Thriifty Decor Chick

Filling wall space (in a big boy room)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR21Jm7EmxPF5jcbj3ApBD2LYs9KXi8JaYy4yvu51C3vHtGa0RbSEvwxPujGsgzP5bsV7tmz0b7oyRJUru8HDXhovC-l8lg39BCQighHdRN3jvfS9xV2rtppAD6Kqz9szhGokWZBbPB8/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="airplane art" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yAVr8LJK83b6WNu6jAXidfXGm6mmEna_DS7E-9pspSky5qwP1-pAPoCUu_OZqq0W0UbYcSq7ZOLrMrM2sVxbXh5iozqr3mD7PqvQAXlLWJ9Y9LgIk0fcPqnp7DXZZPAtVGD7TualYqM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="airplane art" width="537" /></a> Helloooo there! Hope you had a great weekend! I am SO excited to show you the progress on the Bub’s room! It is coming together so beautifully, I’m just thrilled. There are a few toughies when decorating any space, and one of those is what to do with long, empty wall space. They are everywhere, obviously. Above sofas, down hallways, transitional areas from room to room. When it comes to these empty spaces, I usually go to my tried and true -- molding of any kind. Why? It’s cheap. It’s easy. And it creates BIG impact. The Bub’s room is a long one – with two large expanses of wall. When I decided on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/blue-room-i-did-not-cry.html">navy blue paint</a>, I knew I wanted to keep the room bright by breaking up the dark color with art spaces on the long walls. When I painted the walls a few weeks ago, I left some of the wall unpainted. On one wall, my idea was do to a series of three prints, framed out with molding. To start, I cut out paper the size of the frames to figure out my measurements for the molding: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYE0mDqOmEQnKaNVKbdndl81-_2vl2G0cLELyMXCsFc5Brx4ZI7HCngHPkwv3xgLFALp84yi1gJ5QPVTh9Gy2KSBbBJTLwmJT95CeWvcCk5N5kEtOa2AiIPE9RkJheB4pdRAdVVDJJJ0/s1600-h/photo%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySyPTTNQR7lAg-AHYx5GREtK5kjl8qXKVKSruwcTQrXItrTNONPVNiFI-RVg1B8ksQZLmZn2A6l2hJNRy7EVcnk0pGgL642R7aDCH48Wg5joWoATkQWmWSUgnNM4YvdGLyYlpqUgxd5w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></a>Ignore the one that fell off the wall, and the one on the way off. Just imagine three, K? :) Once I had my measurements, I started cutting and nailing, my two favorite things to do. Nothing quite like using a compound miter saw and a nail gun to make your day. (I’m a freakedy freak!) The result was this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5tjGDaYdjsa1sJm3pkvb697fRGNciow-BZ9HHkN-7HvQUM_7n-fRLnCshl90sxBs34gtwE7y4xs4gCTu0DNIIlV72xDRZqimpxt8ez04E5WM1lEs4TF0eKchbVnTGu3C7_lpUtK09rg/s1600-h/2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="molding boxes" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdqaDvwArLzFj1AEf1c7leDlQRfbp9RH1RddWhHV9afzzovV71knuhBAnOJY-68NIZnchFoiIJruq2ky4wO86H8hofTNDgGQsgwvS71xCp4QOayE2ZXHzQpZwceA9bljMR4z9jKZO1b8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="molding boxes" width="400" /></a>I usually go to Lowe’s for molding, but Home Depot has a great selection too. I grabbed this stuff for about $4 (for eight feet) – that is a great deal. It’s an mdf composite. Cuts like buttah. But everything cuts like buttah with my saw. (Swoon…) For the art, I ordered vintage airplane prints from <a href="http://www.art.com/">art.com</a>. They were all 9x13 and were only $3.99 each! Awesome! Because of the odd shape, I knew I’d have to have mats cut (expensive!), try to cut them myself (annoying!) or just do what I always do, and do a fake mat. I started by trimming off the white edge around each print: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eRaaoE4xsWsFL9hgxpyLZYm-Rzo1iGsOJfhK74lY1N24XlYDZbpfaeGDy4Vr-Ty1ju3JLBifkxRQluq6h5izTnI3jreJ4yRMTUpXe_2KS9tKfaSzfH0n4GV7J7PIXPXcEVWcsQ3gSF0/s1600-h/035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ35EuPfZy_KauxWZo-yb7pNTYHfNQsALrwnRlcqiJZgCiRwf6VLicKNDGteiDI3-1YAV4kkJbEP8rK2iYZlD0Oflr5I5Demh2LcdzjCW1BioZmkQfQIxAU5U8svS9zjivrhdpPcrvVQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsjXG-7OPD6p-6T0V-FOXzutinhAzIUoRwl1wlPIrHXcZbT-eDvcKrVE8co5MtrCEGXZPLAwa8xANlJqpFH62Vr-DwBNbfjGDi8l4Ja39QJmpFMdWFVnNNPiV0urmKIdpSzZyg87s75s/s1600-h/037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4h9bdZZ0GelCLaeOiuvJb3VTtyDZ1fb3WqXLAtCVHGjk-m2fbow5wJAyBFJ3hGAXcbJDDgu73ER9fF1CYdZZMxSe87Gix7YqLCShxS4wQ9LEl-QhwGWPH5wXIwKC8xC74LZ2XlyWf4k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="" width="300" /></a> I just use my level to get a straight edge. Works great every time – just make sure to put a lot of pressure on the level so it doesn’t move around when you cut. The mats that came in my Target frames were already white, so they would have looked great as is, but I wanted to tie in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-built-ins.html">wallpaper I used in the room</a>. I used spray adhesive on the mat, covered it with the wallpaper, then used double stick tape to stick the art directly to the mat: <div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vga13PMvTLgoGR2jEFRMsqSFa2KsltU5JObNVyKx78N57yOL473Xvg2Qst0phcbu3EZ2lCxRWfV_MrY3NPJbDU00Z8rD1uvLQ22Qj8V6drOjYGKZbtrTJPXTQHlV3cT127giApPr0y4/s1600-h/038%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="wallpaper mat" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMKb-5tMTpqoIPsb5t8F4wRmaplroeObtkct0ty-ysCQPOjD1nni-cy0WeZ5AsOlQGZfKKc-_py9iU3_7rOhyzMduosoGV2HfTWHzhB2TfzMTTdr_WCaTQyhFLetYNKTAip2qCbtOkaE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="wallpaper mat" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0tC5DH6JrgYuk7KUDDi2VC4JIhKrG2W8edcoyZKZCelDcizK_rq9bYwV-AhtNO6H9_jAD32AE7w69DDrnJWNesnAw-kUp1AVkNU4fAM01R72QS3gUsXQHROQ7S_i4h3TMTM2ziyGC4o/s1600-h/039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="wallpaper mat" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoJ2r1zA1UpuHrMgskOxUMDjFu1EiVQ7_IgeZU0kBCCOgD9XJvRUUwcMukyaqdBFxiWfEosTxA9AFZ6jVnD21QmAAGQSMdmBsMRFesf7S5BuxCqfA5pC1l7W-vb_WUXYJrXlt4ZiY2lk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="wallpaper mat" width="300" /></a> </div>The result? LURVE: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDu9bpEFeqbscBBFxMGGPqJOR0nZbDHqaw3BJ9DNp4_OAK8xZhqxchakM23obFpr2n2b6J38SieucFzdP4e5v6fvCIdugvUS6tpF88BKA0E7zixT1W7pRg07iJwtlWcJqSUfEy7urYas/s1600-h/021%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="airplane art wall " border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWqYOrdwzp0PZRgIllOpVJH4hRxjRp-KeOZ2ZvCBLscI0tt4n2VbtN_nJjnNOtYI3c737X0qbk5e-a9tw9OVHZN2bmiMTbsLmoGDCu2nsMkqeqw-AlDm7BV7f_05Rc6bw1qAXg8PKqN0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="airplane art wall " width="640" /></a>I painted the insides of each box with white semi gloss paint. I usually use high gloss for a project like this, but I got the Behr Ultra (paint and primer in one) for other areas in the room so I wanted this to match to the other spots (those are coming soon!) I was initially going to do white frames, but I realized the white frame would get lost on the wall. I found these nickel frames at Target for $20 each – a lot for me – but they work perfectly with other accents in the room. