckLinky Parties

2010-05-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

McKlinky parties to everything from Fashion, Crafts, DIY, Decorating and much more!
Use this list to link up your project fast and easy

MONDAY
Cottage Instincts- http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/
Twice Remembered- http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/
Between Naps On The Porch- http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
The Persimmon Perch- http://thepersimmonperch.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Decor Chic- http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
Made By You- http://skiptomylou.org/
Just something I whipped up- http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/
Making the World Cuter- http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/
Market Yourself Monday- http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/
The Graphics Fairy- http://thegraphicsfairy.blogspot.com/ *Can only post projects that contain her free graphics
Make My Style- http://avidaccents.blogspot.com/ (Fashion projects)
Keeping it Simple- http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Modern Craftswoman Monday- http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/

TUESDAY
Talented Tuesday- http://theherberfamily.blogspot.com/
Get Your Craft On- http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/
Timeless Tuesday- http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/
DIY Day- http://asoftplace.net/
TootYour Horn Tuesday- http://sillylittlesparrow.com/
Make It Yours- http://mybackyardeden.blogspot.com/
It's So Very Cheri- http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/
Trash to Treasure- http://reinventedkb.com/
Power of Paint- http://domesticallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Take A Look- http://craftedition.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Talent Show- http://myhouseofgiggles.blogspot.com/
Tutorial Tuesdays- http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/
Lucky Linky Tuesday- http://luckystarlane.com/

Wednesday
Beyond the Picket Fence- http://beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell- http://bluecricketdesign.net/
Penny Pinching Party- http://thethriftyhome.com/ (frugal ideas only)
Someday Crafts- http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
Idea Sharing Wednesday- http://womenwhodoitall.blogspot.com/
A little craft therapy- http://lanieree.blogspot.com/
Boardwalk Broadfest- http://bobbypinsboardwalk.blogspot.com/
Make It Yours- http://mybackyardeden.blogspot.com/

Thursday
Strut Your Stuff- http://somewhatsimple.com/
Life As Lori- http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/
Tales from Bloggeritaville- http://lbratina.blogspot.com/
Beyond the Picket Fence- http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
The Shabby Chic Cottage- http://theshabbychiccottage.net/
Make it Wear it- http://thetraintocrazy.com/ (fashion projects)
I Made It- http://everythingetsy.com/
My Creative Space http://kootoyoo.blogspot.com
House of Hepworths- http://houseofhepworths.com

Friday
Miss Mustard Seed- http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/ (painted furntiture party)
Finding Fabulous- http://decormamma.blogspot.com/
I'm A Creative Cat- http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/
The Shabby Nest- http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
Remodaholics- http://remodaholic.com/
Categorically Crafting- http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ (different category every week)
Linky Loves Friday- http://sweetcharlie.blogspot.com/
Feature Yourself Fridays- http://fingerprintsonthefridge.blogspot.com/
It' a Hodgepodge Friday- http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/
Show off your Stuff- http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/
Fab Fridays- http://frugalandfabulousdesign.blogspot.com/

Saturday
Funky Junk Interiors- http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Check Me Out Saturday- http://iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/
Saturday Soiree- http://alittlelovelyblog.blogspot.com/

Sunday
Under The Table and Dreaming- http://bystephanielynn.com/

If you know of any that I missed leave a comment and I'll add it to this list.

Thanks!

How to make a clickable header in Blogger

2010-05-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Wanna have a clickable header?!

Look no further! Super easy tutorial to follow.

What is a clickable header you may ask?

Well look at the top of my page to try mine out!

Here is a pic of my NEW clickable header

And here is a pic of my OLD NON clickable header. My links were UNDER the header and in plain text.

Rather than explain how I did it I'm going to send you straight to the original source. I've long been a fan of Kari at The Snails Trail and she recently posted about it. Her post is easy to follow and complete with pictures and all!

Good Luck!

If you change your header to a clickable one let me know! I'd love to pop over and take a gander. Leave a comment with your blog address

Creating a Button for your Blog

2010-05-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Adding a Button to your blog is a great way to advertise.

[A button is a clickable image that leads others to your blog. Like the one I have in the top right corner]

If you already know the basics and are just looking for the HTML coding scroll down to the bottom of this post. I have included codes for BOTH types of Buttons: Grab My Button & Regular Button

There are 2 types of buttons: a Grab Button, and a Regular Button

Both are really easy to create

But first you will need to create an image (for which you will need Photoshop, Illustrator, or something along those lines)
Pxlr is a great online open image editor. And it's FREE! Woo hoo! You can also use Phoenix or Photoshop Online.
You will also need an account with Photobucket or any other image uploading website. (the basic accounts are free)

My tutorial will be with a Photobucket account.

First Upload your image to Photobucket.

(Make sure you saved it in JPEG format and that your image is NO bigger than the width of your sidebar! An average sidebar is around 180-220 pixels. A good sized button will be around 200 x 200 pixels. give or take)

Find your image and click on it. It will automatically upload for you.

CLICK SAVE

Next, find your image in your account and click on the SHARE button

A pop up box will appear.

Click on the GET LINK CODE button

Then copy the DIRECT LINK code to your clipboard by either right clicking or clicking Ctrl C.

That is the HTML code you need to complete the rest of your button.

Next, you will need to copy and paste the following code into your blog by clicking ADD A GADGET and then selecting the HTML GADGET.

CLICK HERE for the BUTTON CODES!

blogger was being dumb & not letting me post the codes. It was trying to read them and getting confused I think. GOOGLE DOCS to the rescue!

Creating a 3 Column Blog

2010-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Since I've been doing a lot of renovating 'round these parts (you like?) I thought I'd share with you some of my tips I've picked up along the way. I'm self taught so what I do may/may not be "by the book"

with that in mind....

HERE IS A GREAT TUTORIAL on how to switch to a 3 Column Blog (one with 2 sidebars)

*It might be a good idea to create yourself a private "TEST BLOG" where you can play around without it affecting your real blog. Mine is titled alchemyjunktestblog

Here's a screenshot of the website

These tutorials work even if you have a background such as a "cutestblogontheblock" background. Although I HIGHLY recommend removing the background temporarily while you add the third column.

I hope this helps! If you have questions feel free to ask. I'd go through it step by step for you but this website does it so much better than I ever could :)

and.... It's waaay easier than you think! There are only 3 or 4 steps.

If I can do it... YOU CAN!

***Adding some spacing in between the columns***
Once you've added your third column you may want to add some spacing in between the sidebars and main posting area. (Mine were too squished together) To do this CLICK HERE for this tutorial. Again, it's 1 simple step. very easy to do.

Readin' and Ritin'

2010-05-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

*Custom Chalkboard Paint Recipe is in the middle of this post... scroll down*

I can't believe it has been over a month since I posted.......

lot's going on

but I know it is the same with each of you.

This I know:

God is good.

God listens.

