They've inspired me to create a new item for my shop. I can't wait to share it with you!
Jun 28, 2009
I spy with my little eye
La Hirondelle Rustique (barn swallows!) These little guys were flying around outside in the park and I had to snap a few shots since they're my favorite birds! I'll have to work on taking some better pictures next time, they were a bit too quick for me!
They've inspired me to create a new item for my shop. I can't wait to share it with you!
They've inspired me to create a new item for my shop. I can't wait to share it with you!
Jun 26, 2009
DIY Bulletin Board
A few months ago while taking out the trash, I happened to notice that someone threw out a gigantic picture frame, artwork and all. It was just leaning up against the trash bin and the frame looked like it was in pretty good shape, so I nabbed it.
I accidentally deleted my before shot, so this will have to do. The artwork and orange mat board had been rained on. It's a shame, since it was quite a pretty cityscape print, but I suppose it wouldn't have matched my decor anyways. The frame was the diamond in the rough though, measuring in at 45.5 in x 31.5 in and with only a few small nicks and scratches. You can easily find frames at garage sales and thrift stores too.
While shopping at a local thrift store with my mom, we spotted a HUGE bulletin board shoved behind some old headboards. I wrestled it out and checked the price... $5! I'll take it! We then stopped by the fabric store and I bought 1 yard of linen fabric for $9.
I laid the picture frame on top of the bulletin board and used it as my template, tracing around the inside so I could later cut out the cork. I made sure to cut slightly on the outer edge of my traced lines so that the piece wouldn't fall through the frame.
While the paint was drying, I brought my bulletin board piece in to cover with a linen fabric. I used a staple gun to attach one side of the fabric to the back of the cork, and then pulled taught on the opposite end and stapled again, much like you would when stretching your own art canvas. It helps if you have a second person working with you to make sure the fabric is pulled tight. I slowly worked my way around until all the sides were stapled.
I folded the corners in and trimmed where needed to leave the backside looking nice and tidy.
Once that was finished it was time to put the whole thing together! I added self-leveling hangers (got them for $1) on the back in case I ever decide I want to hang it up.
Total DIY project cost = $15!
I accidentally deleted my before shot, so this will have to do. The artwork and orange mat board had been rained on. It's a shame, since it was quite a pretty cityscape print, but I suppose it wouldn't have matched my decor anyways. The frame was the diamond in the rough though, measuring in at 45.5 in x 31.5 in and with only a few small nicks and scratches. You can easily find frames at garage sales and thrift stores too.
While shopping at a local thrift store with my mom, we spotted a HUGE bulletin board shoved behind some old headboards. I wrestled it out and checked the price... $5! I'll take it! We then stopped by the fabric store and I bought 1 yard of linen fabric for $9.
I laid the picture frame on top of the bulletin board and used it as my template, tracing around the inside so I could later cut out the cork. I made sure to cut slightly on the outer edge of my traced lines so that the piece wouldn't fall through the frame.
Next, I sanded and painted the frame a nice, crisp white using leftover paint.
While the paint was drying, I brought my bulletin board piece in to cover with a linen fabric. I used a staple gun to attach one side of the fabric to the back of the cork, and then pulled taught on the opposite end and stapled again, much like you would when stretching your own art canvas. It helps if you have a second person working with you to make sure the fabric is pulled tight. I slowly worked my way around until all the sides were stapled.
I folded the corners in and trimmed where needed to leave the backside looking nice and tidy.
Once that was finished it was time to put the whole thing together! I added self-leveling hangers (got them for $1) on the back in case I ever decide I want to hang it up.
Ta da! (I actually finished this project last month, as you can see by the calendar, oops!)
Total DIY project cost = $15!
Jun 25, 2009
Speaking of Free
Glidden is giving away one free quart of paint in any color of your choosing (eggshell finish only)! I just picked out Crisp Linen White so I can paint an old chair I found! Head on over to their website to get yours, the offer is good until July 2nd!
What's Black and White Plus FREE?
Camila over at High-Heel Foot in the Door is doing a fantastic giveaway for all you decorating fans. Her blog is FILLED with gorgeous pictures and fun DIY projects like this gorgeous patio chair makeover.
Comment on her blog and become a follower for a chance to win this beautiful storage bench from Skyline Furniture! Hurry though, the contest ends on Sunday, June 28th!
Comment on her blog and become a follower for a chance to win this beautiful storage bench from Skyline Furniture! Hurry though, the contest ends on Sunday, June 28th!
Jun 16, 2009
New Prints Listed Today!
Just released in the shop are 3 new prints! This is the beginning of many new prints to come, so stay tuned! All of these prints come in multiple colors to match your home decor tastes.
White Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20
Black Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20
Red Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20
Trophy Silhouette White - 8x10 Print $20
Trophy Silhouette Black - 8x10 Print $20
Botanical - 8x10 Print $20
Clicking on any of these pictures will take you to the listing.
White Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20
Black Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20Red Sea Fan - 8x10 Print $20
Trophy Silhouette White - 8x10 Print $20
Trophy Silhouette Black - 8x10 Print $20
Botanical - 8x10 Print $20
Jun 15, 2009
Small Makeover - DIY Bag
I bought this bag a few years ago from Cost Plus World Market for around $7. I'm sorry to say I've only used it once or twice in the years that I've had it. It got shoved into my closet and held all my random knick knacks and there it's sat, in the dark and unloved.