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1qH6isNijAJ67scfS1grauxZd07ELgDWQuMFVZSY_WtaZe6aJ1fzalcDVlAUnzbDVED_a7nbtPHLkKw781_SNayfUWa4dDkf6R3VXH7Z07ufNQf7sViBCdZFDd0RuQMMbHEVOKNrR6o/s1600-h/018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="airplane art" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsF22lPjvcV8oAck5XKWzKkNLB_VThvLKyyLhKZ6nrPqSU9rJgGkJ0x0iX8yxB_b1-dJLlOb9nO7eRSMuj61L3-r3GNbwKjLoatPeVFJihTMOQMLPcg3fw8du5IZsBqLXK67BS3iAsHU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="airplane art" width="576" /></a> I hung them on the wall and hot glued the ribbon so it looks like they are hanging – I’ve found if you actually try to hang a frame from a ribbon, it can stick out from the wall a bit. I don’t know if you can tell, but my favorite little detail on this wall is the knobs – they were $2 each at Hob Lob and spell out “FLY”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rDlu8tRgUpbPp3kq1k1dU0gMFOx3amvPkiNGu_mYCS56VJ8d8z11ap3ezcnH8GTpor6pT9KqRxLHu9p8rSdaeM2LcSOrAwm-9QPmCHkxE_pz1bs7GvnL370_EMQfd9Czk2drv_Yogog/s1600-h/014%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JWAaXjoNhDecdgXx7KFefVwdvn8MnlIJq7gksgx59dDSxWUe0Qc_01zic_5q1HH7kzaTO-VvF0C9O1v2MBJnEmPG46XLsJinGaGle4q8g4378ANmzKRS7bLrpofguKD53lR4MA1dkUI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="" width="640" /></a> I just stuck the screw right into the wall! If you can’t tell by now – the theme of this big boy room is airplanes. :) On the wall above his bed, I had a similar project in mind – I was going to take pictures of a vintage airplane and frame them out in a big molding box on the wall. But I couldn’t find the vintage airplane that I was seeing in my head. :) And, I kind of forgot that Stink Eye Sister found an awesome airplane print for the Bub and gave it to us at Christmas: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz63dQrd_8JGPqdRHwTu__l06xnJT6m5vNwXT2Km8yHmZesoSPq9xzBwyd4IBdUvBK9h97MtIa8BbmAm33ZQ1H-Bd7xheYbUTnLpzx4FU3MdTInCLyOZDR3twBBwOGJjyDk8K2-iA0fc0/s1600-h/3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmPVslI1GWILnlGJf-4GzDqGU_pYkt1tgOraSdxEMaTehhWWRKPa8MHsTLfic_8k9xpAgCvZdGxkDekhDFiogta_kaTDtBPHvRHf3gtVUrFS2VPR8A2lc2wzgBuh68rG88gEaCRAbDUc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></a>So I knew I had to use it or she would totally pull the stink eye on me and the stink eye is totally annoying. I absolutely LOVE the print – we adore New York City and can’t wait to take the Bub there, so the photo really is special to us. I just framed it out on the wall and put a piece of acrylic over it (from one of the big poster frames): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71LAWGIm34xckVR3KR4rARW7KMAAU_RSs3Yp-uAt0HxcMIRstq0nn4O3t8fe_gQ766Xp7RnbQ5VgEcyqsvdNlZpstmdzqN10gVSLQHZDIS2nlJAM5K4gguqznvTWyLdbNGsUEIDBpNCo/s1600-h/003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="003" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF2eEWNjyZT9WEUZvm6OWU0Y57Qf8A44CLGVAKIgWuf-EsLZSj4lof94Q1uzNyo0Y-CTFnO20IoWPx9AeXsQGwVbMMkTbYA3iIW5UJJiuQqhE97K0zsWJxEZTzP7X1yFFTRJT9_vNruA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="003" width="400" /></a> Then I painted it all out in the semi gloss white:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzErBZ_U4Fr_EVfzKlCotDWdj7cUt41Vaqd68YTlR0FkjjqSPFJWyISTVnw7NmjxcATOBCHWrhs2pcr9E6dickPao-PqnIutImy4zahK-H9SGHoMO_SdzKyGlybGaZ384Jb6AnWLuFHU/s1600-h/002%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="airplane poster art" border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbYzYUghvmtoLcarV-XU26AHHdxggdL15zrvX5VsoK8FTy98PZMRAZN7U66T5H7EjYU4Ji01iVd1Ny1bnk1EopJlRnMAGWIiTDJZtD-_-S8w6TIGTynx9DEL2FOdVgzBHiwt3PrO_4uA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="airplane poster art" width="600" /></a>It is soooo freaking cool. The acrylic does slide out, so we can change this out eventually if we want. I LOVE how it looks built in. And I love how it’s not what I initially planned but I love it so much more. So two huge, long walls are now filled. The total cost of the molding for both walls was about $40. My time was the investment. And there is no room I’d rather invest in.  ;) Before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFODvcAiQ6aye4LZj0aSqJru-q2uHM-MD-9YrEtAaIZz2NjGzD8vcJe0QD-tNviMTm56ZEVl7gxLpyWRDy7DPxAvqC3vOOR50SLR_DljSOIvTOqWnnm5_Zvfpwh4NmETYWFM0L7IDJGlc/s1600-h/photo%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4LSlzUYc-V2FdJoKrrjCgRCoL0ZHYmn-1FmjVNcZDFGU7HDcDdgq8vvgit6Oba3H4qUMoE1AICnDGKvKV3AwcGSf7WGpWVNZe0vcyxjj22QBPePvMrZ-ZIkgQCPeq5MauzkPWVZWMCM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></a>Classic navy blue and white afters: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn370xWDif4W8aysTO7-b4CFhNazuuKz6LwhA1MUgcm9LccB54z67MPFNKjStZME00pgwvbnzobi3tHAuXQ831LD9IpWRx14H8kVckFFBtR5B3fZGXYJpBYA5LdQG_PrzLWDSSQycytUQ/s1600-h/011%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYqr3UaJdvX9TY4-S5AEi2lgTcLEJkOw8VR-FR4pOQr6uiA6LaKQQVf6ySd7Ezy7qH-cls9qv0lKSDKguOTegleCmgpIRFkSdjELlT_cIsf0r0Wfp8562hSD13FzwJBnCzTE_BuyumAs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="600" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0fyIh-5LhDgiYJ6UmT-0KqLrIKtOa_8bI7cDselqpwj2CH0NRrbea-DmDNkIRu-9Ec9UxQzdCXoEHp8tWkAqdzcuVxo80qgvDbSShTVhAClUyj6ICa9mRXmXi9v_B_cmuqsUkxWzJZk/s1600-h/006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY9S25J85liac_BDcGjNkX_I1zeqInsmYzI6i37ucZe-LYMVOe2-bVOpvqVg4IIKw8GIoINhQ53bxijQS15wIY0C_URQ8tHLKF63UMhcAO4Xei7zQKatNjTPMbVRvWSIzkelIR4FuYHw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="600" /></a> I adore them. And I can’t wait to show you the next step in the room. :) <div align="center"> </div>