God hears our prayers.

Family is everything.

I am so grateful for ALL things.

So here is what I made:

A chalkboard.

I know.

You been there.

You done that.

I tweaked it.

I started with this delicious found object.

Love the patina.

Didn't like the chalkboard paint choices.

Made my own.

Custom Colors How-To

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time. Recipe is 1 Cup of paint + 2 Tbsp of unsanded grout. double or quadruple as necessary.

My color choice: Moss Meadow from Benjamin Moore

My grout choice

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps

*side note: (I used luan for my project and cut it to size)

Here is a pic of the project ready to paint!

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. (I painted 4 coats. Not necessary, I just felt like painting.)

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

You now have your own custom colored chalkboard!

To finish my project I used Gorilla Glue to glue the now painted Luan to my found object

Follow directions when using the glue.

glue EXPANDS!

You like?

Wall Organizer (PB Knock off)

2010-04-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Love it...$149.00....can't have it....

Materials:
3'x 4' luan (cut at Home Depot)
1" x 2" pine cut into 2 pieces at 3' and 2 pieces at 4'
Burlap 11/2 yds
Cork to fit luan (I used 12-12"cork tiles at Walmart)
2 dowels cut to 3' each

First I glued cork tile and then burlap to the luan.
Next, the most time consuming, was the stenciling.
I used the cricut for the letters and numbers.
I free-handed the "Fragile" and the rectangle.
The circle was my iced tea maker lid dipped in paint.
(Shhh..it came clean in the dishwasher!)

The 1' x 2' boards ( the 4'lengths) were drilled and rowdered at 24" from the bottom on both sides and then 3 more sets each measuring 6" up from the one before.

Next I stained them, mitered them and had them stapled to the luan. The photo on the right shows how the dowel will rest.

Here is mine*

*disclaimer....this product is not finished, nor does this poster imply that it is*

This still needs the burlap bag made, the dowels stained and cut and hung on the wall (room not painted).

This is what I would do differently next time (next time ...is she crazy???)

Do not wash burlap fabric (old sewing rules...pre-wash all fabrics)
Use a better spray glue than Elmers.
Drill the holes at least 5/8" or slightly larger so you could use copper pipe instead of wooden dowels.
Attach the frame to the sides instead of stapling on top of the organizer because from the sides you see all the layers.

I have a little under $40 in materials for this. If you have any questions...let me know.
Deb

Boxes

2010-04-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

When we started this blog Steph and I decided this would be only about our home decorating projects....sounds easy enough!!!

Each week all of us would post some amazing, inspiring project.

I would compartmentalize my life into different boxes; like the "wife box", the" mother box", the "daughter box", the "work box" and so on.

Each box opened and dealt with solely on it's own and as needed.

All these boxes would be neatly stacked, organized and could be found at a moment's notice.

NO box would ever be neglected!!!!

This bog would be our our "decorating box."

Well...... my " life boxes" I ~~think~~ know are more like this...

opened with contents spilling over, bulging, taped messes with sometimes undetermined contents.

It is what it is.........and that is okay.

So here is what I learned about the contents of my "decorating box" or the blog.

It is:

not mandatory.

not where my self-worth comes from.

not about how many followers or hits you have.

It is:

a place to fulfill my creativity....when I need it.

a place where I am inspired and strengthened by so many amazing women.

a place to share hopes and dreams.

so.....because I can not keep stuff out of my decorating box....a new grandbaby

coming to terms with aging parents

worry for my children, and all of life's stuff...

I am emptying all my boxes.........

right here,

right now,

right dab smack in the middle of floor and mixing it up...
and because every moment of worry, joy, sadness, pain, laughter, peace and every life experience makes us who we are.....

......instead......

I am gonna make a life tapestry.

Rich with color, mistakes, and every emotion under the sun. Imperfect......but mine.

No. More. Boxes.

Live in the Moment.

Live with Gratitude.

The only rules.

Deb

P.S. The good photo's are Cierra's...she made me a grandma.... yesterday....the fourth grandson...so blessed.....

The One with the Nursery Mobile

2010-03-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hi it's me again! I'm currently 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant.
Awkward & uncomfortable?
Yup, that's me!
But I'm so excited to meet my little boy &
I'm told all this is worth it.
It's worth it, right???

Anyway, I'm just now getting around to posting the photos of the mobile for the nursery. Everything that I had seen online or in stores was either

A. too expensive
or
B. Ugly.

That's where Martha comes in.
(we are on a first name basis)
I found THIS handy dandy bird mobile that was just my style.
Cheap & cute. I also needed something light weight
because the walls of the old house aren't that strong.
I was going to go with the whole thing from Martha's site,
but my energy level just hasn't been there. Go figure. :)
So I decided to go with THIS awesome clip mobile thing instead.
And there you have it.
A cheap mobile that is custom for the nursery (& very easy).

*update:
I just checked the link for the photo clip mobile
& they no longer have the one I bought.
Now they have one that looks even cooler.

***Update #2:
Thanks to one of our readers for finding the photo clip mobile even cheaper!
Go HERE to check out a few options

xoxo,

Taking the Heat

2010-03-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Remember this?

Look what sunshine does????

FAIL....

A few garage sell sea shells should get us through the summer!! Say that fast 3x's

That should take heat!!!!

Changes Are Coming

2010-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

"It is a truth universally acknowleged that a newly emptied room must be in want of a major makeover."Esther Bennett (Elizabeth Bennett's lesser known sister) Pride and Prejudice.

Here is the room:

This room has functioned as a bedroom six different times (Okay, I have only 5 kids, so not sure how that happened... but it did....never was good with math!!!!) Anyway when the baby (19) moved out....I found myself in possession of this SPACE. ....it is time for a makeover!!!! This room will be my sewing/craft and sometimes guest ~~floor~~ bedroom.

Here is the deal:

My feelings about this room move between two extremes: Fear and Excitement. ( remember, I am describing the room not me!!) Sooooo....I c~~an'~~t don't want to do this alone....would you... um....join me....hold my hand when I make some mistakes....wipe a tear or two and most of all encourage me in this journey??? please, purrrty please?????

Here is the plan:

I want to have this done by the end of summer... did I say that out loud?? I said it out loud....I picked a time frame!!!!!.. but what IF I don't make by then????....a week with Cierra in Idaho when she has the baby, moving my elderly parents here from California next month...... working full time..... cleaning the house....... doing the yard work...walking the dog.....teaching Sunday School.....see that's the FEAR!!! NO TIME....EVER!!!!! Wait Deb, you got 5 months....you can get something done by then...right?

Here's the story:
We have lived in this home for the last nine years. It is our miracle home. After renting for five years and living with renter's white walls we painted all the walls in our home with deep, rich color Every wall has some shade of green on it now. I love color see:

Guess what? Me. The woman who hates walls that look remotely white has picked a color for this bedroom and it's not green. Nope!!! Guess. When I showed my family my color choice, they were speechless (a nearly impossible state in this family.) My friends' comments went something like this "Your painting again?" 'The walls are so thick with paint your square footage is shrinking!" That color? Are you kidding me?" Fear. See why I need you?

