French Willow DIY!!!

As I continue on my quest to update our daughters' bathroom, I was looking for ideas on how to update a wicker and metal tower of baskets.  This small piece of furniture has served its purpose over time and I wanted to keep it because it is just the right size for the space.

My first thought was to spray paint it and then it dawned on me while perusing Pinterest to create a Grey Wash finish. So, I set out to find the easiest DIY to achieve this 'french willow' look.

Debbie of Confessions Of A Plate Addict shared her instructions for achieving the desired grey washed look in her post,  DIY Grey Willow French Laundry Basket and I love it.  However, I did not have any Rustoleum Camouflage spray paint on hand and I was anxious to get this project started so I needed to find another tutorial or create one of my own which I ultimately did and share below.

My first step was to apply a mix of ASCP Paris Grey color and I used a Behr color substitute, Sparrow. I combined 1/2 Behr Sparrow paint with 1/2 water to create a wash.

Using a foam brush, I generously painted the wicker leaving some of the original wicker color exposed.

My next step was to bring in a beige color. I chose to incorporate a Behr color substitute, Pecan Sandie for ASCP Old Ochre paint color.

I applied it as a wash of 1/3 paint and 2/3 water as shown below.

I then topped it off with a final coat of Krylon Satin Finish to provide a protective coating. 

Finally, I completed my newly refinished 'willow wicker' tower with hand painted tags.  I did my best to achieve an iron finish to match the iron on the tower.  I first painted the oval discs with a graphite paint and then applied a coat of Min Wax Classic Gray Stain. I let it sit for approximately 5 minutes and then wiped it off.

I then traced the perfect "No.s" for the tags utilizing a 'Jelllyka Delicious Cake' font and then copied over them with my Metallic Silver Sharpie pen.

I finally attached the 'No.' tags with the ever trusty E-6000 Craft Adhesive and voila....

Let me know what you think....

Heather

I'm partying here today....

    

  

MIA Again!!!

I've been busy working on soooo many projects and I've not taken the time to write about any of them.  Isn't that what blogging is all about????

So, I thought I'd give you a little hint of what's to come on Larissa Hill Designs....

From bathroom cabinet makeovers to kitchen cabinet makeovers

to revitalizing Art de Mexico sconces

to mixing my own Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 

to painting my dining room chairs

to refinishing and restyling a leather chair

to updating Thrift Store finds

to repainting my Dining Room Sideboard

to refinishing Craigslist finds

to more "Painting For Charity"

to sewing slipcovers and window treatments, upholstering furniture and then some....

I hope you stay tuned for all of it!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Chrome To Brushed Nickel!!!

I've been working feverishly at completing our daughters' bathroom.  I've refinished the cabinets, replaced lighting, painted walls, sewn curtains and changed out the shower curtain and rod but the cabinet hardware just wasn't working for me. I purchased this chrome hardware a couple of years ago and still really like the style and size but not the shiny finish.

So, I set out to find the best way to change the finish.  The only option I found online was to use Fine Steel Wool but I didn't have much success.

I figured I had nothing to lose and took out my Extra Fine sanding block and started sanding.  With a little bit of grit and grind, I'm thrilled with the outcome.  Voila!!!

Let me know what you think.....

Heather

Power Of Paint!!!

A big thank you goes out to Maryann @ Power Of Paint for featuring my Thomas The Tank which is a part of my Painting For Charity series!!!

Larissa Hill Designs

Head on over to Power Of Paint to see all of the fabulous paint projects that Maryann features on a daily basis.  Better yet, submit yours and be featured!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

My Top 12 of 2012

January started out providing 5 of my top 12.

Craigslist Cane Chairs

Larissa Hill Designs

Auction Console Table Spray Paint Makeover

Larissa Hill Designs

Wedding Garter For Laura

Larissa Hill Designs

Painting for Charity - Lady Bug Chair

Larissa Hill Designs

Candlestick Makeover

Larissa Hill Designs

February brought favorite #6!

                                                    Faux Sew Pillows

Larissa Hill Designs

I completely fell off the map through July while focusing on Boobapalooza!!!

In July, I started Painting For Charity once again, #7.

Thomas The Tank

Larissa Hill Designs

I was back creating garters with love for my niece, Natalie.  I also designed a wedding card box and a wedding keepsake album for my sister-in-law,               #8, #9 & #10.

Here Comes The Bride

Larissa Hill Designs

In November, I reinvented an old family heirloom, #11.

Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh MY

And then followed it up with a handmade Military Wreath, #12!

Camouflage Military Wreath

I'm looking forward to sharing more repurposing, refinishing and recycling with you in 2013!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!!!

This is truly the best time of year for creative DIY ideas so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite DIY Xmas Things with you!!!

Sleigh Bells Ring by Censational Girl is absolutely sensational!!!

Censational Girl

From Our Unexpected Journey, Adrienne created this gorgeous holly monogram wreath!

I'm loving this DIY Rustic NOEL Decor by Melissa @ The HappierHomemaker

The HappierHomemaker

In 2009, Matt & Becky shared with us this stunning ornament wreath. This EASY and affordable tutorial was worth resurrecting and sharing with you.

And last but not least, I had to re-share with you one of my very own favorites, Musical Santas!!!

Larissa Hill Designs

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Seasons Eatings & My 1st Linky Party!!!

One of my favorite SNL skits is NPR's Delicious Dish Schweddy Balls with Alec Baldwin from "Seasons Eatings".  I laugh harder each and every time I watch it.

I believe it is a tradition in the bloggersphere to feature a favorite holiday recipe at this ChristmasTime!.  So, I thought I'd share one of my bite size treats, Homemade Biscotti that I gift to friends and family at Christmas.

I found this 'semi-homemade' recipe years ago in our local paper. I call it 'semi-homemade' because it uses a box of cake mix as its base. The original recipe from Duncan Hines is very simple.

Lemon Cranberry Biscotti

1 pkg Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe White Cake Mix

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup chopped, dried sweetened cranberries

1/2 cup chopped nuts

2 tblspn grated lemon

chocolate chips optional 

Basic Directions

Preheat oven @ 350

Combine cake mix, flour, butter, eggs and vanilla and beat at low speed

Mix in cranberries, nut and lemon rind until well blended.

Divide dough in half and shape into 2 12" x 2" logs.*

Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

*I divide  my dough into 4 sections and place in loaf pan for smaller biscotti.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes.

Using serrated knife, cut logs into 1/2" slices.
Arrange slices on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes @ 350.

Cool completely and if desired, dip one end of the biscotti in melted chocolate.

Through the years, I have used various cake mix flavors to create different flavors of biscotti. 

These include combining Spice cake mix with whole wheat flour and substituting lemon rind for orange rind.  I also toss in chopped toasted pecans.  This Pecan Spice Biscotti is probably my most requested biscotti.

I also prepare a Brownie Biscotti using a brownie mix instead of a cake mix.  I fold in dark chocolate chips and walnuts and then dip in chocolate.  Delish!!!

Orange and Cranberry Biscotti is also another favorite of friends.  I use a yellow cake mix as my base and then substitute orange extract for lemon.  I include chopped cranberries and orange rind and devour.

Voila...ready for friends and family!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather 

I would love for you to share your Gourmet Gift ideas at my 1st Linky Party. Please grab my 1st Linky Party button.  Hope it works!!!!

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Link up your blog post at "Add Your Link",click and follow the instructions on the page that you are redirected to.  I can't wait to see all of your Gourmet Gifts!!!  I'd love for you to Follow Me too.