Umbrella For Auction

My husband and I were asked to make something for an auction that was part of a fundraiser for a local college.  When my husband came home one day and told me that we were asked to make "something" I thought, how broad is that?!  What in the world were we going to make?

So, I started browsing over my pins on Pinterest and I came across this picture that I had saved under my DIY board. 

 

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It was perfect!  Someone at the auction was bound to want a big, bold statement piece for their wall.  Plus, we were able to have a little practice making it, that way we could turn around and make another one....for our home.

I absolutely want to make one for myself. 

Here is how ours turned out! 



Chair Makeover

 My first blog post in FOREVER!  I missed it.  Finally, we've had some time to work on DIY projects, and I can't wait to share them with you.

So, we found these cute stools at a yard sale back in 2011.  Unfortunately, our cat Bob thought they'd be a great scratching post.  Darn Cat! 

Instead of trashing them, my husband figured he could give them a quick fix.  Here is what we did:

 He unraveled the coating that was on the chair.  I'm really not sure what the material is called.  However, all he did was trace around the outline of the chair onto another piece of wood.  Just a 1 inch piece of plywood.  He cut it out then sanded all of them down.

(We have three of these chairs by the way)

 This is the part that I helped with....staining!  I've never stained anything before, so I was really nervous about messing it up.  However, it was super easy.  So easy in fact that we will be refinishing our dining set soon to match these chairs.  Just follow the instructions on the container! 

Here it is all finished.  Good as new!  I love the contrast of the dark, espresso color against the off-white. 

Now I can't wait to get working on our dining set! 

It's great to be back to blogging.  Hopefully everyone will stick around for some new projects! 

Linking Up:
Not Just A Housewife
LollyJane

 Plain & Simple

 Well, what do you know!?  I actually have a new post for you.  It's a miracle. 

A few days ago, my husband brought home some old stencils for me.  Bless his heart for knowing how much I love anything vintage.

I haven't been too inspired lately to decorate or create much of anything.  I've been wanting to put a few things up for Valentines day, but I'm not too fond of anything really pink or girly.

So, I pulled out my stencils and searched through the letters.  Unfortunately, several letters are missing.  However, I found the X, &, and the O. 

Hugs & Kisses

Besides my Husband, these two little boys receive the most Hugs & Kisses from me!

Merry & Bright

 I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

Just like the ones I used to know.

 Where the tree tops glisten and children listen

to hear sleigh bells in the snow.

 I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

With every Christmas card I write.

 May your days be Merry & Bright

 And may all your Christmases be white.

 White Christmas is one of my very favorite Christmas movies and this year I decided to decorate my mantels in honor of the movie.

We're hoping for a White Christmas this year!

Let It Snow...

On Our Christmas Tree

 My husband and I have had the same Christmas tree since 2004.  We figured it was about time to invest in one that hopefully will last through our boys childhood.  We decided on a tree from Home Depot.  It is a Martha Stewart brand and I would highly recommend it to anyone.  It is just beautiful and super full. We love it. 

I've always wanted a Snowflake tree, so this year I found creative ways to be frugal, yet make it pretty.  Now, I know it's kind of sparsely decorated by some standards, but we have many years ahead to collect snowflake ornaments.  Don't worry, all the ones we've collected as a family in the years past still hang on a tree that decorates our kitchen.  I could never do without those sentimental ones.  I'll share that tree with you at a later time. 

 This is a glass glitter sign that I picked up at Hallmark after Christmas last year.  I love after Christmas sales. This was only $3.50. 

 Our son Jaxon and I made these faux snow-filled ornaments.  I will write up a separate tutorial on these super, simple guys.

 When doing a themed tree, sometimes you can get away with an inexpensive filler ornament.  Like these cute, sparkly snowflakes that come in a pack of 12 for around $2.50 at Walmart.  You can't beat that price.

 This was also a Walmart find.  I just love the texture and how big this snowflake is.  Perfect for a Snowflake tree.

 This little guy is from a wreath-making class I took several years ago.  It also holds faux snow and is really glittery on the top.  It fits perfectly with the tree.

 The hardest part for me is picking the perfect tree topper.  I'm a star kind of person.  So, when I found this at a local thrift store for only $3.99(it is metal and very heavy) I just had to have it for our new tree.

Obviously, you can see many other ornaments on the tree, all of which come from either thrift stores or the dollar store.  Making something look elegant doesn't always mean having to spend a ton of money.  Frugal can be just as beautiful. 

Meet Our Elf Friend...

Sparky

 Last night my husband read Elf On The Shelf to our boys.  Our oldest son Jaxon said he hoped that an elf would show up at our house this year. 

To his surprise this morning...one did.  Jaxon and Easton named him Sparky. 

Jaxon had the BEST reaction ever.  As soon as he saw him in the tree, he became all teary eyed and said his legs were shaking.  I just about broke down in tears watching his reaction. 

Here he sits perched up on the tree. 

This day has, so far been filled with a million questions about Sparky. 

I hope Sparky doesn't cause too much mischief in our house....we shall see!

Pine Cone Garland

*Revisited

I'm sorry for being very absent lately!  We've just been so busy, I have not had time for any crafting whatsoever!  So, I thought I'd share a post from the past.  Hope you enjoy and I promise, I will have creative posts to share with you soon!

Today I have the easiest garland ever!  Find some pine cones and some twine...

 tie the twine around the tip of the pine cone...

 and that is it.  How easy was that?!  You could use this for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  You could even attach pictures of things you are thankful for in between the pine cones with clothespins.  Cute, right! 

Thanksgiving is already next week.  I'm so excited.  I love this time of year.