So here is the new color:

It is not renter's white. Yummmm... spiced sugar.... that's gotta go with chocoate. Excitement! I am going over to the lightside. I'm scared of the lightside!!! Normal people fear the darkside!!! Not me. I am not normal!! Oh, you knew that?See why I need you.

Okay...deep breath ...now.... take a look at our step by step "to do' list. One at a time. Step by step. We can do this!!!

Here are the steps:

First: paint the bed room and the adjoining bathroom walls with spiced sugar.
Second: um I can't decide.... yet.. ...commitment issues. If I type it makes it real. Right?

Anyway....deep breath..... and do step #1.

After that, there will be more paintin', bulletin board makin', hairpullin', re-upholsterin', loud yellin', curtain makin', beadboard cuttin' (maybe), makeoverin' here!!

So buckle your seat belts, Ladies....... it's gonna be a bumpy ride!!!

All Things Rusted

2010-03-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

So as I mentioned before we called my Mom "Goldfinger".... anything that didn't move was painted gold. Yep.... child of the 60's and 70's (groovy) and the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

My color of choice 'Rusted Metal Patina' (haven't seen it in the Crayola box yet.)

Can't always find the perfect rust so here is how I fake it:

I use these 2 products: Sophisticated Finishes. I get mime at Michael's or Robert's Craft (Utah). Make sure you used your 40% coupons. They also have copper and other metal finishes. You need both bottles.

For the switch plate covers I lightly sanded the plastic. Wipe the dust off and dry. Next paint the switch plate cover with this:

It has real iron filings in it. Let dry and paint a second coat. I also did the screws.

Then paint this on and watch the rusting begin.

No two items have turned out the same which makes it soooo fun. When it is completely dry I seal it with a matte sealer. The sealer will darken the finish and tone down the orange.

My switch plate covers are about 4-5 years old and have held up really well.

Here are some other things I used my 'Rustfinger' on:

The top photo is the backside. This had hideous blue and gold plastic beads. I changed the beads to wooden ones and used jute to hang it with.

I got this plastic P when our local Walmart was being remodeled. It was part of the "One Hour Photo' sign. Now I wonder why I didn't take all the letters!!!!!

This mirror had a golden bronze finish....couldn't leave it be!!!!

So go forth and let the Rusting begin.....my Mom will be so proud!!!

Urban Renewal

2010-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

I have a favorite little store in town that I blogged about yesterday. {Remember that OAR I bought?}

If you are ever in Southern Utah.....{ On your way to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion} or just passing through, and you are a decorating junkie (like me) then you HAVE to go to this store! It's a one of a kind consignment/decor/vintage clothes shop.

see for yourself......

Look at that lobster trap!!! and the shipping crate mounted to the wall used as a shelf!!!

not to mention all that rusty old furniture!

I'll take this entire section, thank you!

And look at this "vintage" section!!! I'll take all the maps... the bedding, the wire baskets, the chairs.....

And look at how they mounted 3 shelves in front of some rusted tin and then hung a pic frame in the middle! Loving that fabric on the left too!

They are in the process of getting their store online. Check it out HERE.

Every time I go there they have something new. It's like eye candy for the decorjunkie's soul :) Right now they have a hand-carved morracan wood sofa (that's as big/deep as a twin bed) on sale for $700!) so the prices are right too!! -although obviously that is waaay out of my price range but I know a good deal when I see one! My OAR was $20!

FYI- I was not paid/coersed into mentioning this store. I simply LOVE IT and wanted to give you a local tip/secret if you're ever in the neighborhood :)

*I want to go to there*

- Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Yes Oar No

2010-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

I know.... can you believe it? I jumped on the "oar" bandwagon.

Now I know this idea is nothing new and quite frankly I hardly EVER jump on the trend-bandwagon. But when I saw this 6 1/2 foot oar at Urban Renewal I HAD to have it. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but I HAD to have it! I mean, look at it! The age, the stenciling, the size.... [sweet sigh]

At first it ended up in a corner of my living room standing upright. But it came with these awesome chains already in place so I knew eventually I would want it hung somewhere.

After a bit of pleading to my lovely hubby it was finally hung!!! (more than a month ago)

yes, that is how long it has taken me to blog about this :)

I've been so busy over at SYTYCD I accidently abandoned you all over here!

Later this week I'll zoom out of this photo and show you how it looks from a far and tied into the rest of my decor

Leftovers (plastic bag holder)

2010-02-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

I saw something like this in the Ballard's catalog....it was $200....might as well been huh!!!! Here is mine made with LEFTOVERS....
One LEFTOVER piece of fabric cut 16" by whatever length you want your bag holder to be plus 4" extra for hems.

I used my cricut to make my stencil. I used LEFTOVER acrylic paint with fabric medium added (so it could be washed) to paint my stencil. Next I sewed the 16" sides right sides together to form a tube. Turn the tube right side out. Fold the top of the tube over and press. Fold over again to make the hem. I top stitched all round the top where the fold is. Then I stitched all around where the hem is and left a gap. Do the same on the bottom of the tube.

Next I cut off the waistband of my LEFTOVER panty hoes (with runs...yeah I know...I still wear them to church) and used this for the elastic. I got 2 pieces....chunky size hoes pays off!!!! Thread the elastic through the the gap in the hems using a safety pin. Stitch the ends of the elastic together and sew the gap in the hems closed.

I braided LEFTOVER jute to make a hanger and sewed it on the top at the back.

Now I have a dispenser for my LEFTOVER plastic bags !!!!!!!!!

This project is featured at:

The One with the Doorbell

2010-02-22T23:36:00.000-08:00

So I have been pretty much M.I.A. on this blog.

[This is Cierra by the way]

I would apologize, except I have a few really good reasons.

;)

Check them out over in the

meet & greet or on my project 365 blog.

[shameless plug, I know. You can't blame me though,
I learned it from my mom. . .aka Debbie]

I'm expecting my first baby in a few weeks,

[a boy. if you know what his name is please let me know.]

& I have been nesting like crazy!

Over the weekend I found a box in the basement that had picture frames

& other junk inside & I knew that I had to do something with it.

So without further ado:

gray spray paint + one nail + one old ugly frame + a doorbell =

It would also work to frame just about anything else that struck your fancy.

For example, before we moved to this house, this frame framed the peephole.

A la Friends.

I don't have a peephole here, so, well. . .you get the idea.