Filling wall space (in a big boy room)

Helloooo there! Hope you had a great weekend! I am SO excited to show you the progress on the Bub’s room! It is coming together so beautiful...

8:48 PM

How to mix and match fabric

In my humble itty bitty opinion -- next to paint, fabric is the easiest, cheapest way to transform a room. I do not lie Squeezies. A coat of paint and new drapes, cushions or pillows, and you have a brand new room. Same furniture – different room! I suggest, encourage, beg of you to check out your nearest fabric store for inspiration. When you’re starting fresh in a room, a gorg fabric is a perfect jumping off point. A beautiful fabric will make the rest of the room happen. So how do you mix fabrics? First of all – don’t be afraid to mix patterns, stripes, solids, checks…just about anything. As long as the colors all tie in together, you’d be surprised what looks fab together. Most of the time, fabric stores do the work for you. You’ll find fabrics displayed next to others in similar colors and textures that work together. For example – this floral print and the stripe are beeee-utiful combined: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZ3aD9sWIMJ-a3z6R1Xx4cZJ9kui09Yw_l7VbF-ApvWrF4kEiRninlQ5J2RqbO_IEc_KsfRABc7abl-hhm8_FKkWzW6jSUDujUAyJDE-LaZP3Y3CloG6N2YjeROUjJI7KWlta1ir7_as/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDvnDODMNycXtj5D1WB-AQ3Tx52O9bMau2kh8Yy0TmZFzSdhyX6qPbtTmgOxWGXdZ1GIDjLdGp8OSHn58VjjS-8OBR6jFqf6yNJsiHMEx31EMKn6B2P-ZCT2mpKHaK_Vr8NR6W5bhXZk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a>Drapes in the stripe, pillows in the floral (with a piping in the stripe!), and a solid color pulling them together on the backs of the pillows or maybe as a solid panel at the top or bottom of the drapes…FAB!! Small prints and large prints look fantastic together: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlB_C-LaOJQP7HdMI2PsopVEZCX9ROgVqovQJ4t4Zi4hA0fMX12dRqUgGPdiZFhFzUAklxMKEZF8zBbsZ_SPwN37ZxLaz4NQbGA0eSMxEL_ZM4IiKNJ-FXJYYuIEbURENitxlqRc8vmQ/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPncAymnbr7JnZbk_KYay3L4YIceQoFi4rs-4i3Vvnbuht6hwHGk78LMLqBqUtW8coitLEl80AxO8zeeKIJpHvwqRXWDLepXD6wT9hu9jbEcjX-NkyJPv0Yqy3OoiAi19YH20w0l6JXZo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a> Upholster a chair in the floral, with the small check as the piping or as a small pillow – GORG. (Or vice versa!) I pass by these prints at Joann’s every single time I’m there, and every single time, I wish I had a space to use them: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BZvK6jUUBU01R_TPjOXPvenkthfrLVf3v-CTmUXeuRFmX2blXFq6HOmajhNQVxLzLOifeCkk4-ziWrLrRtaJalPF5jxmeeqPKEs9dLEzn1xwJ3K-0qx_cRwUifxIIg-IbVr0TdIb1_c/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="5" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJHUE7lF9_PACmiDwuRx9FGnfJgZ0IqU4RVUBm_u28Qb4FRq1MQOpidl7418m8P9gWSjGvCtlHsH0F7MSkERfVBtUnIv7U44fM5P6C4CF4Sj9dZFw7PCupb9Bw6ugK5OnQe1OAgO_RMc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="5" width="400" /></a> I adore that large, funky floral print! The colors are a perfect match (the same manufacturer) so they are made to go together. The floral would be awesome on something large, like drapes. The stripes could be an accent throughout the room. All four of these prints absolutely go together: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaew2CE1RqvqtFAMeKIgshFwp5JBOg47eGWXk11oMGVhBiJTIXFNnjv0dc0m4odbs6kpwklNUxu9-yyZeK8K5Wvt5gut7z5gzC8Fszn07p201Qi3hxBPyKTzTzrTJ8aoqSEYgKRKB8RYM/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmijm_8TY3Z6xM-ZhDq-ATjrwollechvjTNESkfBDfyhxAYQ0_Ijae2UtEL5MK2b0uLu2LmHoXcUlLdwd0I4taCynlgC5iei9BA6gyEVoFzHuvNCtGa8ISkOOdcP_EGhJm-uF-S74O_eQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a>It depends on your taste and how daring you are – personally, I would use the large stripe and the large print together – but all of these could easily work in a space. To keep it from getting overwhelming, a couple could be used as piping or trim – just a little touch to keep interesting but not too I-use-a-lot-of-fabrics in your face. There are just a crazy amount of fun fabrics that would be SO fun for a kid’s room. Of course the girly prints are a little more prevalent: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6p7mfE9gVLmTy8i3yz6_3efeQiGecMR8f3AGyzMQZLTkZftPBQno-Zp3ieGlNsSowbJZ14d2kozXqkOaMjR7H-aOOcZEOJ1w0B0zABK4ihNawXEKsu7kC4JKu7Ec6gNIEP8GNS7TZaU/s1600-h/7%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJspj8FvNgNmR9BUCvZnFkDEbz_BQsOXTX6wXo1SAFy373FaXsJNK-fNU6DEHYAqP-iJwzxl1kXGcPGsuFfJupcPsUifXDZ4inSSXLrkBtXf4yyspKOO5k9Y2J21IbpjvaoOqiDFPklA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="356" /></a> Aren’t those adorable? Many of you may be surprised that I don’t follow many big time designers/decorators – I see a lot of inspiration out there but only consistently love the work of just a few. Including another Sarah: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFYcPSbH9f3H6sjlqKT3m7axH-DUbR0AUk09kbcq-M8FGqyTAK9iEWF7LyZ4Mwb7Ct6l6AvoVvNlo3h2COEc5xdQPqESlQ8RaCqwT_6e1rMwcS9onqjuwNiV926G6ZdiIfS-WExcQ9C0/s1600-h/24274_308411821658_153784876658_3632369_674827_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TYXgbasLKKNAmm55cYgY7q-3470mVAGbghLjyIGbVj6LU-EHEBRXrbT-h7tiCQ0QYuGvWYIrw6X5nsmOq14Q-l8VaBHm139ew-u_C2VyA5YGMO_T37q0TGK0Qm0q0d9jFW3R3JRCvuE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="319" /></a>I used to watch <a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/">Sarah Richardson</a> years ago on a show called Room Service, and was giddy when her HGTV Canada show, Sarah’s House, started airing in the US a few months ago. (Right now they are showing episodes of a farm house redo – SWOOON!) She is the QUEEN, hands down, no lie, of mixing fabrics in the most fabulous ways. Here’s just a few examples… <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_RreuTx6wN1_GgZCrCXefVmJstfZKjHioeTU6wCttsf4b5Kb5Bd3LVw-BTn_QtG-nIt9KxIVzre8HeWxWNddxOySg0gg8o7Km0eRWAobXEFaZ6j6jFtZZ6kjN6mYwnVhbbS11CaGdjc/s1600-h/20439_246416936658_153784876658_3411241_5156736_n%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH30dETolMZDNOx3_hM_nYFrOk4V7vBCowO7lIDmAVoLmjktMODjynTZOXS01lmzjRuHieKb4P3r7ckhn0T6SA04myyxe-_yuR-HL1b2xHHf3BBI6Dl5Ebw0H9n0RZqCncqeQUmS4DUQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a>I believe there are four fabrics just on the sofa! The animal print is a little much for me, but otherwise, I think they work beautifully. There’s another print on the stools and I still don’t feel overwhelmed by them all. This one I love because it shows all the ways to use one(or at least a very similar) fabric: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI6qmsX7L32e3zpa1ZUNOoFTvlGdSIWvRBIXYI8hY_ZmIdrULLHD4CbZBvQZHoC3maZi5_a2lmQs-Sl8vT8SdznO-rMJFpkrjA7O5nGZ5n4W5SQqg3EkuFmoRWciz4RoxhLxqK5ggcPk/s1600-h/pretty-in-pink-1%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOumqlLN8m5u2FP0eT2IGNSEroa1tSH0fDKDTDxDvOSc1iregWxkm0hFmnB-KbFkldJN5S340Df7vEj7dK4pucuA6e_MhHgg6VqKcAnpfJ-ggGSEneNsaPM7ikwE-9zB7F41ajmSJFC_k/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="450" /></a>The stripe creates a square when pieced together on the pillow, and then the room is pulled together by using it again and again on the bench and chairs. I LOVE this look. I like how the little bit of blue from a stripe in one fabric is pulled into the diamond pattern on the chair, then in accessories throughout this room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z-UC_JmbW8oDh_y2KZPNi5Q158GNEGyIIANzODkO7-g3WEd8govSAXcJwZ3oh9yMn6fWMR6k5WYmYMOvoqLZijqytQCDGHm-SBvKWYiQHiSoaP2HIM9xL-ctC9QcKyDGFfwlwQW7NxU/s1600-h/20439_246417271658_153784876658_3411267_6918503_n%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjET5YB9tZauv5HfrmLMc9fBAaW6r2acqx3tSb5pqcQd3wL9GYxNyTjT6GLx_1mdvf3TnFI1FnY8t_Wn1ZmGn9igCjEcUxvnPzKgh9XZRluJovYXLpaIIrfsU9SbaPDkdsh3lF6kQ4OEVw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="450" /></a> Some of you will see this next one and fall in love instantly, some will hate it passionately: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpwLBoaYXRE5jVXy_izHZyBnF1HhL_iqePaxWdb2enVKnQWq9_2xsBRWi04e9oTG0YM3gCRWioR-KDT8o4Vq-tu6ji-iAAQBM5PcIkpCsEb72-Z6iam1eaZsEsWtEzdzouTrJ4kTRLqA/s1600-h/20439_246417306658_153784876658_3411271_5740044_n%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_faWxkJpkdemqJTeTlmrRez0Eo9URDifyvtFmbtp2rXGHVKUY2RbN7CW-0ewnQ3olQv1m69Kjraa6lc8How_b4n9INsk9qUlX0vIHEb4E_5_BpbZLPgjfQbnbIXG_1KONi4mVNxwqvKg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a>I think I love it.  ;) The blue tones in the chair are a bit deeper than those the window treatments. The ottomans pull in the browns from both the chair and the drapes. It’s a unusual combo of funky and natural prints. Funky natural. Naturally funky? In her own baby’s nursery, she combined EIGHT fabrics in one room! But it’s not overwhelming (to me at least) – it’s FUN: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzR8lFq07Rp93hOJDklCWjcEIXhjoe1OjgiIEJvLV34MOjLn7rvDFsAlUHMAATHLrYZ9S7Q9W2fvwZC-jF16s25ZPulxiuuV0nsGeEq1vUZZsVIsrZoPdkuOaYjxsx1xy4h2-S-iDf0w/s1600-h/S_0506fresh_1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI_tR4aNYXbJja5NlwJjnP0Gl4rDi-hd1FoP-10BwbTO7f2FoodUn3WszGR3PMOGKpAFBoeuz40C8_6h-lWIkwb6RacbLWliTH6xqA62QfGU43AjIcRcnHUsumbOihUGfEnpUzo29Qss/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a>I adore the large floral print with the smaller print on the ottoman. Adorable. So what do you think – are you sceered to mix and match? Have you tried and clashed fabrics? How many have you used in one room? ;) Some fun updates I wanted to share: There is a fab giveaway going on at the Holiday with Mathew Mead blog right now. If you order the upcoming magazine today (Friday), you will be entered. (Yours truly will have a project in the mag!) Go <a href="http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/2010/01/meet-our-holiday-experts.html">here</a> to check it out! And if you Indy folks want to see me <strike>sweat bullets</strike> share a fun project on TV – check out the Indy Style Show (WISH TV) next Thursday at 9 a.m. I think everyone else will be able to watch online after it airs. (Wrings hands.) Ack!  :) In other less nerve-wracking news, the Bub’s room is coming along beautifully!! I hope to get it done by next week, but we’ll see how that goes. No matter what, I’ll show you the latest soon!

