Spring(y) Decor Bringing Happiness & Cheer!

I have lagged in the blogging department this past week.  This long, drawn out cold snowy weather is giving me the winter blues.  I have been having trouble finding ambition to attack certain projects recently and hoping with Spring on the way it will help bounce me back into my creative mode.  I do love a good snow day and feeling all cozied up within the confinement of our home, but this year I feel like it has dragged on for too long now.  I'm itching to get out to play in the yard and get my spray painting on! :)  The one downfall to this cold weather is that certain projects I would like to attempt have to be put on hold because I don't have proper space to accomplish them in.

This past week we hopefully had one of the last snow storms for the year.  Eli and I had a pajama day and did a little spring cleaning/decorating to lift the spirits.  I tackled the living room and a little in the kitchen to help cheer up the space while our house was enveloped in the powdery white stuff outside.  I haven't purchased any new spring decor except for 2 small items so I just went shopping around my house and rearranged some things to feel somewhat new.  The two things I did purchase were a plate from Goodwill for 99 cents and a pack of spring paper napkins from Christmas Tree Shop for $1.99 that I incorporated into the space.  I love how just taking things you own and giving them a new home can refresh and revive a space.  Before decorating, Eli decided he wanted to vacuum so we had the whole living room torn apart before putting it back together in the pictures below.  He is my little cleaning buddy and loves to help out so with paper towel and vacuum in hand, we scrubbed the room, put the winter decor away and brought out some bright happy colors.  Here is the beginning stages of Spring in our home :)

 Living Room- view from the kitchen.

Took my 2 lanterns purchased from Goodwill this past fall and flanked the mantle with them. I originally had the lanterns put together on the side table to make one large lantern this winter, but decided to give them a fresh look by separating them.  I put 2 matching Goodwill plates in the back of each one with a mercury glass votive holder in front of it to be able to light the candles at night.  

This framed card was in the kitchen but brought it into the living room for a change of scenery.  I love this little silver bird in front of it that I purchased at Michael's this past Christmas for $1.50.

I have a love for old canning jars, especially the teal colored ones.  I found this one at a thrift store last year for $6 with the lid on it.   I filled it with the yellow and gold paper straw that I use for Eli's basket and the eggs we colored last year.

Lantern with the vintage Goodwill plate and mercury glass that can change and flow throughout every season.

Little ceramic white bowl that I again filled with the paper straw and eggs that Eli colored last year.

Our egg tree filled with glass eggs from Christmas Tree Shop (last year).  Branches are reused from previous decor and they are spray painted silver and white from in our back yard.

Thrift store table that I painted gray a while back and re-purposed next to the sofa.  Doily is from Nate's Great Gram who made it and gave it to us as a wedding gift.  Love sentimental pieces like this!  

Apple green bud vase was originally clear and purchased for $1 at Walmart last year.  I used acrylic craft paint and swirled it around inside to get this color.  I'm not usually into fake flowers, but those are.  I do love them now and again.  

Here is the paper napkin I decided to frame.  Hoping the fold lines will smooth out, but besides that I love the color it brings to the room.  This frame gets changed out seasonally.  For Christmas it said "Merry" and for winter it said "Let It Snow."  These flowers exude happiness:)

Kitchen received a few little touches.

Beautiful vintage tea cup that I received as a favor at a recent bridal shower.  Inside the cup is a yellow glass egg (left over from the egg tree).

Here is the plate I scored at Goodwill this week for 99 cents.  I think it has a very Anthropologie feel.  I would like to hang it on a plate gallery wall someday.

Little frame from Michael's this past Christmas for 99 cents.  I cut out a picture from the Pottery Barn magazine and frame the little chick with an egg in it.  Thought it was sweet!  This is something you can do at home.  Find a frame laying around and cut pictures out of decor magazines for a seasonal theme.  I do this all the time.

Blue glass egg in a little milk vase.

Old scale with festive eggs from Christmas Tree Shop (last year find).