"I hate Pottery Barn, too. They kicked me out of there just because I sat on a bed."
"You took off your pants and climbed under the sheets!"
"I was tired!"
- Joey and Chandler in The One With The Apothecary Table

This post is featured at Beyond the Picket Fence's 100 ideas under $100
Miss Mustard Seed
Decor Mamma
Shabby Nest
Remodelaholic

Lobster Love (sign)

2010-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

I saw a lobster in the Ballard catalog a couple of summers ago. I liked it but not for $70. Found this baby at Ross for $10. Shoulda seen Hubby's face when I brought him home. I didn't like the color...it was red...yuck. Who ever heard of a Red Lobster (coconut shrimp...yum) Up on my shelf it went.

From the time I bought this until now this project has taken 8 months. Am I the only one that does this????.... please,please say no....

First I painted him with this. (Many days pass.)

Next hubby (loves those tin snips), cut left over metal from this headboard

into a rectangle. (Many, many more days pass.)

I made a stencil with the cricut (love it) and painted it with black paint diluted with white. Sanded the words with my ~~sandpaper~~ green scotch pad (that's what it's for right?). Only one day passes this time...I'm recovering!!!. Then I Kory drilled holes in the sheet metal and I wired the lobster with copper wire to the metal. I hung it with command strips on my backsplash. (all on the same day.)

Silver Stand Beach is in where my Uncle lived when I was a teenager. My sister, brother and I would spend time there in the summer. (California Dreamin') The beach is in Oxnard, California but who wants a sign that says OXNARD!!!! We would always eat at a resturant called the "Lobster Trap" so this sign makes me think of him everytime I look at it!!!! Gotta go....craving some seafood!!!!

P.S. WOW is that crooked or what....my grandsons are here so the lobster will just have to deal....he waited 8 months to get here... whats a few more days.....

Let there be light

2010-02-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

There was something I saw in this moviethat I was more excited about copying

than feasting my eyes on Robert Downy Jr.......he's beautiful.....what's wrong with me people???? Do I want a cure for this DECO Disease.....no way.

Over Sherlock's entry to Baker Street was an arch with a hanging lantern. The address was etched in the glass.

                                               My version:
                                               One clearance lantern-Ross $10
                                               Etching cream & cricut stencils
                                               Candle & rocks

This sits on the rusted bookshelf my hubby rescued for me (True love....take that Robert!!!)

The shelf is on my front porch with (a) potted plants and rusted license plates.....you like????

The candle will not be practical because of the 100+ degree weather in Southern Utah... but for now..... it is BEAUTIFUL( almost like Robert)......I'm sick I tell ya!!!

Hide and Seek

2010-02-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Joe, meet the folks!

I know he is kinda scary to some folks. In fact I have seen my grandsons stare at him in morbid fascination...thank goodness no nightmares. We avoid those with the sugar induced comas that grandma ALWAYS provides. Any who...Joe and I used to have a thing....we met in a wonderful shop on the "River Walk" in San Antiono about 17 years ago when I was in my southwest phase( almost as bad as my spiral perm and shoulder pads....I looked hot) and he came home with me.

Sigh....people change......so what can you do? You move on. I tried to move him on at a garage sale I held last spring and no takers. Can YOU believe that?????? Back home he came and back on the wall because he serves an important purpose....see he's a hider.

Until I find a new guy for the job, he stays!!!

The doorbell thingy.

This basket covers the smoke alarm in by bedroom (design above safety... okay there's holes in the basket for smoke.) I have a lot of doors in my bedroom so I put the metal 13 over this door (married Friday 13th 35 years ago) and also 11 and 12 over two other doors in my bedroom.

Makes me feel like I'm in a boutique hotel in Europe somewhere. Yeah like I've been to one.

This hides the fuse box in the laundry room.

So what ARE you hidin'?

Roman Numeral PB Knock Off

2010-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week this post was featured at Someday Crafts!! For those of you who haven't seen this yet, (and because we want this on our site as well) we thought we'd post this here today! We've been waiting all week to share it with you so without further ado....
ROMAN NUMERALS TUTORIAL:

Okay, I pour over the Pottery Barn catalog like I ~~should~~ do the classics and found this:

See the numbers?

See the drool!

Not for sale even. Not that I could ...ya know..... buy them. So I thunk and thunk til my head hurt (about 2 minutes max is all the thinkin I could take) and this is what I made:

with a lot of help from hubby.......

We bought a $2 piece of metal from a scrap yard. Made templates from contact paper. Traced them on the metal and hubby cut them out with tin snips.

I had to grind the edges with a dremel tool. They aren't perfect but they are CHEAP!!!!

And then I spray painted with this:

We spent about $15 because it took 2 cans of paint. I think it was worth the "thinkin" headache!!!

Quick Curtain

2010-02-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

I made this curtain a couple of years ago. It's easy and straight hem sewing or you could use fusible hem tape.

I measured the width ( if you fringe the edges make it a little wider) and measured the length about 6" longer than the window and cut out my fabric.

I fringed the side edges first and and top stitched them down to stop them from further unravelling. Then I hemmed the top and bottom of the curtain.

I made two leather straps (3 pieces braided together) that are 2x 's the length of where I wanted the curtain to hang plus a little extra to tie.

I tied each strap into a loop and threaded both on to the curatin rod at each end. I accordian folded the curtain and laid into the loops. Next I draped the top of the curtain over the curatin rod and adjusted the folds and leather straps. You could use burlap and jute for the ties or pretty fabric and ribbon.

If you have any questions e-mail me!!!

Post featured at Decormamma- frugalicious friday
Poppies at Play- I'm a creative cat Fridays
Remodelaholic

Top o' the cabinet to ya!

2010-02-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

I live in a teeny tiny apt

and have a teen tiny kitchen to boot.

No fun with a family of 5!

And I have yet to talk my hubby into renting in the suburbs so we can have a bigger house... but that's a whole 'nother post in and of itself!

Because of my galley kitchen and lack of cupboard space I have had to get creative with the placement of things. Which is where this idea was born:

goodbye messy cupboard... hellooo organized bliss!

Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, I can now always see exactly how much I have of what!

it kinda reminds me of those old fashioned general stores you sometimes see in movies like "Dr. Quinn medicine woman", where all the store goods were on display

Granted my flour, oatmeal, and sugar bags still have a place in the pantry due to their size, but I still have a jar for them up top that I just refill from those bags.

p.s.

I got each jar for around a buck and just snatch em' up whenever I see them at goodwill. I store everything that comes in a bag or box in the jars...

[raisins, corn starch, flax seed, flour, sugar, nuts, cocao, coconut etc etc]

and I never buy a jar if it doesn't have an airtight lid. Glass jars with loose lids just won't do! :)

post featured at:

The Shabby Chic Cottage-Transformation Thursday

Beyond the Picket Fence- 100 ideas under $100 Thursday

Pottery Barn Clock

2010-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

OK... so I want to know WHY is it that all the cool stuff in Pottery Barn is never for sale? You know those neat little treasures you see on the coffee tables or on the walls in the background..... [not that I could afford it anyway] BUT STILL it's like a mean tease!