How to mix and match fabric

In my humble itty bitty opinion -- next to paint, fabric is the easiest, cheapest way to transform a room. I do not lie Squeezies. A coat o...

9:04 PM

Easy spring decor

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E_fpjRvG13_92D8DejtsMWGXa-BD421VCuCQRPoYdMPn_PBWaelB1mDtl7tgSyLQKagyFjf0_0nz8HcEY0eg-ruFqEdFnkOEHEGHC6XTM1HqB4vn03PGP6vv35-zwMsdhzWekgiROdA/s1600-h/birds%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="birds" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKvnDByyyESS90TAwLH3Y0FYDPweZnpOJ4ridnKXHQlzkJ-S4qpM6j1MYiGALNQWmJXEjjoZ7uRPn2yDuCDHPLmROEFnaPobv8i9oCvVmOLZ53tFcUopY31mcoXJyPuVHwqvVYfAq8qw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="birds" width="576" /></a>I don’t do a whole lot of decorating for “smaller” holidays, or much for the seasons really (except fall!) Would you believe I didn’t even have one bird in our house before last spring? Nada. What kind of blogger am I? Sheesh. But last year I won these beauties over at my friend <a href="http://oursuburbancottage.blogspot.com/">AnNicole’s</a> place and they started the collection: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P4xlx9zSBwy0HcJf2xzLmOcugcyVFj9vV4zIu1fF6SQZVL7UO8lbFCbOe98PXdveXqVErpFn6LEnNDv4B22sX1sr1rUS-O1sdGeljSiuso9DXYSGuqem00AKC59ZB2j8nEwwpkHsFq4/s1600-h/237%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="birds and nest" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mqDdzhEBwwlbZ2DUMp7rMP3CyqHg84MyUcJRlGMcZ1toPMrv-OhhdwK_3v78KBqr5Q_fRDwxB8KUB5PO8Cp7tfLe2EbJ9E2nulcRQNgMFc8qL-gaXq02hc24E9E0q3SdEMAoNSDSx84/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="birds and nest" width="360" /></a> By “collection,” I mean those and my Dollar Tree birds I used on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-table.html">dining table</a>. That’s the extent of it.  ;) You want to know another secret? I didn’t have a nest in this house until last month: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IS1gs9iiWxbVTOOc-jqk5lIPVJnEsrrKdV23hwrTKYNiDPilk0qH_OAz4HQt4pu6MD0A9PmQcZQ4vgEnOZXMoKGjbLoDsDVfqWPAeHII2N3vOqNnt5uEGSuV7t_566IhdlWFqnCaIYc/s1600-h/232%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="nest" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86o0KDY9hSRiRRArjqBBJVEJ81p_9Am8egl6rWbsTZz5_bouNWfng99kWDs4lGvFAZ2l_q8e6zB1GL54yc8fMJvmtS9l1Zbi7gqYLQhFwHnhb6oiN9GZ49lwMl54PdRXD96FPbVHzmow/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="nest" width="360" /></a> But now I’m kind of in love with them. Cauuteness! (Nests aren’t just for Easter, right? I’m a nest newbie.) Confession number three – part of my spring decor involves faux flowers. I know! OH the HORRORS!!! But I try to only use those that look real. Like somewhat, kinda, if you squint, “real”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-Kcxzbzw7ZtIzPbk2nyotlqMF59Zwi9yQDF6DdLL0249RtHnv2Z-U0t1II-4e74ZbNf-dLlVvtDhTqVCZ99DFOVWKmJBCbncRFTreajT0hkOCrU5mxTxqhJTXrGJ0VWiHBhljFFINN4/s1600-h/263%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bjGdkJO4Fr8-Sy2o_pNrhhgqHkVXDMY5JQ6v20Dzszk-xv16vTh_n_14ErxQWezisX-k4FXZLyxZ8s12lEt8HHpWLNGVg00UP664KiTwkE42iegZbX55SidYJd37RuOEjr8ui2weZkE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a> Years ago I picked up a wire vase I loved, but once I got it, I had no idea what to do with it. I ended up weaving ribbon through the wires, then put floral foam down inside, and filled in the rest around the flowers with moss: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfINafqGTpMEqxa89NMDOt0ycp_jV9QWpBc8zZteKyiJjtMpwoqF1Y15skXYvsnSgGR-cVZtV69rgbpthU-c4pE6EFWOFrxFfju_Kg2gjeuiJs9jUlHV2ZI_Hv0Ykg-6xla4QGJB7w06c/s1600-h/faux%20flowers%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="faux flowers" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsmSABfdb7cRdmM8GTJ_lLaTcx16szYp3zRMqApLPsKg756IvDefY-BmQnXMsL1UvKeFKPQ4f3yZoHRY_hu9E-nioIPSe675Kat61Tr_hakGNjoOeKV3B4l6qfE5EVlOTFTgn5sgPNd4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="faux flowers" width="388" /></a>It’s still one of my favorite spring/summer decor pieces! Speaking of faux – I have used these on our front door for the past couple of years: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrX_e2Zpll5Pn2T96ctB8qKy1vsieo3HngH1FA1nwkajPlTVJZJwTfYW5hoXsRHva6PXTnv5lPQ4r4po984mqbNb-OXu0lrpbptjlxYzcgtLBJjvHeZB1OjlIHDT_J8olGitsWtBlCWE/s1600-h/247%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="door" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaf0k2oAa0TV0MkGzo3RbJEe3To6pAgXVpzhOp3FmlpDWeOqZ6RgrXLiTE91qdiQB9FDxJZzrUm2NkI28p50sEpkw0SB6iTE3g2mr3XcpvxzCNQSdQKA2dM7wf-cLJaEqjNWpgThisG8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="door" width="360" /></a>I love this stuff – it’s worse than faux…it’s foam. ;) I find it at Hob Lob and on sale I think they are about $2 each?: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQwq8t4cPR6KJJnKl_FZlN3aRRnL1ZYmWQMX1vTQoUQZrfGTLWLDKa5D_t2V5QkZJGSv9-9u5TVHbmoo6hCOZBMmoRoZq-OZuBFqQ-RyqqO63tPcb_vl13KB4XALlyQit7dBawlI7A0A/s1600-h/253%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="253" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEA5gY5VAZ_Ih2cCbLEGJkWBDZE861Tgi4EkWuVjC1ilKC3WO-BHNJzv3G9VuwW5ta8WIJSMWdmJ9IR2S_KJjCrisou5bJrje1hUdTFtM8nURjC-keVbhw97W5vPYEt8XEd4C8ayo19ac/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="253" width="360" /></a>I love em! There are a TON of colors/varieties available. I used white for a pitcher on my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/09/inspired-by-ballard-designs-again.html">DIY Ballard Design shelves</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJpTZ1dGTlFnYtzXtnye8MV1vodaGzVigi2BCd7e05gMKqBHRk9LEPWqt3i9If_txP41-00ncRvEAuBUYoN8m-hJDgXDdRsb10QVM6ZcaLfGbu__HR-R2kVEPr1omz4Y_-FzgC6J4x90/s1600-h/206%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="faux flowers" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BJ5QBKjy0q4cbVo_Pv8lZsRHuTZwMae2_25E2oCggjuhgUsaSrnjS3l8QgozbZBY9kH3UBf4yjX4M82zJVTQaIfQh4GCimMezaX3bT6ah_v6aS-FT4lrIdHdOw1XbCqcFhmVBaF97mA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="faux flowers" width="360" /></a>But I do have the real stuff around here too – I found this precious green pitcher at HomeGoods ($20) and just love it!