Old Iron fence, Rusty Tricycle, Chalk Paint and Me! Good times!

I've been waiting to show you something. 

My friend/client just made over her daughter's room.

I got to help a little.

But I couldn't show you until her daughter saw it first!

I don't have pictures of the whole room finished, 

just the two things I helped with.

I love them both. Really, I almost got giddy doing them.

Have you ever seen a puppy play with a ball, bouncing one way and then the other...

That was me.

Except, I don't have a tail or a wet nose.

Ready?

 Honestly, I loved the fence before I painted it. Old and rusty and just so very cool! I have 2 sections of this fencing propped up in my flower/weed garden, and then I just put a small section near my front door with some ivy climbing it. Love love L.O.V.E this fencing! The rust and chipping paint wasn't gonna work for this room. It's totally vintage, but I just couldn't let rusty paint chips fall off on to the bed below. SO my task was to make this old fence look old, but be clean and nice for her headboard. 

Here is what I started with...

 The picture above makes my heart race a little....

I'm weird, I know it, I've accepted it, you might want to also :)

I started with a good power wash to get anything off that wanted to come off. Followed that with a coat of Annie Sloan Country grey mixed with a little old white to lighten it a bit. After that I hit it with a smattering of straight Old White to help make the details pop a little. When that was dry..which was almost instantly, I lightly sanded the whole thing with a fine sanding pad just to burnish it a little and give it a smooth feel. Dust it off and voila! 

I have a few more of these fence sections around if anyone local is interested ;)

Now for the second project!!!

My friend used to ride this trike when she was a little girl.

Isn't it sooo amazing?!

Well her daughter thought it was amazing also and wanted it fixed up a little,

you know... cute-ify it a little?

That is where I came in.

Me and Annie Sloan.

Seriously, Chalk paint is so great!

What other paint can you just paint right over something like this without having to use a primer and even then I would have to use paint meant for metal..blah blah blah.

Crack me open some chalk paint and lemme at it!!

One more look at the before.

Before you die a little, I didn't paint the whole thing, just couldn't bring myself to do it.

And after...

 Sorry for the not-so-professional pictures. Sometimes it just is what it is. 

And today, this is what it is...

Alright-y then, I'm glad I could finally show ya..I mean it's been like 5 days! 

I thought I might die, but I made it through. 

On another note.

My studio.

It's done, and I actually am using it!

I'm preparing a class schedule and sooooooon 

Y'all can come paint with me!!

I'm so excited!

Hope you are too ;)

I'm so excited to be joining
"Meet Me Monday"

at one of my favorite blogs!
 http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/

If you stopped by from the party, so glad you came!
Hope you want to stay :)

Bedroom makeover part 2

It's summer and that means everything is either going 100 miles an hour or in slow motion. Do you ever feel that way? It's sorta like a tornado...sometimes I am in the middle of the vortex, and other times I am whirling away on the outskirts in a mad frenzy. Anyway, I'm finally getting around to part two of my two bedroom makeovers in two weeks episode. I showed you my first daughter's room in this post.

On to bedroom two...

 My 14 yr old has been putting up with this room since we moved here a year and a half ago and dreaming for the day she would get a more grown up room. She gave me some paint cards with the colors she wanted which were all bright. Her favorite color was the one I landed on mainly because I had some paint already that matched it almost perfectly, and another lighter color to paint the walls which was a nice much lighter shade. ANyway...

The BEFORE.....

It was a cute idea, for a much younger girl, and I personally would have chosen different colors, but I'm sure that the little girl that lived here before we moved in loved it and that's all that matters!

There are a few finishing touches that I still need to finish up...I'm waiting on new hardware for the cabinets, and need to "cute up" her dresser a little, and obviously there aren't pictures in her picture frames yet....But I thought I'd show you what got done in the week while she was at camp...

Brace yourself...it's a little blue...

She desperately needed more storage in her room. I found the cabinets at the thrift store and thought they would do the trick. I'm not totally happy with this space yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. When I get the new hardware I will be covering the lovely built in handles on the bottom drawers with a thin piece of wood so you won't even know they were there! I already had the vintage mirror as well as the lamp. The bed may be a little boring, but with no budget and a blanket I already had that fit her order of "I just want a soft fuzzy blanket, nothing fancy" I figured it will do.

When I got the cabinets, they looked like this...

Obviously I added the little scrollwork and after a primer coat, and then 2 coats of paint we were good to go. I have to say that I love my HVLP sprayer, things like this would drive me crazy to have to paint with a brush or roller. 

I'm all for speeeeedddddyyyy projects :)

I already had this shelf below..it's actually one of those fancy things you put over doors to make your house look nice..technical term would be a lintel...but I'd rather just call it a door do-hickey-thingey. She quickly added a few of her special things up there, her own touches!

I painted it with my latex that I used on the cabinets, but then had a little fun with my ASCP by brushing it on and into the cracks and then wiping it with a damp rag. This shelf is her favorite part of the room. I'm pretty happy with the look, and like how the green is a nice break from allllll the blues!

 Now I have to show you my FAVORITE part of her room.