When I saw this clock on the wall I KNEW I had to have one!

Soooo... much to my hubby's dismay, I started yet another project and left my many unfinished projects to sit and mingle while I worked on this one. [This happens to me a lot! I'm what I like to call, a starter/stopper- I start one project and then stop it [unfinished] and then hop on to another one, and then back to my previous one.] Drives hubby NUTS

anyways... back to the post

FIRST I went down to my local LOWES and got a 4x4 board cut down to 32"x32". Pick any size... just make sure it's a square. Board MUST be square or your circle (which must touch all 4 edges) will not be a circle, it will be an oval. FYI

Price: $12

Next I primed it with a creamy white and the white washed the top very lightly so the cream would still show through in spots.

(I used watered down white paint)

For the rest of the piece I used the following supplies:

a rusty red paint

a canary yellow paint

an antiquing glaze (very important. MUST be a glaze)

a knife

a rag

a cup of water

First I stabbed/picked holes randomly around the whole piece especially around the corners. I put some close together so as not to make it look like a pattern or intentional

I found my center and stabbed a large hole (where the hands would have been centered). I made the hole larger then the others.

(my camera broke when I was in the middle of this project so I'm showing you how I did the holes on my finished clock by just adding another hole. FYI :] )

Then I dabbed my rag in the paints, not really mixing them together on the plate. This way if it was too red or too yellow I could just add a bit more. After dabbing the rag in the paint, I dabbed the rag with the paint still on into water to water it down a bit so it wouldn't be so stark and be more plyable on the wood.

then I simply went around and "rusted" all the holes by dabbing them with this paint solution. I rubbed it into the hole really well and then just barely around it. I also "rusted" the large crack in the clock and the corners.

Then I went and put a bit of the glaze, also watered down, onto the rag and then wiped it over all the corners, edges, the center hole, and rusted areas. I also wiped it in and around the entire clock to age it a bit.

It's important to use the glaze because it will wipe off ENTIRELY if you mess up.... and leave NO TRACE it was ever there. I was really able to perfect my clock by using the glaze and not black paint.

Then I traced a large circle all the way around the clock and took a paintbrush and filled it in with the glaze paint (this time not watered down)

I traced the circle by insterted a pin into the exact center of the wood. Then I tied a string to the pin, and the other end of the string to my pencil. I made sure that the string was exactly long enough to let my pencil barely touch the edge. Then I just moved my pencil all the way around and it formed a perfect circle

Next I stenciled on all the numbers... again with the glaze.

I cut out my stencils onto paint chips using an exacto knife (if only I had a cricuit!) I traced an X, a V, and an I onto 3 seperate paint chips and with that combination made all the 12 numbers.

Then I sanded the finished clock down a bit, especially the numbers and circle to age them a bit

And there ya have it!

here's a close up of the original:

and here's my attempted version

with poor lighting :)

wanna see a cool [if not waaaay better than mine] version of this clock using sheet metal?
hop on over to My Dear Trash!!

oh!!! and we are guest posting over at SOMEDAY CRAFTS today and tomorrow!! We've got another Pottery Barn tutorial [Roman Numerals] over there so go check it out!

We heart Someday Crafts :)

Here's a sneek peek. GO OVER TO HER BLOG to see the full tutorial

Pottery Barn Party at the Shabby Chic Cottage
Blue Cricket Design- Show and Tell Wednesday
Somewhat Simple- strut your stuff Thursday
Miss Mustard Seed

Decorium Addictus

2010-01-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Discovery Channel's Man Vs. Wild. I'm your host Bear Grylls. I've survived some of the most dangerous places on earth. From the Amazon, to the desert, to the jungles, and even antartica. The sort of places you wouldn't surive a day without the right survivor skills and today I'll be taking you on a hunt to find a creature so rare I'll have to venture to the most dangerous territory yet. Where few men have gone before, and only a few men dare to travel... Hobby Lobby.

Today I'm on the hunt for a creature called Decorium Addictus. A rare breed of human that has an amazing ability to blend in to it's natural surroundings but given the right bait or brought together with other Decorium Addictus' will morph into an altered state of mind and begin speaking a language that only other Decorium Addictus' can understand.

I'm heading to the decor aisle now. I've got my sunglasses on so as not to be blinded by all the crafts and decorating objects. One could lose your mind in here if not careful.You've got to be very quiet and listen carefully for certain queue words in order to find them.

Shhhh... I think I hear some now....... sounds like female voices....... I can't let them know that I'm listening in......... I must approach with caution!

Debbie: Oooh! Look at this! This is perfect for that blank space I have above my lamp in my living room!

Stephanie: [wide eyed] That looks exactly like that thing in the Pottery Barn catalog! Speaking of which did you get yours yet?

Debbie: Yes! did you see those roman numerals in that office?

Bear Grylls:[whispers] Yes... these are definetly them! look at that "wild" look in their eyes when they talk about Pottery Barn. That is a tell tale sign! And look at the Male species. It looks like the one called Debbie has brought her male partner along. Look at his bored expression. We've caught them in their element so it is very likely that all the male partner is hearing is Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah, screw it into the wall, Blah Blah Blah Blah.

Let's keep listening in.

Stephanie: That clock in that living room...

Debbie: [interupts] The big one without the hands?!

Stephanie: YES! exactly! I HAVE to have it! I bet I can make it with a bit of paint and glaze.

Debbie: I know... I've already got Kels searching junk yards for scrap tin for those roman numerals.

I want them to have texture and depth but still be super cheap so I think that if I go with......

Bear Grylls: I'm going to leave quietly now before they spot me. I've still got to make my way through this giant suburbian store unhurt and with my sanity still in tact. Once outside I'll have a helicopter pick me up and quickly remove me to safety.

***P.S. tutorials coming tomorrow!!***

post featured as # 106 at FunkyJunk's Saturday Night Special

No Green Thumb?

2010-01-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a different use for a ~~dead houseplanter holder~~ pot.

Take one shallow dish (goodwill wok)

and fill with some assorted seashells, rocks or other organic treasures

and you have the perfect place to hide the ~~chocolate~~ TP!

P.S. the pot was on clearance at Walmart a couple of years ago.

This post is featured as #125 at The Shabby Chic Cottage

#118 at Somewhat Simple

#63 at Bloggeritaville

#85 @ Finding Fabulous: Frugalicious Friday

http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com

and finally...

Remodelaholics: Remodelaholics Anonymous-share your story Friday

{because you all know, that I am totally a remodelaholic/designaholic! and proud of it!}

A (bed)Room With A View PT 3

2010-01-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

My suitcase sidetable..I know.......nothing new....but these have history and I love 'um!!!!

The bottom suitcase was my Uncle's. Check out the stickers...they're real!!!

He and this case traveled all over the US and Cuba in the 50's. He was a magician's assistant in the burlesque circut...if that suitcase could talk....well.. .maybe silence is golden.