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgzarPu0Mu2G7A5-kPmN5UQYb0SoP1DN4LairyT7w8Rlo7PNQ4T2Yw3BYrC3CDrfJQPcGhPMumyKSDFvJkc9Jo9YcxaFeavfde9unFcAyLVvfPWMVAKtO-4qyjkAx4cHFAxMZCzSxsF8/s1600-h/195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="green pitcher" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT3Ln6avZXDejv2jDGtXzhcACbC_RBGNdWRBfJy_lOi6XaHpa8AnIzou9Bf0D539YebAVPVyJLPTl_DRv87Z4FrmFIW7H7R7mRsz1RH92YH7prLcFbWnv-6sA-4CO6bsDp31qNv8G7cU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="green pitcher" width="360" /></a>I can’t remember what the name of the plant is, but it’s about the only flowering anything that isn’t poisonous to cats, so it was in my cart lickety split!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1grGodfudV0qie2OaqNWhnt_N-5k_Hs4qrL7DWFWrxK627s3oQxQ5DzbMJnGa7vRFqJg_QfoC97pokMhIUN4Vso95UOmdcAlJHeD0zsJuxhTU5tStXCRFVA_7PBDJ5HaOJwz-gRJ4iDQ/s1600-h/199%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="199" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dHcR_CxW6Acjy-_YrN1OvTKW1p1jlXbaoe7LYEt6DUMszuph6IhyXJbMB8q3jaXTRPfOP6Sa80E1fXJQ7KmLO4sNxn4lvygQgDSayVFiOjLY_BiDHrQdFRAauyone5oG6xXFr11xIms/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="199" width="360" /></a> (Yes, I just said lickety split.) When I had the burlap out for the dining room table, I got a wild hair to use it one more spot: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUyvC-zoLCcxJxUTGKAjAQQkXAH1MyQUruq5gJ1W0zLpRxRhw-p3Gay6L_uH5lo82CxupW2i1rNxYtOIhgb4niX4GcuacoqQtyTi3kGFRKCxzf_3R9x5vVZz82XxCSv-QlcfW3OwhedY/s1600-h/212%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="burlap vases" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5hzPAMt7CJHWNxspZklgF90SDIqapV4qE2CuJ0otQR9mkMIoGxNR_NvdXZId8gn_M-sLRQBzIBnk6dDt-8lSblstqjP7rK8-e67mSt_luUB6GmIyCzSj5WY_cSXfbwMjXB-1iImxZLk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="burlap vases" width="576" /></a> These are actually candleholders we’ve had for years. I just used double stick tape to wrap it around each one, then added ribbon to the top and bottom to hide the raw edges: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjANLqBwmYkRXXhkEhEu06pzkhBfiTz6Ia7WnOCFe-5zuxUUI9si3bsKowLUC19jj7N6bTwaAS2n9BIOe5ychZL0kyCVvvoeSvicMgvxZNg8Qlgp3oIIRT-0AG7ywzilMlnjZWQel55eI/s1600-h/223%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="223" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkVNICj4QhwiNNyaaAzpQtvZ8wLkiyB3yB13TIZP3Yi9iOVhiJWO9ZjEn8QohlQ_jMl6NnrrQ1lfbuMbC4ajxa4ofT2xN9Y6tMDfMPqyK7MNA6ulvoW_q3XgU3hgSNeCCQcORpPzvqTI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="223" width="360" /></a>I LOVE them! These flowers are also from Trader Joe’s and I think it was $12 for all of them? I’ve had them for two weeks now!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfP6-D9L_TbHyGHdvCQ0ERchlAEoJ_WX3QPfYU8Rhn_9ZTBGcpjbCNKC8r7cYFj1OB3PCEKL1Tb_DQ8474lk6piBlphRUgDixwH9SH_B7_1UZCcnRYFuMF11kUAcIZxWTrrBlKJYlYV4/s1600-h/214%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX6KSIyvA2TMx6mqF0mzOiC6-YP8xsVYaAMxoNXlk_iEXLESamxRYnfXmDteQCYq1p6Ar0XD8nOOAmuLXmZV0cxds4-zNCmpyzp-CbJxbKhZ9tYQGlLYg7haI0ghgs4XlOxzkQbKFbGs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a> I got daffodils for the first time a couple weeks ago as well, and I just threw these out a few days ago – I couldn’t believe how long they lasted! Perfect in my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/five-dollar-spring-projects.html">jute vase</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LpCNUJ43wo3-EKslRDJZgD5xXxZN02wLlBdX3FpZH_FV5ORIOTPYfngYCLkUVNJ9XY7MQfIl5nYOj_mD80frHKW6uOiPGiEJhmDJL0FKGlN6AK1dE9EsWdQEHEERhMGgMQub2H30CRk/s1600-h/023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="daffodils" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PPZ5IKtft3CgHTztTlf7W8RMGr2qkc-WPXmYrYMA66Vk-_G8N3xw9r1PmRcpGw_zuF_7yIg0K7VPKgqwMKMamHaLq_v4woO2uy9fftcg_EMIZWkSjOYIcMYjuE2icYwimsVQMlkIahs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="daffodils" width="360" /></a> They were CHEAP!! I believe $1.49 a bundle? I use a little trick to make the flowers a bit fuller – a few plastic shopping bags in the bottom give them just enough height. Gorgeous! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwK7GIR7gGq5dg4gVJ5bHsoT8r6IvMzcBXk_eNGpDThJBTSKyDVHYWGOlCZ0I72iOZAvY3n1pops5wIi6Z6zn_xSIX8-kFik9Nl8dYOj9DUuGKZLHy3buyhJrbLUPj9fLKzSh5viqug4/s1600-h/025%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRx5E_OwRgOXtw4179rhNNgsHJ9JK2kRt5A8P9Dq9cCx9EXdnbBZkiWAT0A9CEDgEuChPVKL4hqNhNV43ljSR_QL3D2jd9J2gJfxtKh-irzdayjLcvFotYWTjqnne2rseBRcqLN81Z9k/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a>I’ve promised myself a little splurge of fresh flowers around the house this year – so far I think I can get away with only spending $15 every couple of weeks: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCrRR5YPBMKpCgx-ewAg_pMg0fAdwJlA5FypESbm5hN4bU7fs1GimMtdw2vemfisDDgMEz9JRahnftcspBu_f1AE0oUpwBHKRrdN35eUKF9b0T4reVRaruHVQJTlWciLeW7I0aKfMHKs/s1600-h/030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pj6x625qVb8QjPuuwf-skOfAz0cQAxMrgYJa2RlyJjQpAo1sgTzkLFm4RoC7YMxhU6u7jErC8HhyNnQ7CCKRLdcck81c3jRTu-ugCzMoi2KjkZKV_1MO-XZVhHoYjyOJYHPz2qTbDm8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a>SO worth it for the fresh scent and the feeling of spring!! I hope you are having a great week! It’s spring break for us, so we are enjoying lots and lots of family time. LURVE.  :)

Easy spring decor

I don’t do a whole lot of decorating for “smaller” holidays, or much for the seasons really (except fall!) Would you believe I didn’t even h...