 I can't take full credit for this, it's not an original idea.

My Sister in law did something similar in her daughter's room

...with butterflies

...it was

A

MAZE

ING!

Hers looked more like this...

As soon as I saw it I knew that I had to do something similar... 

Ready...

...set...

...squeeeeee......

It's prettty obvious how to do this one, scrapbook paper of choice, paper punch, glue dots, a little bling, and there you have it!

She loved the photo wall I did in her sister's room HERE and so I did a smaller version of it for her. It will look great with cute smiling faces in the frames...but for now you'll just have to imagine that. Very good. You've got a great imagination...except I think I'm younger than you had me pictured...and thinner...and..oh wait, you had it right. 

And there you go! I really need to get back in there and finish up those last few things, and then spend a day and help her put all her fun things in fun little places. I just love my girls! I just can't imagine doing something so fun with a sports theme for a boys room...

or could I?

I'm so excited to be linking to:

www.nutmegplace.com

There are bouncy balls in my head!

I mentioned in my last post that I've had a lot on my mind as well as a lot on my plate. I'm having one of "those" days where I feel that maybe as I write some of what has been on my mind, 

maybe it will sort itself out. 

So here is one more "BETWEEN DESIGNS" post. 

If You are still reading, thanks. 

To be honest, I really don't know where this is going to go, maybe I will get to the end and junk the whole thing. I feel a little like there are bouncy balls in my head, thoughts bouncing in one direction and then another. Sometimes one thought collides with another and caos begins. Sometimes one thought just bounces, and bounces, and bounces into the wee hours of the morning. 

Sometimes it's good, sometimes not.

I think I'll start with something I think we all struggle with at times, us ladies anyway, not sure about the men-folk. I've really struggled lately with seeing the seemingly amazing and wonderful lives, and vacations, and careers, and..., and...., and... of seemingly everyone around me and then feeling sorry for myself. Honestly, it's really ridiculous that I'm having a hard time with this because 

I KNOW that no one has the perfect life they seem to have. 

I KNOW that so many of those vacations are only due to the great and mighty credit card, andy many of them are laced with pain, and stress, and negativity that doesn't show through in the pictures. 

I KNOW these things from experience. 

And yet, no matter what I KNOW to be true, there are times when that green bouncy ball of jealousy bounces and bounces until it has touched every aspect of my life to the point where it's hard to be genuinely happy and at peace. GRRRRR! Why do I allow that?! 

And so, in attempt to make myself feel better, I will focus on the wonderful, great, and fulfilling things in my life. You know what?! I am going to start right now, here, in public. I think I'll practice what I often preach and make a list of the blessings I have in my life...

I am so thankful for a husband that is easy going and willing to listen to me pout. He talks things out with me and even accepts my criticism with a simple "I'll do better". He loves me even when I'm really not that lovable. After spending 18 years of never feeling that kind of unconditional love in my previous marriage, I am so very thankful for my Superman and his patience with me.  

I am thankful for a home full of energetic, fun and (mostly) happy teens. I am thankful for the laughter, the jokes, the hugs, the music, and yes, the noise. I know that there will be a day when I will sit in my quiet home and cry because I will miss them terribly. I am so thankful to be their mom, and to have them bless my life daily.

I am thankful for my dog. Yes, I said it. The companionship, love and devotion she gives me blesses me, and my family daily. She is a sweet and loving addition to our family.

I am thankful for amazing neighbors and a community of strong, faithful and caring individuals. I regularly am filled with love for this city and the people who live here. The beauty and peace that surrounds me daily has lifted my spirits many times. As I am walking the streets and have strangers wave and smile I am reminded of what a blessing it has been to have moved here to heal from past pain and start a new life with Superman and a truly great community by my side. 

I am so blessed and thankful to know of God and my Savior Jesus Christ. I live each day in hopes to be a true disciple and to help Him carry out His plan in any way I can. I am blessed and thankful to know of their deep love for me and all of their children. I am thankful to know that the burden of judgement does not fall on my shoulders, but only the call to love unconditionally. I am so thankful for their mercy and grace and the role it plays in my life. I am thankful for repentance and the eternal plan of happiness that will allow me, you and everyone to live in a place of love and peace for eternity. I am thankful that I have been blessed to have faith, and to be able to take peace in knowing that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and that He will guide and direct me. Even when I don't know the next step, He does. 

He knows me. He Cares about me. He provides for me. 

I am thankful for tender mercies. You know, those simple and yet almost profound miracles that although small they may seem at the time, are a token of the love my Heavenly Father has for me. 

Last, but not least, I am thankful for the pain, the doubt, the fears, and the struggles that have brought important life lessons to my heart and soul in a way that could never have happened in any other way. I'm thankful that my Father believes in me enough to test and try me in real and lasting ways. 

Well then, so there you go. That's what it looks like a little when the bouncy balls in my head spill out and hit the keys on my keyboard. Like I said in the beginning, 

I had no idea what I would say. I think I feel better. 

I guess the "moral of the story" for today is that we are all here to learn, to grow, to help and lift one another. Although I get on Facebook and see your amazing lives, your skinny bodies, successful businesses, and seemingly endless amounts of money, 

I know the truth. 