The middle one went through the 1906 SF earthquake and top one was brought back from Argentina by my Hubby. He had good taste even then!!!!

Here is a little before and after of the picture frames. Cheap blue plastic frames from Walmart.

Now rusted of course!!

These 3 VIEWS in bedroom totally changed how I feel about my bedroom. It is a place I want to be now. I think that is why we nest...it can heal and comfort us and make us very, very happy!!! What do you think?

Click here for A [bed]Room with a View Part 1 & 2

This post is featured as #120 at BlueCricketDesigns.net

and #66 at thethriftyhome.net

and # 53 at Domestically-speaking

"Traveling" through Nordic blogs

2010-01-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

As of late I've been trying to expand my "blogging experience" a bit by venturing outside of my decor bubble. That landed me in NORWAY of all places!!! I found one blog, which led to another and another and another until I'd been all over the Nordic penninsula!

So, grab your imaginary passport cuz I'm going to escort you through some of my fav's!

First stop.....

Liv's Lyst

this talented little lady resides in Norway

[for those of you who want a map I have taken the liberty of linking one up..... just in case you need a fresh reminder]

Because a picture is worth a thousand words I'm going to let her photos do the talking!

[look at her bookshelf!!!] added to my to-do list. Don't know where but I've GOT to have one!

and she's famous too! she's been featured in several articles and magazines in Norway

That's her front porch. And she crotcheted that quilt!!!

let's pause for a minute to appreciate her wonderful unique style before we globe trot again.

okay... ONWARD!!

next up....

Sweden! [click to see map]

to see.....

Biskops Garden

This talented lady also owns a boutique where she sells her wonderful treasures

Once again, I'll try to shut my mouth. key word: try :)

are you in LOVE yet or what?!.... 1 more for your eyes to rest on

You getting ideas yet for your "souvenier" projects?

I know I know..... my list is growing by the minute! Not good (in a good way)

okay..... as much as I want to linger it's time to jet off tooooo.....

sweden. again. ok.... so let's linger a bit longer then cuz apparently the swedes have got talent!

Welcome to:

House of Atmosphere

alright NOW let's country hop..... hmmm let's see which direction should we go [licking finger and sticking into the air]

oooh I know....

GERMANY!

[I'm not going to link up to a map. I would hope you would all know where germany is]

White Living has an oh so beautiful abode

don't you just love this?!?!?! ok sorry... less talk, more pics

Well I think that will be all for one night.... All this "traveling" is making me tired, and I haven't even left my chair! I guess my kids screaming in the background and the clock ticking away later and later into the night doesn't help much either.

I wish we could have ended our trip in my homeland Denmark!

[bet you didn't know I was from there did ya!]

But I have yet to find a blog from there. If anyone finds one LET ME KNOW! I guess I should ask my aunts and uncles who reside there. THEY might know! [lightbulb moment]

Happy "travels"!

This post is featured as #46 on We are THAT family's: Works for me Wednesday

and #119 at BlueCricketDesigns.net

and #65 at Thethriftyhome.com

and #54 at Domestically-speaking

DIY Felt Rug

2010-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Want an easy DIY rug alternative for CHEAP?!

Non-fraying, uber cheap, kid-friendly, FELT makes this project a great accessorie for your floors.

Personally, I'm going to add this project to my never-ending to-do list and probably incorporate it into my kids room [if I EVER get around to their room! :)]

For FULL[free]INSTRUCTIONS including a free downloadable pattern. CLICK HERE

Another quick idea I just had...

if you're not a fan of the zebra why not just incorporate this same idea into ANY pattern such as this one.

This picture was accompanied by a dead link. But supposedly it is just felt on felt.

Same idea as the zebra rug... just a different pattern!

anyone know if a Cricuit could cut out felt? If sooo.... this project would be easy-peasy!

A (bed)Room With a View Part 2

2010-01-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

May I present true love......
People meet headboard....headboard meet people.......

LOVE? -YES, YES, YES

"Ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille?"

(obscure movie reference)

And now, for your viewing pleasure...

A little Barry White please..... (oh.....sigh) True love

Click here for a [bed]Room with a View Part 1 & 2

This post is featured as #29 on FunkyJunk's Saturday Night Special

and #310 on A Soft Place to Land

and #72 at Reinvented's Trash to Treasure

and #51 on We are THAT family's Works for me Wednesday

Shipboard Planking Part 2

2010-01-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

So.... I finished my "DIY" planking! For those of you who missed part 1, it's actually just that 70's paneling turned sideways :)

Along with my reveal I am going to give a brief tutorial. Sooooo if you would like a more detailed explanation feel free to click on the Reach Us tab :)

I bought 2 sheets of that 70's ~~show~~ paneling. I decided on the one with the different sized "planks". it was $14.58 for one 4x8 section.

He used a fancy work saw but he said that the exacto knife worked just as well if not better. Just score where you want to cut (push extra hard) and then break the piece off. OR use a fancy saw :)

If you have 2 corners that will meet up, slide this corner rail on for a nice clean finish (cuz the edges are not clean FYI) They can be cut to size and just slide right on! We used them for our corner and our outside ends and then painted right over them.

Oh... and FYI your panel will be 4 ft high + the height of your trim. I wanted mine higher so I hung it at the height I wanted and then added an extra "plank" on the bottom (leftover from the other piece.)

Ready for the reveal?! ......

TA DA!

Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Recognize the clock? It's a knock off I made from the Pottery Barn Spring 2010 catalog. (hanging on the wall in one of the living rooms) I'll be posting the tutorial within the next few days. It was super easy :)

This post is featured as # 133 on Somewhat Simple

And #20 at DecorMamma

and #143 at The shabby chic cottage

and # 311 at A soft Place to Land

"A (bed)Room With A View" pt 1

2010-01-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

shhhh...did you hear that? A brass band...maybe? Hallelujah chorus....nope me neither. I was hopin' though.

Why............ BECAUSE I just crossed over from blog stalker to blog talker!!!

                                          Deep breath....here goes.....

My bedroom has been the black hole for years.....anything that didn't have a home ended up here. HazMat gear was ~~still~~ required. That is, until my new OLD $30 headboard. (pictures to follow)!!!!!  With that headboard reflected in the mirror above the dresser (lookin' mighty fine)....makeover time for the dresser.

Not bad for a 1970's inherited dresser. I am in LOVE all over again. Hey is that a MOON in that mirror????? I'll tell you soon......

Tired of looking at the smoke dectector...not now!!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY FIRST POST!!!!

(I left lots of room for improvement)

Click here For A [bed]Room With A View Part 2 & 3

Old end table gets a new life

2010-01-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics for all of you fellow junkers out there who like to think of new ideas for "trash"

Take 1 old end table that has seen better days, AND was missing it's top.....

and insert 1 vase! VOILA!!!

That decor around the neck of the vase is an old necklace!