8:58 PM

Before and After Party: A DIY cloche

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pGQoKKcSG-rOpCamDgpV2GUKhDfu57hi7X12J_kzUPtNkvJUf6eyjvZ1OdzB8ELbYgZcVM1mjln05CVfo3hN3Vc00VAQX9r9esvgVEYBfdb8k-QbbI8jcRczygYN9g1eJLlmeHdzUag/s1600-h/pear%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="pear" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6sISlMO1ohuQLB2wdgnRDxyuP8B2EflPe-bmxa6_s7V9ZJEnZZntliY6IdQvdRKExa03BkqkaXEGW7qcZh_1Iya0_HalJk_fr8yh5IHBzYGLyugPVOZWIsB3Lw8X_hxua2_l-EEFq_8/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="pear" width="576" /></a>Happy Easter to you all! I hope you had a wonderful and blessed spring day! We had planned on just lounging and eating all day – but the fantastic weather drew us outside, so we spent most of the day working on the yard. Wow. SO much to do out there this year! But it felt good to get my hands dirty again. ;) This month’s Before and After Party project is a complete and utter copy cat – but that’s a good thing, right? I’ve seen DIY cloches all over blogland – but this one spoke to me for some reason. The reason -- it was just…CUTE. Allison over at <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2010/03/22/cheese-dome-turned-cloche/">House of Hepworth’s</a> did this project and it had me at “cloche.” I started with a cheese dome/plate from Goodwill. These are plentiful at most Goodwill's – I swear I see at least one every trip in. My set was $2.99:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFf8oGlna8jv9qHpNfGDGOgNf6y1odiRxEQpuj6BFMwOE07eUfNTGJhlp3MUL6IRQJUVm2OkkMtaPmBTrcsMYDER9JGZ-JYdHTLuNwILwOLeq9sn1GlhgReYmhR56f8FrTdNetAfVgOY/s1600-h/017%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="cheese plate" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkIp_0sTLuC-841zU9TV6BafpWidfiNJ_Umsj4eShgfCdlaTNzqigBY5Y58hSjE3MAMhxfann0U3xmaoWuY25qb16tgv2kG3V94fyP7UMle80h5IH-MJE4zSEaYumPPhKptkeCm3E7K8/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="cheese plate" width="360" /></a>Next, a $.99 candlestick:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyASy0QSfSuQC7H0_BLbBSK3FcqGh1Mb-xSp59KJGP-naGoSOPJ7REDbo7lvBcdi49HWW1ttg99oJ7KBq2fM3KyqBiIzpxDzY1ZyP_RLiWyIF84w8B_4iZS53wmhrfW9JWdWMw0OCTFB8/s1600-h/018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="candlestick" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OLcbTQgw626wHVxjVE0cqCfdT5vNQKISlHK36Zeuz6kY-TKDUxs6QGkDSglJncYz7qz9Gbp0cLvEM_xbPt0t15B4wdSnHmPQtdyKSVZbSUtJC4-DquYY48_z1-X3JOHY66VhjxbV2RI/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="candlestick" width="360" /></a>I liked that it was big. And chunky. (Name that movie!)I used my epoxy from Gorilla Glue for the first time to put the two together:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnvcSdd1C8SwmfN8CCbOGLWRJTBoSuPLMcx6EWenu1dia8YwWV1lWiswThyYHXrhQSLfCW1MeqvVjda4n32ooSEouJMxjThKK9-C1qkaGwa7z6PTBSmmNHwRUJzWGEbN4-NGfStvK4DQ/s1600-h/016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="gorilla glue" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9RKSP7yj5xa1dWROYtUwGWt_WuFg1hZ4JdNZYqXBkHXVnmn9-xZslTaW6H7lPOF-L8fX2qbv1skFFy7yAenZwmhBKwglUHfah-nb2vzhl4FkNZwa-d9lVbQZePYp2ZzHVkjkq4ZVoxY/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="gorilla glue" width="360" /></a>It was super easy to use – I glued the pieces together and let them sit overnight, but I think it takes less than a couple hours for it to really bond. It worked great!Then…of course, I had to use the Heirloom White spray paint again:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTPO4PaJSfarZIu7Do56IHtUf5fX3teo7smLs5Ykt2sfj1jcI9TB4zO2XTBea9-EoIKlTLlRgcGllv0Xg2MrfbJABxxynn2sVhOz6pe8RDhr3Fs1CAf1GcWs3cUCXX-v0b9cbJywJC3s/s1600-h/120968%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Heirloom White spray paint" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKja9ZE3CK7kq-Vog8KmOf9NPmw9Qnu_MF-KCkgrGwTTRGGT24Fefgx15Q1u9gYxIUx24IgOzDZzjTzqshYA9rGX7KAutm6Psu5AVENCheLipoGqDqaeDFXOgYl_GerrlpKk_2aAadlwA/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="Heirloom White spray paint" width="100" /></a> I am quite sure my oil-rubbed bronze boyfriend on the shelf in the basement is sulking right now. Sorry love. I’ll be back soon. Smooches. Even though I did a light sanding over the whole thing, it still took tons of coats of spray paint, and I still didn’t get it in all the crevices. But it was worth it!:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipibxU9LXZ1MPLtGUf0lqQ8dru4Bfq6TEW87tEOJgCm9gXlcEIZT15OQcWZkdtAGPncQ7hbuaeAW9J9rEmjVJ_dSsDOtxd1q3zOxYuk-A29EnY0jRsEZ3MLdqFkF_hpB_v9RU5G3Nr3oE/s1600-h/cloche%20with%20pears%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="cloche with pears" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgtrEptXEtm1K6dq8Q4fUv2MmLSsTXG21errVaPXmbbkeJPZ-ZqWhJWfMllEE5Hf0tt0XTgiIGa7SatRr0PXjCxjGpDcCuAYGeiIDcNEPYF-u9EYj1Fb-LfUqZWWSAgQIlE83hI47Yc8/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="cloche with pears" width="588" /></a>It now sits on the little table that separates our family room and kitchen:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNJKw_jdWilEeyJDxbFoLXuwVr2SYvvVfq7hkKpM7ijAC51zfiPMqhGs6yyyIE-L-WH08MVFYiPc4Y2dWmCUm3_2Zc-TKRc_yOlYei-ceWaeB0-5ISIfV8i-zjffoDvMGdtHpl5_mIAA/s1600-h/table%20with%20cloche%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="table with cloche" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMY23R_g-N6YktH3Z7JqJIk4ZFxG5Uzdf4uRrotEuabYcZBGldwS8p0qnSQr_Ox7Ck8_aHrCjkIBRkBddGWNBdXuqhP8o4T8jm6WVz1yjp7CRLC85j-P5QzsD_obKKTDvXyjzJ277RUc/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="table with cloche" width="360" /></a>I hope one day it will be a perfect little addition to a console table behind the sofa in that spot. ;) I am quite sure the little cutie pear that is not protected by the cloche will be used as a tennis, basket, golf or baseball sometime very soon. But for now, he’s so darn cute sitting there! So, my before and after for the month for you again! Before…cheesy plate and cheap candlestick:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxl553NSP3qO4jSLz2V-DAbcg8qepa6d3fGhMW_rx7IhgR5al9U0bE8nPjIsvC6a6dj7l4l5Tw5-PobxsFCsJpuAyi58dH-WKKhJE-FIn5rIgHhrQ8YrjdtAh-2evKbi585sDzoKpMm0g/s1600-h/017%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="cheese plate" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UtNAUKDYfNDnNjgp3gzIGmTImqZYtF1JNv44Upclv55Jv6CTfBdrhGf5XHYk0eCWqQrq2U0rNFb12G0PhNL3VNluX0KFM1MRuWPCt4-82uG6atc8-E0asBeSp_8DZsAjy2T104i3xFg/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="cheese plate" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZVvLtogLPnlAajVgUD45tI8YG7NInzXTh6yyRzcl3nfKkeVXpHDdUtooAe1qmNOU0NCtKdQaNdmCeQ8XnSyvdA0FM0TlD8hvPH2aoKtlhPbJLREwpNmducoFac7446THfYDHIFDkpis/s1600-h/018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="candlestick" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oukS1QFbRXj5v6AbRwS9ZKRD033Sqx_jozuvo_2FSK-vytsA9zovuRzPKfhpfdAS9R-kOpUqQ4z006_FpDrSuhAINyIXDhDqprPmiL0D-Jy2cWgB6DEx1HKjOrHQTISm6SeYFoXuMXM/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="candlestick" width="300" /></a>After…GORG!:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipibxU9LXZ1MPLtGUf0lqQ8dru4Bfq6TEW87tEOJgCm9gXlcEIZT15OQcWZkdtAGPncQ7hbuaeAW9J9rEmjVJ_dSsDOtxd1q3zOxYuk-A29EnY0jRsEZ3MLdqFkF_hpB_v9RU5G3Nr3oE/s1600-h/cloche%20with%20pears%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="cloche with pears" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgtrEptXEtm1K6dq8Q4fUv2MmLSsTXG21errVaPXmbbkeJPZ-ZqWhJWfMllEE5Hf0tt0XTgiIGa7SatRr0PXjCxjGpDcCuAYGeiIDcNEPYF-u9EYj1Fb-LfUqZWWSAgQIlE83hI47Yc8/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" title="cloche with pears" width="588" /></a>Total cost was $4 for the Goodwill purchases – the spray paint and glue I had on hand. Do you LOVE? I ADORE IT. I mean, seriously, adore it. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to as well! Anything goes – as long as you have a before pic of some sort. Remember to copy and paste the address from the actual post, not to your blog! (I have to delete those and I hate to be a meany.)I have a fun little addition to this month’s par-tay…one of you Squeezies who links up with a project will win a $50 HomeGoods gift card. Whoo to the HOO! It will be randomly drawn, not based on the project. So link. it. up! And have FUN! (The linky will be up till this Friday evening.)<script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=23190" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" /></a>