Finally hung my chalkboard from 2 months ago.  That is my little Scentsy owl (from Christmas) that I thought would be a good home for him for now.  He will have some company on that shelf here soon :)

That is the beginning stages of bringing some bright, happy cheer into our home.  Just shows that you don't need to spend much to make your space feel alive and like YOU :)   It's fun trying to be creative with what you have and making it unique to your liking.  Hope to bring a touch of Spring into every room of the home somehow.  This time of year excites me with the rebirth of everything that died or went dormant for a season.  Bright colors always make me happy and although I don't personally like them on the wall (feels too permanent), I do love decor that can be changed out and brings a smile to my face when walking into the room.  What Spring projects or decor do you have in mind?  Send me an email if you'd like and I'll post your  reno or decor in an upcoming post :)  The hubby and I are tackling our bedroom here this week (hopefully) so stay tuned for updates, as well as a nursery redo and bathroom redo in the near future as well!  Have a great day and Happy Spring everyone!

Thrifty Thursday: Picture Re-purposed Chalkboard & Gold Liquid Leaf!

Thrifty Thursday with a Twist of a Makeover...
I am back with the full story oh how I re-purposed the frame I mentioned last week that cost me 25 cents at the Goodwill Distribution in Gorham.  Here is the before and after...

Before anyone asks why I would do away with such a classic amazing picture, it's because it was in really bad shape and the front of it was peeling, discolored and had water marks all over it.  I opted to remove it and put a new piece of wood in the frame, but I decided it was a solid base to work with and it would have been more work to do that instead.  So I ended up spraying right over the picture itself since its on an mdf type board (no glass with my picture, but I have heard of people spraying the glass with chalkboard paint and it working.  Never have done it personally however).  I love chalkboards because of their personalization.  I especially love one in the kitchen to write messages for events, quotes, scriptures or even the dinner menu for guests.   I have a small one that I made a while back, but I had been on the hunt for a larger one.  I still could go with a bigger one than this, but for 25 cents I had nothing to lose :)  Here is how my chalkboard transformation took place...

1. Covered the outside with a plastic trash bag and taped it down on the back so that I could spray the chalkboard base first.  I was a little impatient and wanted to get the ball rolling immediately when I bought the frame.  That didn't happen because you need the weather to be fairly nice so that it will dry properly and not blow all over the place when spraying.  I would love a garage someday where I can open the doors and do projects during the colder months.  Spray paint is finicky so conditions have to right.

2.  Removed the trash bag and the frame now looks like this. I did about 4 coats of chalkboard spray paint.  The backing that I sprayed wasn't completely even and was a little rough.  I sanded it a little before spraying it.  If you look at it up close you can see the unevenness but nothing that bothers me.  That's the beauty of liking an aged/vintage look because imperfections to me just bring added character to the piece :)

3.  I didn't care if the chalkboard paint got on the wood a little because I was going to spray the frame next.  I used a metallic gold spray paint from our local Ace hardware store and the Krylon chalkboard spray paint. I covered the front of the chalkboard with white paper while I sprayed the frame with the gold.

4.  I spray painted the frame with 1-2 coats of the Metallic Gold.  I was going for a vintage aged look and wanted it to have a layered effect so I didn't want the gold spray paint to be one saturated color.  I bought a gold leafing paint (similiar to gilding) that I used on top of the spray paint.  Here is the metallic gold by itself first.

5.  Next I applied the Gold Liquid Leaf with a small soft bristled paint brush.  This didn't need to be even strokes since I was going for a layered aged effect.  This product will last FOREVER (a little went a long way).  It was $5 and well worth the little "extra touch."

6.  You are supposed to wait 1 hour in between the liquid leaf coats.  I applied one coat and may do some touch ups once I have it on the wall.  I am going to wait and see what it looks like once its up in the kitchen.  I did take the brush and lightly went over the edge of the chalkboard along the frame to give it an old look.  I I had made a little boo boo and touched the chalkboard by accident with the gold liquid.  I thought I was going to have to go back with the chalkboard spray paint, but instead I decided to roll with it and make it look like it was part of the plan.  I love how the liquid leaf looks over the spray paint.  It shines/shimmers and gives it the look I was envisioning.  It compliments the mirror in our living room above the mantle very well.  They look like they could be siblings :)  Here is the finished product...

Total cost for this project:
*Frame: 25 cents
*Chalkboard spray paint: Already owned it from previous project.
*Metallic Gold Spray Paint: $4
*Gold Liquid Leaf (optional for the look I wanted): $5

Under $10.00 for this project!

This could become an obsession for me.  They are fun to make and would make great gifts!  Anyone make one recently or been wanting to?  I say GO FOR IT....its easy and simple!  Such a fun way to display notes or a message to someone in your family :)

Dear Eli...