And here's MY copycat version because she oh so inspires me :)

Shipboard Planking Part 1

2010-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

So I have a confession. I LOVE Shipboard Planking!!!

[ horizontally planked walls for those of you who don't know what that is ]

don't worry. I didn't know what it was called either until a few weeks ago when I couldn't get any good inspirational pictures from typing "horizontal planks" in the google machine. After MUCH searching and word manipulating I finally figured it out, and from then on it was happy sailing... pun intended :)]

So.... now the question arises; "How do I put THAT on MY rental walls?!?" I ~~want~~ no, NEED to have it!

The answer? That ugly panneling from the 70's.... turned SIDEWAYS!!

Here it is hung up on my wall.

We used just a few nails [into studs] to keep it sturdy and flush but also not too many for easy removal when we part ways with our apt in a few years. We'll just have to fill in a few holes like any other picture hung on a wall... no biggie :)

I Nailed up a 1x4 board ontop to hide the seem, and added a "shelf" ontop of that.

I primed and painted it white and am now in the process of putting the finishing touches into my new dining room!

The final reveal will be Wednesday [or Thursday should my accessories not cooperate in which case I'm giving myself an extra day to perfect it].... Stay tuned!!

Rusted Light Switches

2010-01-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea for an otherwise (and most of the time) looked over area of your house....

Your light switches!!!

These beautiful light switches were "rusted" with a rusting technic with paints!

Debbie will be posting about it this week so stay tuned for her How-To tutorial!

This post is featured as #42 at Twice Remembered

And #58 for Cottage Instincts Make It For Monday

And #90 at A Soft Place To Land

As Seen on HTTP

2010-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Gracias, Tak, Merci, 谢谢您, Danke, Bedankte, Спасибо, ありがとうございました, Kiitos, AND of course....

THANK YOU

for featuring AlchemyJunk!!

http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/

Candlestick maker

2010-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

All you need to make these beaut's is a few plumbing parts! Don't ask me what each piece is technically called but they are easily found in the plumbing aisle at any home improvement store.

I will call the round one: The round thinga-mag-ig

and the middle rod...well, The middle rod.

(Even the parts look scared!! what are you going to do stephanie?!?!)

1. Take both round thinga-mag-igs and screw them onto the middle rod at both ends.

2. set candle on top

And that's it! Easy button worthy!

FYI- the rods come in all different lengths so you can make several at different heights for a wonderful industrial grouping of candlesticks. I have several myself :)

This post was featured as #10 at Funkyjunkinteriors

and as #30 on Beyond the Picket Fence

and #94 on Finding Fabulous

Row row row your...... magazine holder

2010-01-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

old canoe shelf. Not my style.

(forgot to take a before pic so this was the closest pic resembling the before, only imagine a hunter green trim and an oar with a green stripe on one side and a fishing pole on the other.)

a little bit of white paint, lay it on it's side,

fill with magazines....

Now it's my style :)

This post is featured as #122 on Between naps on the porch

Books in a basket

2010-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Spruce up your bookcases with this idea:

I got the old baskets at my local thrift for a buck! Pics of my entire bookcase coming soon :)

Sidetable gets a new life

2010-01-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

I found this totally gag-me side table at the local thrift today... but the bones had potential

Step 1 remove top.

Step 2 Clean & touch up.

Step 3- Put pot inside new "table"

and Voila! Sidetable gets a new life. This project was inspired by Debbie's "standing pot guard" as my husband calls it. [because now it guards the pot from my clumsy kiddos] (Click here) to see hers!

Old door wall

2009-12-12T21:58:00.000-08:00

So I had this brilliant idea for this long bare wall I have and when I approached the hubby about it he said no-go :'(
You see, I'm not one of them lucky women who get to just decorate how they want cuz their hubby's don't care. There are A LOT of compromises and debates on what goes where and how we should do this or that when it comes to decorating our abode.

On the + side, our home truly is a reflection of US and not just me.

anyway...

Here was my idea....

I wanted to line the wall with old doors! Barn doors, shed doors, house doors, old screens... etc.

Add a couch and a nice outdoor rug and

-BAM!-

You have a totally unique, paint free, AWESOME "piece of art" for an otherwise bare space!

Oh well... maybe someday when I have a bigger home.... and more rooms to decorate... I'll be able to sneak this idea into a family room or something ;)

How To's

2009-12-12T20:27:00.001-08:00

Row row row your... magazine holder
Side table turned... well I don't know what to call it. Take a look and see for yourself
Industrial Candlesticks
Books in a basket
DIY Shipboard Planking [wall treatment]

Meet & Greet

2009-12-12T20:25:00.003-08:00

We are 4 life-long friends who share a love of decorating.... Especially ~~inexpensive...~~ no, UBER cheap, DIY, thrifting, yardsale, junk-type stuff!
Why just the 1 blog? Because it gives us a way to connect, inspire & motivate eachother with our never ending list of projects. plus YOU get the benefit of having 4 different styles, & 4 different "blogs" all in 1 place!! Although it may sound [and might even be] confusing at times.... we'll each "sign" our pictures and our posts so you can [hopefully] navigate and get to know us with ease. However most of you are probably just here to look at the pictures and could care less who is who [or is that whom?] in which case.... enjoy! cuz there will always be something fun and new between the 4 of us.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie- Decorating Style----> "Primitive, slightly rustic & cottage with a Junk Market twist"

Q & A with Stephanie:

Q-"What is your favorite architectural style?"

A- "I'm not too particular. I LOVE history so I like all things old with charm and character. My dream home is a beat-up old home... pre-1930's, that I could fix up.

Q-"Favorite thing about your house?"

A- "It's ~~cramped~~ cozy. And probably the location. We live RIGHT downtown.

Q- "Least favorite thing?"

A- "The size. It's just under 1000 sqft which makes life difficult when you have 3 little ones. But we are students so such is the life.

Q- "Current Project?"

A- "hmmm... let's see. What am I NOT working on! That'd be a shorter list. PASS"

Q- "Wish List?"

A- "I inherited an antique table & chairs from my Danish grandmother (Bedstemor)that I LOVE!!! The chairs are stuffed with the original horse hair/hay! {cue the ooohs & aaahs]

I ever so badly want it refinished! {hint hint hubby-o-mine}

DEBBIE- Decorating Style -----> "Global with a Junky twist"

Q- What is your favorite room in your house and why?

"Right now it's my bedroom. Loving the $30 headboard and the view from where my head hits my pillow!!!

Q- What is the biggest decoration challenge you have had so far?

"Lack of funds for the big projects like flooring and counters. Also, I need to do less blog stalking and more project making!!"

Q- Your favorite style and colors?

"my style keeps evolving. Love found objects and repurposing things. Favorite color is green($$) :) Ok, Nature's green not paper green :)"

Q-What is your favorite piece of furniture or decoration in your house?