I know that you struggle with something. 

I know that where my life may lack in some areas, there are many areas that are blessed beyond my comprehension. 

I know that with each happy and fun post on FaceBook there are many that are sitting behind glowing screens with tears, sorrow and pains that dare not post about the truth. 

To you, the one with the struggles, the one with the pain, and the empty wallet, please know that you are not alone. 

Please know that it will get better. 

I know it because I have lived it. 

If you believe in God, talk to him, and then listen. 

If you don't believe in a Father in Heaven, reach out to someone who can lift and help you. 

I hope this wasn't too much, and that you'll come back for more "Designs" on another day!

If you read this, and you don't mind saying so...

could you please leave a comment, so I don't think I'm bearing my soul to the world and no one is listening??? Please :)

And now...finally...one last thing I am thankful for...

The Chocolate Chip Cookie waiting for me in the kitchen as well as the cold milk in the fridge.

"Bedroom Makeovers" Part One

I'm not sure how to start this post. I've had a lot on my mind, and a lot on my plate. I'd love to share what's on my mind, but it will wait. My studio is done, and waiting for me. Classes are in the works and projects are lined up; and yet, there it sits. About a month ago I had a moment. In that moment I decided that I had some projects in my home that I needed to get off "my list" before I can go gung-ho with the studio and my super exciting business plans. (yes, I said gung-ho, and I meant it) 

Wanna see some of my at-home projects?? 

I thought you might like to see...

First.......

While my girls where at their dad's for a summer stay I decided to makeover their rooms. My youngest two girls' rooms were painted "cute" already when we moved into this house a year and a half ago. I know that they were loved by the girls who lived in this house before, and that they were painted with love, so anyone who helped with the decor of these rooms for the previous family, please know I'm not unappreciative of what was done, and the circumstances under which it was done... ANYWAY!!!

This is the BEFORE of Riley's room....

(You may want sunglasses)

I had an almost non-existant budget, but lucky for me my sweet sister in law had some things she was getting rid of. And I made a trip to the thrift store for an idea I had for a head board. I had 2 major goals in this room:

1. To give my almost 12 yr old a more grown up room

2. To give her a "home" for all of her crafts, collections and "treasures"

 so that she can keep her room cleaner easier.

Here are my two main projects to be put in the room:

 Nice?? Can you see the potential?? 

I know, it's hard, but if you tilt your head a little, and then squint yer eyes, you can see it.

This could be a really long post, so I'll cut it short and get right to it. I added some trim to the top of both units, and then painted them both black with a paint/primer in one that worked great on the wood bookshelf, but not so great on the slick overlay on the other, wish I had been using chalk paint. I added wrapping paper to the back of the tall bookshelf and a cheap-o plastic table liner to the back of the entertainment center(along with a new back since it was missing most of it).

After a little of this and a little of that, her is the room AFTER:

WARNING>>>PICTURE OVERLOAD :)

On this wall I wanted her to see pictures of all the people that love her so much, and pictures of her as a baby and young girl so she can see how adorable she was. 

I don't think you can look at cute baby pictures of yourself and not feel special!

I already had all of these frames as well as the mirror which I painted.

 Here is the book shelf complete with a cute way to display and store her cute little collections, including a jar of crayon shavings I found when cleaning out her room. Just couldn't bring myself to throw it away! My lovely friend Mandy helped me with getting the room put back together and she did a great job staging the bookshelf! 

Did you see THIS dresser in the before pictures?:

I have a little secret about how I did the makeover on this dresser, I'm gonna save it for another post... I know, sorry.

 I picked up the light at a garage sale for $5. 

I used a lamp kit and rewired it so it could be a lamp.

I really like it.

Some of the frames are empty for now because I am waiting on some pictures, and I want her to help pick out some of the bigger Pictures.

 The posters and pictures she had plastered all over the walls I kept and put on her door. I know, some would be bothered by the clutter, but it's her room, and they are special to her.

Her closet wasn't very functional before, with almost no space to hang her clothes, I added two bars on the one side, and rearranged the existing shelving to make better space.

BEFORE:

After:

 She has a few boxes and a laundry basket full of "stuff" she gets to sort though and find a home for, so it's a little cluttered for now, but you can see the difference, I hope!

She's a girl, she's creative, and yes, she has a lot of stuff, but at least it all has a home now :)

SO there you have it, room one of two makeovers in the last two weeks. I'll post soon with the second room. I'm a bit in love with one thing I did, can't wait to show you!

DO you like the new room??

I feel that I accomplished my goals!

She had no idea I was doing this, when she came home she was a little upset because she could see remnants of me cleaning out her room by the trash can outside, as well as some boxes as she came into the house. After she walked in her room her mood changed drastically and I'm pretty sure she cried a little :) 

One of the best things about this room is that I only bought 3 things: 

1. The entertainment center I used for her headboard ($25)

2. The black paint/primer ($35 gallon which will get used)

3. The purple blanket/bedspread ($15 at Big Lots)

I already had everything else!

Would you like a room like this??

I pretty much love it :)