The weather today is so strange.  It is super windy out BUT is 53 degrees on what is usually a cold, blistery January day.  I love it except it's a tease because winter isn't even half over yet. Almost all the snow is gone...it's amazing really.  I'm hoping we can take a walk and get some fresh air when you get up from nap :)

It has been quite the week....I've never laughed so much and yet at the same time I have never been so challenged and frustrated in all my life.   One moment you make me so happy and the next you are melting down and I just want to cry with you.  I hate to think of it as the "terrible twos" because I know through this time your character, personality and core values as a person are being developed and refined through all of this,  whether it's good or ugly.  You have brought me to a new level of patience and asking God to strengthen me when I know not what else to do.  It's been challenging to say the least, yet if I can get a grip on my own emotions in the midst of these trivial times, I can see a little boy trying to figure out life the best he knows how.  And my job as the parent is to guide and direct you the best I know how.  I'm learning as I go and I don't have it all figured out, but at the end of the day you know and I know that I love you so much and you mean more to me than anything in the world!  I have to remember not to wish these moments and months away because before I know it, you will be starting kindergarten and I will wonder where these last few years have gone.  In the big scheme of things, this is just a glimpse of an eye and I want nothing else than to savor this time I have with you because I will never get it back no matter how hard it is. You are worth it my son and I would have many many more if God willing because there is nothing like being a mom!

You have had me laughing so much this week.  Recently, you have started telling me that certain things "freak me out."  I'm assuming you have picked this up from me, but the funny part is that you know how to use it in the right context.  For instance, I babysit "little Eli" a couple times a week and when I went to change his poopy diaper you started to gag, running as fast as you could saying, "that stinks, it's freaking me out mommy" or the other day you were eating a salad and there was a weird looking piece of cabbage in it and you said to me, "that is gross looking, it's freaking me out", hahaha!

You are crazy sometimes and smells freak you out.  When we go into a public restroom and someone has left an "odor", you scream out, "it smells so bad in here" and you begin to cough and gag.  I feel so bad for the person you are probably insulting, but you never fail at picking up on scents when you walk into a room.  I'm just hoping you learn to filter what you are thinking as you get older :)

You love helping me cook in the kitchen.  This really tests my patience sometimes but I'm really trying to not worry about the mess so much and let you learn and have fun.  We make eggs every morning for breakfast and you are my whisker.  You tell me exactly what needs to go in it including "garlic."  Now everything we make has to have "garlic" in it according to you.  You really are great at helping me and your favorite part is trying it out along the way!  You love food and your diverse pallet is amazing!

You are my little grocery shopping buddy.  You know all the stores by heart and exactly what happens at each one.  You know Trader Joes for their little shopping carts and I think that is your favorite place to shop since you feel like a big person.  We are still working on the "excuse me" and wait for the person in front of you to go first.  You think it's like a race track and you just plow through as fast as you can.  Most people are forgiving and think you are cute and I am totally exhausted when I leave there with you!! ha!  We were at Hannaford the other night and you LOVE driving the car carts.  I love them too because it keeps you occupied and you stay put for most of the shopping trip.  When we were leaving I was putting you in the car and you kept trying to look around me.  I asked you what you were doing and you said, "i'm trying to peek at that man over there."  You were as serious as it could be with a little smile on your face.  You made me laugh so hard!

We have been really trying to work on your manners more especially when you ask a question.  You now say "may I please" or "can I please" before you do something or want to help out.  I can't even believe how much you talk now.  We can have a full on conversation with you and interact.  You love talking on the phone and you get mad at me when I answer it.  I usually have to tell the person to call back just so you can hit the button and say hello.  You are my strong, independent child and mimi says I was just like you at your age.  I think I'm getting paid back for all that I did to her :)  It's funny how much your personality resembles mine when I watch home videos.  You are not afraid to tell people where to go, what to do and how to do it and of course you have to do EVERYTHING yourself!!!!

You had your first dental cleaning this past week at Auntie Caleigh's school.  You were incredible!  You let her probe at your teeth (check for cavities), polish and fluoride them.  I was very impressed.  I am sure it helped that you know her compared to not knowing the hygienist.  You loved the stuffed alligator they had with the big chompers and large tooth brush.  You helped brush his teeth and play with Caleigh's tools :)  You have all your teeth for now and they said it all looks perfect.  As long as you keep letting me brush your teeth like you do, you should be ok :)

Well, I am sure there was a lot more said out of that little mouth of yours this week, and I'll be back to share more soon :)  There is so much you say that I need to start writing it down immediately so I don't forget.   You have such a fun personality and there is never a dull moment when you are around!