Before and After Party: A DIY cloche

Happy Easter to you all! I hope you had a wonderful and blessed spring day! We had planned on just lounging and eating all day – but the fan...

7:46 PM

Tool School: The drill

<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/S7ZwJlI4A-I/AAAAAAAAHv4/TF-ahiuM8Z0/s1600-h/TDC_toolSchoolButton%5B6%5D.gif"><img alt="TDC_toolSchoolButton" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/S7ZwKCC2baI/AAAAAAAAHv8/eBv5Kv_g0oA/TDC_toolSchoolButton_thumb%5B4%5D.gif?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="TDC_toolSchoolButton" width="160" /></a>Well, I thought it was high time I had a “Tool School” session – especially since I said I would do at least one a month, starting in January. ;) Oops! I’m starting with the drill because it is hands down the one tool I could not live without. I use my drill numerous times a week for something or another. I even stopped keeping it in the basement because I was going down there all. the. time. to get it for a project. There are a few things to keep in mind if you are going to purchase a drill, and a few to remember when using a drill as well. We’ll start with what you want to look for when buying: 1. Cordless vs. corded I only use a cordless drill that you charge for power. Depending on the power of the drill, a cordless drill is usually lightweight, you can use it anywhere (no worries about extension cords) and I just find them easier to use: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw85OS-PprKDU1K3hWZAaH-wLgauexR6wTfgG1twixPXwDVFwlzAYvOJP_udE5rqL72qAASEw8vTCprwP8iQqZUVC9Y9wyfVyWEfaR3zQ7VTgPBmcQgV8S7LaUTT3ARZG6byNZAvislj8/s1600-h/047%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="9.6 volt" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS_Yb7X3S1kFjnbRDrv3z1wJKc8yAfYxHcj-NVo91QOr8cCB-x8wWhQyvLzyKjEeMJpSO3naJZtorwadU7T3hY9GDQwoXR0GkNZACLqTp1rLlyKiqJ5ci_fNGnK4Bjr6N2-FfrjUa4Pc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="9.6 volt" width="360" /></a> Usually the corded versions have more power, and they take a little more skill to operate. (Like, it will jump out of your hands if you’re not careful, “skill.”) As you can see, mine is a 9.6 volt and it’s perfectly adequate for most things you’ll need to do. I’m a DIYer and I don’t need more power. The only downside to the cordless version is inevitably there will be a day when you’ll go to use it and it will turn like molasses = dead. I hear there is a fast charger that will charge that baby in less than 15 minutes, so I see that doodad in my future. Otherwise, I just charge mine every couple weeks or so. The 9. 6 version holds a charge surprisingly well. 2. Hand turned chuck vs. keyed chuck Huh? What the what? Chuck the who? OK, the chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bits. (We’ll go into the bits later.) You want a chuck you can turn and tighten with your hand – not one that is tightened with a key: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuUsEw4xyCEAaP5LOeeVZYgWxXQ65Xv0CwBvSVTPeG8PRR1xIEzsxVTQ8A49KzKKudfLjmq4AiQK5eqaXURmwES0zrLNeZSkqXAAotygTiIGMXlNwKhldABn5w4MRg-eQHs3hXf-FcK0/s1600-h/045%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="drill chuck" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xYOisWEfwAJvnSHzmWu0STdZ7LFYYpAI6ISwwmVunbKZi_NcKralEG7B2oAwpgd61ncTxcbjyWUlWyrKmMaeXoinm2mj9PwENxaXebSUXWF2748SwedQKO5pxkkhbXAcR23Xinh61_Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="drill chuck" width="360" /></a> The "key” is just a little device you insert into the chuck to tighten it. It works fine – but you will lose it. Like, a lot. (Even though there is usually a handy dandy holder on the drill.) You will yell and <strike>cry</strike> get frustrated when you can’t find it. So save yourself the drama and a trip to the hardware store for another and just get the hand-turned chuck version. (Huh?) 3. Accessories: One day only six short years ago, I sat down in our old apartment, drill in hand, ready to install new, beautiful hardware on a dresser. I was so excited to finally use a drill. I took the old hardware off, then went to put on the new ones, and was perplexed… The two holes for the new hardware did not match up to the old holes. I had no idea what to do. I had the drill! I had the screwdriver bit! What the heck? There are two functions of a drill – one is to screw things. One is to drill holes. I did not realize the screwdriver bit didn’t make holes. (I know. But I am quite sure I’m not the only one, hence the story time.) You need a drill bit to do that. My first DIY project was over fast because of this little oversight. See how far I’ve come? ;) These are the bits you’ll want to have for most projects: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vcq3t3R2lCAT4wqSrvKzTQBM6_mcM_e8-OzgtpN963cMrzgcoJxHw85BvFqaMlMv2SR5-0E3RHVBr46Jztbm0yUN_Zby_1UtnRf3CuVslUD5ZulY1dT84saxUmH43mRIgibmVAOby2U/s1600-h/bits%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="bits" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpAjmmEGMFcUpeaTCopLSqwrkzALaGm_UuW7K2_eTLtoQZNknhFx29vV8ERhLUhqfLxk6VbXtdmF6dI0v1o2oWK-Vxv9t4e6wlImgI_CyvDrn459ESboc_Mlo0FV8JflKECNS0WdV4HQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="bits" width="500" /></a> The bit on the left is what you use to make holes in the wall, wood, metal, etc. You want the right bit for the right medium. Don’t try to drill through masonry with a wood bit. Not good. And a masonry bit usually doesn’t drill well through wood. The next bit is usually in a set of different sizes – 1/2 inch and higher. I love these for drilling through things to hide cords – mostly the top and bottom of our kitchen cabinets. The next is  your standard screwdriver bit that is the most basic – it also comes in variety of sizes, and most have two ends – the Phillips end and the flat head end. The last tool is my favorite and what I think is a must have – the bit extender: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkUGhT5dlY_Wv_hMT1r0ds_7amJkQ7a8rzHNtgN2lAhZhqw1SITGa_VR7zW6JJYaI02i2aHuF0Qs2Ybhv-5rd7kGPDR8qRgPd-OLPK3g1oLz53ku23l2PtfBZjAcehxLG8onG35c7e80/s1600-h/043%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="bit extender" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1Kep-Df_hZu-TFlnZuerk_3hXEXDi6Jbm5qU87jYvHDhCezVI_OsI5lUBQJD3TDzZca9p64gM924QW9tjTxDZPuIt0jUWRvbd05PmGRohtYQofPUvzJhHD9XqviuOMoZQYwo48XdKI0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="bit extender" width="360" /></a>I cannot live without this guy -- it’s a lifesaver! It extends the bit away from the drill so you can get in tight spots easier. I could not hang drapery hardware without this thing. They come in various sizes – they get pretty long! And the best part – some are magnetic: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOW7wo9LwOTfgY3_Gnrz9NwX4-eosI7o_Sf65LSuyutg_Mf3akyv5QQwveIqv5LMJUYNJXkRYAFZ9bTUx7XJ1t7QQF-FdwUv-iTPKTui5h-5N1j_8a_8m-OS5vRLCbVyLT8OnZPSjnKc/s1600-h/053%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="bit