Wedding Garter For Laura

If you have been following my blog, you may remember the Wedding Wish Tree that I created for my 'niece' Laura's.  I also offered to design a wedding garter set for her, including a garter that she would wear and one for her to toss that was old, new, borrowed and blue.

The vintage rhinestone earrings are old and blue, and the dupioni silk and stretch lace are brand new. Laura borrowed my heart while I was hand stitching her garter....

I used Singer Lace Flat Stretch  11/4" that provided the exact amount of stretch for the garter.

 

I hand-stitched 3 delicate rosettes from 100% Dupioni silk for the bride's garter and 3 smaller rosettes for the toss garter.  I then adhered icy blue vintage rhinestone earrings to the bride's garter.  Laura was thrilled and I was honored to gift them to her.

Perfect for the bride-to-be!

Let me know what you think....

Wedding Wish Tree Revisited

You may recall the Wedding Wish Tree I made for my niece Laura's bridal shower.  She loved it and asked to include in it the wedding reception.

Given the 200+ guests were expected at the wedding, we needed a bigger tree so I decided using an actual Christmas tree would fit well with the wedding theme of natural elements. 

I first covered the iron base of the artificial tree with burlap ribbon that I pleated and then adhered with my trusty hot glue gun.  It took me less than 10 minutes to complete. 

The mother-of-the-bride and her aunt came over and together we made over 200 tags for the wedding wish tree. 

Dont' you love these darling Place Card holders placed on Burlap.  The bride's proud father, cut the birch at various lengths and then cut a slit into the top to hold the placecard.  

Here is the completed tree that I adorned with a handmade burlap bow at the top and a few 'wishes' for the bride and groom hanging from the Wedding Wish Tree.

Let me know what you think....

Candlestick Makeover Feature

I just received an email from Jen at Craft-O-Maniac.  My Candlestick Makeover post was featured on her Saturday Spotlight Talent Show!!!!

Head on over to Craft-O-Maniac to see the most amazing projects, including the Yardstick Buffet from Corner House

Corner House



And, All You Need Is Love rustic vinyl wall art from Remodelaholic.

Remodelaholic



I'm honored to be included in such a group of talented DIYers.  Thx Jen!

Painting for Charity - Ladybug Girl Chair

Recently, I was asked to donate a hand painted item to a silent auction for neonatal care. I often find it difficult to come up with a unique idea that will attract high bids. However, I had recently purchased three darling books from a series called Ladybug Girl and knew that I wanted to paint a "Ladybug" chair. 

To my surprise, while perusing the shelves at the local Salvation Army store with my "Thrift Queen" partner, Shari of Swinging On A Star Creations , we literally fell over the boxes of chairs that were stacked on the floor.  They were unsold stock from Target.....yes, TARGET!!! They were priced at $4.99 and $6.99.  Of course, I took them all home....

  

Here sit the pieces ready for painting and assembly. 

                                 

Next step....lots of sanding, priming and painting in a ladybug design and finally assembly.  I have to admit, I had a few extra screws left over.....oops!

        

I then found a pair of red fairy wings at the Dollar Store that I knew once embellished would add a touch of whimsy to the auction item.  So, I purchased 1" black furry balls and glued them to the wings, backed them with black felt circles and then added a twist of tulle.

I completed the auction package with a ladybug pillow and blanket, ladybug purse and a ladybug stuffed animal. 

And, on display for the auction...

Little Miss Ladybug Girl raised $275 for neonatal care!!!

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Candlestick Makeover

I found this Blessings Unlimited Candlestick Set  while flipping through their online catalog and knew instantly that I needed to transform my current trio of black wooden candlesticks.

Blessings Unlimited Candle Set

Here sit my candles ready for their makeover....

To achieve the vintage distressed finish, I first sanded the black finish and applied the two coats of gold metallic paint. I then chose a cream color and a light blue paint from my leftover paint shelf to apply to the bases to replicate the painted finish on the three candlesticks.  Next, I sanded through the top coats to expose the gold finish and finally applied Howard Citrus-Sheild Premium Paste Wax in Golden Oak. It buffs so easily to a brilliant, long-lasting shine. It has become my favorite 'go-to' wax.

Although I did not include scripture on my candlestick bases, I am thrilled with the outcome.  My newly completed candlesticks sit proudly in my bookcase and I'm loving the newly distressed colors and finish.

 

Project #1 Complete!!!

Let me know what you think.... 

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It's So Very Cheri  Skip To My Lou  Coastal Charm  Today's Creative Blog  Type A Decorating

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French Country Cottage  My Repurposed Life  At The Picket Fence  Simply Sweet Home  2805Stuff And Nonsense  The Charm Of Home  504 Main  5 Days 5 Ways DIY Showoff

 A Little Knick Knack  Chic On A Shoestring  Finding Fabulous  Fingerprints On The Fridge  Freckled LaundrySimply Designing  The Shabby Nest  Common Ground  Whipperberry 

Homemaker On A Dime

Featured On

Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life  Saturday Spotlight Talent Show at Craft-O-Maniac

Roadkill Rescue  The DIY Showoff

I've Joined the DIY Project Party

New Year's Resolutions

I generally don't make resolutions for the New Year because I generally don't keep ANY of them.  This year however, I've decided to make a FEW that I hope to fulfill and here they are....

1. Complete projects that I start - Need I say more!!!
2. Redesign blog - I am technically challenged but I will give it my best.
3. Start a linking party on Larissa Hill Designs - Any and all advice welcome.
4. Take an art course - Something I've always wanted to do.
5. And finally, run a 5K - I can't believe I put this on my list.

What are your resolutions this year?  Wish me luck....

Happy New Year

Pinterest continues to amaze me.  I stumbled upon these wonderful New Year's greetings that I just had to share with you.



Thank you for joining me in this blogging journey that I began in August.  I hope that you will continue to travel through 2012 with me as I explore new painting techniques, redecorate, create for charities, thrift with Shari from Swinging On A Star Creations, and celebrate my 2 year cancer survivor anniversary.  Your response and support has given me strength throughout my recovery this year and for that I thank you. 

Have a safe and Happy New Year!  Heather

PS.  I plan to dance on the table tonight!!!