Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Fashion Star on NBC

This post is a little different from my traditional.  It is basically an announcement about fashion!!!

As many of you may know I live in Pittsburgh and I am proud to announce that Pittsburgh's own, EJ Johnston, creator and Executive Producer of Fashion Star is premiering on March 13th on NBC.  EJ is the son of Diane and Eddie Johnston, former GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins and dear friends.  We are soooo excited for them!!!

It is MUST SEE TV so be sure to tune your tv and watch host Elle Macpherson in the 2 hour premiere at 9PM.  It promises to be "the future of design shows"!





Let me know what you think....

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Console Table Spray Paint Makeover

I scored this great little console table at an auction for $5 sometime last year.  It was the perfect size and I loved its lines but was in need of some loving especially on the top.  It has sat in my garage since then awaiting its makeover.



Centsational Girl's console table was my inspiration to finally refinish it.

chalk paint console table

My first step was to sand it and then I sprayed it with Krylon's Blue Ocean Breeze .  I love this color and knew it would provide me with a bright base upon which to apply my favorite wax finish.

Indoor/Outdoor Paint

Below is the table after two coats of Blue Ocean Breeze.  I also lined the petite center drawer with scrapbook paper as shown below.



I then took out my trusty, 'go to' Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax in Golden Oak and applied it generously in a circular motion over the entire piece.


After 10 minutes, I began buffing and buffing some more, leaving just enough to achieve the distressed look I was hoping for.  The faux crystal knobs were finds from Michaels dollar bins...score!!!




It is now the perfect bedside table in my daughter's room and I'm loving it against the lavendar striped walls.  

Project #2 Complete!!!

Let me know what you think....



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Friday, January 13, 2012

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....

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

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....

Saturday, January 7, 2012

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!

Friday, January 6, 2012

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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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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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