extender" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD-EnuOC5LegaoNyrtZ9ziWLLqSU990zxCln0eMo0H9RTi12SpJJff3411Eq4_NqpkOTbCV8ZnFcKg6yJLkSOxVVyEAxTYBtHHHYgBZHIi4UqcIGMMGVQdT9GqjHj1PMO_h8I9C6tS9E/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="bit extender" width="360" /></a>I cannot stress how awesome this is! It will save you many a “Where did that bleepity screw go?” experience as you go to drill one in – it holds them pretty well. Now that you have your drill, how do you use it? It’s pretty easy. Here is an overview of my lovely: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOZO4cW_fwc42KZh-PaAT9u9_sHTr0ISChTqmzuCZPdOj86dCpGvwvigtIqFrP1fM9ljyp_ykJnMG1hRSTm1jq80F9uSbpGhi-GDOjvep3mrTxjqRx0WtIyHaLKnv4kr82hknKR82LJc/s1600-h/parts%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="drill parts" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6psUgW7IF4RxtP7d1xvRwa-B_LaBtceibNGY6HQacnBnwKFjXwUYe4DqIMT0XxTrySKPSfjQYRxpHZs4lnpVOB_MBvpMb8VAsuOgndiahnqdHrbUCVDhVlwL3Pvbaj-I4ZC30Mwzmpc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="drill parts" width="500" /></a> I’ve talked about most of it, but the directional switch is important as well. It goes left to right to change the direction of the drilling – basically in or out: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7iXlgXjOiSbkybMFZ7V-oQtrS4HsilFmaXDmbJXKmQ3uZXNIHdfNtBiv-9cZ3IMcH0KAhlqfiT7jX5MHUwsK4NZduexOkrNx4yxBZskSBC0iAt7qZjnhLLcSX8gKFrGdrhj96uZK9yM/s1600-h/050%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="direction" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eg5YB3O8YPUxuS9W0WQWG6k2qLey4cgD9WGTccSDzOi-rbwcMfj3tKnB2vcVM45t3ixWJZvqoOGDiAARAejvueQXssHJZz0iCFNSEXVq5OOavK4QBHHuwsy67Lzw4-OPdeNU-PJNUvg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="direction" width="360" /></a> My drill also has a variety of power, or torque settings. Those are the numbers above the chuck. I usually keep it mid-range. It’s not a big deal – I find it doesn’t really matter where you have it set, as long as it’s in the middle somewhere. When you drill a screw into a fresh surface, one that has no hole – you’ll want to hold the screw and start out with short “bursts” on the drill, so it gets it into the surface slowly, a little bit at a time. Once you get it in enough, you can let go of the screw and put your body weight behind it to get it the rest of the way in. I use the weight of my body often – if you don’t you’ll get this sound more often than not (I apologize for the earthquake filming technique): <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d1717b74-c134-4ab1-8cc0-1f80e320e29f" style="padding-right: 0px; display: block; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; width: 425px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px"><div id="d13aa55c-2917-456f-9450-cbc13ebadb05" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPmTTtnWCB8" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d13aa55c-2917-456f-9450-cbc13ebadb05'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IPmTTtnWCB8&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IPmTTtnWCB8&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKOU0Ka4M4sM28vWDEY45adUOmnc7nHm6ZiqHcwoP1iZnsrOt-h_NbG7DEC-tIrsu3bhBgwyy-PloiYsjzE7fnlYzuvXT9wKgcWbqzMecQRcSWB5HMku5X12h1B0p5yVvznd8FPzdIRE/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none"></a></div></div></div>   That’s not a good sound. Often, if you get level with the screw, put both hands on the drill, and then put your weight behind it -- it will help the bit hold onto the screw and get it in there. If this happens to you and doing the above doesn’t help, then your bit is probably worn down, like mine: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2J66ruXcbRYPXqlBhYsiajo7Z3vlK3aW-vmRIHjGSn7p1MN89mchHKzxgL0c7onQGf8eOU-RGTJP1UoG_w7XoY0YEafAShm9UYp4UAlN3LKi4u2cTNLfYXFdoaKOaK_Bq15sw30H6sU/s1600-h/041%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="stripped bit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmWpKKm8-WjlmU-UWQxjspwpi5c4201z88kPI_JcfBAbAMYMwrNxpOA40GHrXPgRFQ7bHrQNGC_5M18dEKnOeRaS9cap125ci-x_ylgCaxOXCmBZFMJMfxwadrxErL5RxE0OiF4xmBCM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="stripped bit" width="360" /></a> Or the screw is starting to strip. (Wow, interesting set of words in this post!) Sometimes all you need to get it in is a good old fashioned, hand held screwdriver. Or you will need to take it out and start fresh with a new bit or screw. You do want to hear the chuck grinding – or catching. That usually means the screw is in and secure. The other sound you want to hear – squeaking. Hearing the squeak of a screw is like birds singing to a DIYer – it’s a very good thing. So if you are drilling into a stud in the wall, the squeak is good. Not bad. Don’t be afraid of the squeak! Finally, the long drill bit I pictured above is what you use to put holes in the wall. I mentioned there are different bits for wood, concrete, etc. But there are a variety of sizes too. You’ll want do use a bit for hanging anything substantial on the wall – in order to put in an anchor. Although I have been hooked on these for years: <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.anchorco.com/images/snapSkruLrg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.anchorco.com/snapskru.html&usg=__HmZA2m91TklO0yFEjIhcnEeUO88=&h=600&w=600&sz=97&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=lVPm9a9zKZ70SM:&tbnh=135&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dself%2Bscrewing%2Bdrywall%2Banchors%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4GZAZ_enUS369US369%26tbs%3Disch:1"><img alt="drywall anchor" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUx8EHf_oyyQWE3YXRX6LjTh1G2Izzaf84qlnMTWqMK8ty7sXSz9kkNnq_AgmZWg34HVRdt1ziiZyp3Ea-LHmnk9wvCOwuaAJ1NOBHyo8KqVqXeblu5CMlLbidwZwJkl0zRx-Wm_XosY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="drywall anchor" width="240" /></a>They don’t require a bit or a predrilled hole – just use your screwdriver bit to screw them right into the wall. Then your screw goes inside. SO easy – no finding the right sized bit for the right sized anchor. Lurve. Sometimes, especially when you are trying to screw something into drywall or wood, you’ll want to create a starter hole for the screw – otherwise the drill tends to skip and you may or may not end up with little dents all around the intended hole. Ask me how I know. (The method of short bursts I mentioned helps this as well.) So starting the hole with a drill bit will save you a lot of time. And hole fixing. Well, I think I covered most if it. Anything I forgot? You now know why “chuck” and “squeak” are so important when using a drill, so I will consider you schooled. Huurahhh! Get to the hardware store this weekend and pick up a shiny new drill – it will be the beginning of your DIY days! And have a wonderful Easter!! P.S. Hope you’ll link up to April’s Before and After party on Monday!

Tool School: The drill

Well, I thought it was high time I had a “Tool School” session – especially since I said I would do at least one a month, starting in Januar...

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