Love you so much,
Mommy

Groundhog Day is this Saturday so we made an art project today.  We have always recognized this day growing up because mimi's family lives in Punxsutawney, PA where the groundhog is from.  Our uncle was always on the groundhog committee and would dress up as the groundhog in the parade.  Here you are with your proud artwork :)

My little Picasso :)  

We are going to frame your finished product in either the playroom or your new big boy room!

Silhouettes, a classic and beautiful gift!

Goodmorning from Portland, Maine on this very cold and snowy day :)  Our house is being enveloped and blanketed in all that white stuff and since it's Christmas week, I'm pretty happy about it.  Eli and I are planning to go have a playdate in the snow in a little bit.  For some reason, snow takes on a whole new meaning when you have a child.  There is something so fun and magical about the joy it brings to a childs heart.   I'm looking forward to our mother/son date...today more than ever!  Hug your children tight and don't let the little moments of bliss pass you by.  When I think of the aftermath in CT on Friday, there are parents who no longer will be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life with their kids and it breaks my heart.  Lets all learn to enjoy, cherish and seize every opportunity to spend time with our children and loved ones in a new way.  Life is a gift and may we all be reminded of it this Christmas season!

Now onto the sweet project I did recently of Elias' silhouette.  It is very simple, cost effective and quick.  I think it would make a great gift if you are looking for something creative and memorable to give to your loved ones.   I have always been drawn to the old vintage silhouettes and remember getting one done of myself along with my siblings when we were younger.  Ours was much more intricate where someone used an art cutter to cut our profiles out by just looking at us.  It was amazing and I still love to look at it when I go to my mom and dads.  And because of that experience, I was always a little intimadated of ever approaching this project because I never realized it would be so easy.  BUT, you will be amazed at how EASY it is!  Drumroll please....here are the materials you need and the process of putting it together.  Trust me, there is no art cutter involved, Thank God :)

Materials :

•  5x7 or 8x10 profile picture of your child or whomever you would like to use.  I chose to use a 5x7 because of the frame I purchased.
• Picture frame of your choice.  I knew I wanted an oval picture frame.  I found one at Mardens for a pretty reasonable price and it has somewhat of an old vibe to it.  
• Black acrylic paint and paint brushes
• Paper to adhere your picture to for the matting of the frame.   

Directions:

• Cut the profile of the child out of the picture.  Use the black acryclic paint to paint layers on the picture.  It takes several layers to get the desired effect.  It doesn't look great in the beginning but after at least 4 layers it's completely solid black.  Key to remember: Make sure the air is dry and let it dry between coats for at least 20 minutes so you don't jeopardize taking the paint off.  The picture is glossy so it takes time to adhere.  
• After several layers and you get the desired color saturation that you want, let it sit and dry for several hours.  Once the picture is completely dry and has "cured" so to speak, adhere it to whatever paper you choose.  I used just a plain white piece of paper to keep it simple, but I think you could be creative with it.  I thought a burlap style paper (like the one I used for my bunting banner ) would look great, so I may change it up.  Cut the paper to fit the frame and then glue the picture to the paper.  I used a glue stick that I use for scrapbooking.  And Voila, you are able to place it in the frame to see your finished masterpiece. 

 1st layer of paint

 2nd Layer of paint...you can see the darkening that is taking place.

  Finished Masterpiece!

Breakdown of Costs:

• Frame- $9.00...You could definitely find one for less than this.  I just could not find an oval one that I liked anywhere.
• Picture- Around 50 cents. Printed at Sams Club
• Acrylic Black Paint- $1.00 at Michaels 
• White Paper & Paint Brushes-  I already had from previous projects
• Total= $10.50, but could be done for less.       

Now you can sit back, admire, and enjoy your piece of art.   This is one of my most beloved keepsakes that I plan to do with all our children someday and would love to do it at different stages in their lives to see the progression when they are older.  It's funny how even when you paint over the picture, you can tell that it is totally your child by their little features that are so unique to them :)  I hope this gives some of you an idea if you are at a loss for something to give or make.  Enjoy this busy week leading up to Christmas and try to take time to savor all that is going on around you.  Thanks again for stopping by!