"I don't think I have favorite piece of furniture....I tend to like different vignettes around the house. Now it is my vintage suitcases stacked (each suitcase has a story to tell) next to my bed with an antique fan. Next to the fan is a ficus tree. " (pics of it coming soon)

Q-What is your next project?

"Next project...oh the possibilities. To copy the "nest" pillow in PB catoloq, no wait to make my lobster sign....wait! the pendant lights I want to make from my $5 Ross vases...oh! oh! how about making the curtains for my kitchen..... (now you know how the inside of my head sounds..scarry huh!!)"

Q-Your house is stunning! Do you have any design secrets to share with us?

"Thank you for the compliment....I must remember to enjoy the process and not the end results more!! Don't be afraid to try something new. We can always have do-overs (I think I am on #89). Go big with the accessories, I have a 42" clock from Ballard's (Christmas/birthday/clearance/begging gift) that is in a small room and makes a huge impact when you enter the house."

KRISTEL- Decorating Style -----> "Retro/vintage-Chic"

Q & A With Kristel:

Q- "Describe your dream kitchen"

A-"White Cabinets, 50's style with modern conveniences of course. Black and white checkered counter tops. Splashes of turquoise throughout. And It would be super rad to have recycled old bricks (cuz those look awesome!) as a backsplash!"

Q- "What do you do in your down time?"

A- "I'm an artist at heart. I love to draw! And of course ~~junk~~ treasure hunting!"

Q- "What is your favorite things about your home?"

A- "I am working on turning my spare room into an artist's studio. It's my favorite thing to plan and think about about and will be my favorite place when it's finished."

Q- "What's on your wish list?"

A- "All the stuff for my studio of course... and then a playroom for my kids where they can keep all their toys out of my living room :) Oh!! AND a 50's bathroom!!!"

Q- "Where is your dream home located?"

A- "I'm Danish so I'd LOVE to live there!! But seeing as how Denmark has all those strict rules regarding immigration and my hubby isn't one... it's just a dream. So I'll settle for anywhere green with rolling hills. Washington state? Hawaii? idk. [of course I live smack dab in the middle of the desert! <--just my luck]"

Cierra- Decorating Style ----->

Cierra will be otherwise detained for the next few months due to a major job change, a BIG move (20+ hours away), a new baby almost here, and a major car accident that put her in crutches. Yes that's right. ALL the major stressors in life, and ALL in the past month!! Take it easy chickabity... you need it!

Temporary Cabinet Makeover - Map em'

2009-12-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

Look at these unique cabinets! Mounting maps to [only] the top half creates a beautiful showcase without being too busy. Notice the 3 clocks with the different time zones? adds to the charm I think.

[sorry the pic is blurry. Came that way.]

[to see more pics of this pretty place visit HERE]

Don't have old/vintage maps lying around? Get some new ones and "wax" them with shoe polish! wax on... wax off... wax on... wax OK you get the idea. This will create that sepia "dirty" look that is oh so wonderful to look at. Make sure you wipe off the excess really good and let it dry before you hang them.
What's that? How do you hang them you ask?
Well I have a few suggestions... take your pick:
Double sided tape. Mirror mounting tape. Liquid starch. {any other ideas? I'm currently fresh out}

*Recommended tip: don't use any maps that hold personal value. these will stay up well, but will more than likely rip when you have to/decide to remove them.

Want MORE ideas on how to spruce up or hide those ugly cabinets? CLICK HERE

Renter's Corner

2009-12-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

Renting? Can't paint your walls or make other changes you oh so wish you could? 3/4 of us are in the same boat so we're to help! Below are links to a few ideas to help with "Renter's Dilemma"

[Not all the items below are linked up yet. Please pardon our dust as we work on it. It'll all be up and running within the next few days so stay tuned and thank u 4 ur patience]

In lew of Painting.... TRY THESE OUT!
*Canvas drop cloth wall covering
*4x8 boards
*Textured beadboard wallpaper
*Bi-fold door screen
*Layered doors
*Newspaper wallpaper
*Dictionary pages wallpaper
*70's Paneling...no, not the ugly dated kind.. THIS kind!
*Metal Sheets

Cover that ugly carpet...
*Canvas drop cloth rugs
*Layer your rugs
*Felt Rugs. Cheap DIY project

Kitchen Cabinet [Temporary] Makeovers...
*Fabric covered cabinet doors
*Can't stand em? REMOVE 'em!
*Contact paper to the rescue!
*Chalkboard pictures "just hanging out"
*Picture frame backsplash
*Good ol' cork
*Fabric curtains instead of doors
*Map em'

Dated Fridge? How about...
*Contact paper --> before you cringe, take a gander :)
*DIY barn door
*Framed cork or chalkboard

Sneaky storage places & things...
*Dresser drawer incognito
*Pegboard pot holder
*Copper pipe Pot Rack, wall not ~~ceiling mounted~~

Reach Us

2009-12-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Wanna reach us?

you can email us at alchemyjunk[@]gmail[dot]com

Newspaper wallpaper

2009-12-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

Extra Extra!

Get this look with newspapers!

[DIY Magazine has a great tutorial on how to put these up on your walls. It's for dictionary pages, but will work just as great with newspaper pages]

[Room by Ligne Roset]

Want more rental wall decorating ideas? CLICK HERE!

Dictionary pages wallpaper

2009-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Have an old dictionary laying around? I see them ALL the time at the thrift stores for a buck or two!

DIY Magazine has a great tutorial on how to get this look

Want more ideas for decorating those bare walls? CLICK HERE

Contact paper fridge

2009-12-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Going for a retro look? How about this?

cut strips of B&W contact paper and adhere!

The possibilites with contact paper are endless!! If you've done a contact paper fridge, leave a comment so we can post a pic!

Cork or chalkboard fridge

2009-12-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a great idea for your fridge update! Do this...

do ALL cork

or ALL chalkboard!

For FULL INSTRUCTIONS please click below:

Flax & Spindle

Favorite Blogs

2009-12-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

Check These Babies Out!!

Blogs that inspire us:

http://www.ljo-s.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Fridge

2009-12-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

Found this pic at HOUZZ! isn't it lovely?!

Jennifer over at The Old Painted Cottage had an ever so ingenious idea of covering her fridge that I believe could be twerked for renters. [for her full instructions, and amazing before/after pics of her whole place click here]

Items you'll need:
beadboard
trim
hinges
handles
adhesive
magnet board cut to spec
(you could also use beadboard wallpaper and adhere that to a board in lew of beadboard)
and as always, thrift stores, yardsales, junk yards, salvage yards, etc are the best places to get most of the above mentioned items.

Cut the beadboard to spec. Adhere the beadboard to magnet board. Adhere cut trim to top middle and bottom. Attatch hinges and handles. stick on fridge.
I personally would also take a 1x4 {ish} board and glue it on sideways to make it like a "Z" barn door which would be especially cute on a top/bottom freezer fridge.