Then that certain time of year came where I rooted through my closet and fished out all unwanted items for donation, and out popped this bag. I still liked it, but I realized that it would never live up to its potential as a purse with me.
Around this same time, I happened to come across a website called Mothology.com. While browsing through all their wonderful products, I spotted a canvas bag and immediately fell in love with it. It has been printed with the latitude and longitude of Bordeaux, France.
These bags could also be found at Ballard Designs at one point, but unfortunately they've since ran out of stock.
At only $16 for the small bag and $24 for the large from Mothology, these bags are a steal if you want to add a rustic touch to your home decor. Since I already had a bag with potential however, I decided to try and save it (sorry Mothology!). I had leftover spray paint in white and almond from my previous DIY projects, as well as black acrylic paint from my many school projects.
To start, I carefully covered the leather handles of the bag with blue painter's tape and plastic bags. I wanted to make sure no paint got on these parts. Then, I spray painted the bag with several coats of white and gave it a final dusting of almond.
I typed out the city and latitude/longitude coordinates in a font I liked and printed them out on heavy cardstock. Using an X-Acto knife, I carefully cut out all the letters in order to create a stencil.
I used black acrylic paint to paint in the stencil and let the bag dry for a few days before putting anything in it. Vuah-lah! My re-purposed bag!
It now has a happy home in our living room in front of the fireplace, holding a beautiful throw blanket that our neighbor knitted for us as a wedding gift. Since the blanket will most likely be in use during the winter months, I'll load up the bag with sticks and logs for cozy fires (so long as our dog doesn't get to them first!). Thanks for looking!
Then that certain time of year came where I rooted through my closet and fished out all unwanted items for donation, and out popped this bag. I still liked it, but I realized that it would never live up to its potential as a purse with me.
Around this same time, I happened to come across a website called Mothology.com. While browsing through all their wonderful products, I spotted a canvas bag and immediately fell in love with it. It has been printed with the latitude and longitude of Bordeaux, France.
These bags could also be found at Ballard Designs at one point, but unfortunately they've since ran out of stock.
At only $16 for the small bag and $24 for the large from Mothology, these bags are a steal if you want to add a rustic touch to your home decor. Since I already had a bag with potential however, I decided to try and save it (sorry Mothology!). I had leftover spray paint in white and almond from my previous DIY projects, as well as black acrylic paint from my many school projects.
To start, I carefully covered the leather handles of the bag with blue painter's tape and plastic bags. I wanted to make sure no paint got on these parts. Then, I spray painted the bag with several coats of white and gave it a final dusting of almond.
I typed out the city and latitude/longitude coordinates in a font I liked and printed them out on heavy cardstock. Using an X-Acto knife, I carefully cut out all the letters in order to create a stencil.
I used black acrylic paint to paint in the stencil and let the bag dry for a few days before putting anything in it. Vuah-lah! My re-purposed bag!
It now has a happy home in our living room in front of the fireplace, holding a beautiful throw blanket that our neighbor knitted for us as a wedding gift. Since the blanket will most likely be in use during the winter months, I'll load up the bag with sticks and logs for cozy fires (so long as our dog doesn't get to them first!). Thanks for looking!
Jun 14, 2009
A big Thank You to Monsterkookies!
My Groovy Crow print was featured in a treasury put together by fellow Etsy seller Monsterkookies. The treasury has been titled "Booger Juice" to celebrate that lovely tone of bright and vivid GREEN (like the green in the crow's sun glasses). I had a good laugh over the title this morning. All the handmade pieces included have so much personality!
Since we're talking about Etsy sellers, I couldn't help but check out Monsterkookies shop, and WOW! I am in love with so many of her items, they're so much fun! My favorite is this amazingly awesome steampunk birdie that goes by the name of
Bertram. Everything about the design is wonderful and I can only imagine what kind of wacky personality this little guy might have. I'm just amazed at the color and detail she has been able to capture in all of her pieces. Her Etsy store is full of interesting creatures, it's definitely one of my favorite places to visit!
Jun 12, 2009
New Gift Tags from Hirondelle Rustique!
Just released in the shop today are some new gift tags derived from my contemporary birds print. I'm so excited to share them with you!
They come in two different sizes, 1.5 inches and 2 inches so that you can use them with any size gift!
It's been a busy week so far! I've been working on LOTS of new prints for the shop. Look for updates soon!
They come in two different sizes, 1.5 inches and 2 inches so that you can use them with any size gift!It's been a busy week so far! I've been working on LOTS of new prints for the shop. Look for updates soon!Jun 8, 2009
Balcony Makeover
My husband and I live in a small one bedroom apartment. It's a great place as far as apartments go but making it feel like home has been quite a challenge. Here's our newly made-over balcony that offers us a real place to put our feet up and relax. We spent a little under $400 for this makeover and all supplies used (paint, nails etc) were things I already had.
After
I love these chairs! SO comfy! These are from the 2009 Smith & Hawken Marlton Series from Target.
I got this candelier years ago when I worked for Pier 1 Imports. I never had a place to put it until now!
Here's the urn from Value Village I painted a few weeks ago.
I bought the table from a Craigslist seller for $20. The curtains are actually tablecloths from our wedding, my mom and I hemmed them up a bit and I hung them up with clip rings. The candle lanterns were from Khol's and with coupons, I got both of these for $9 total! The seagrass basket was a garage sale find for a whopping $1.00 and all the other accessories were from around my home.
Budget Breakdown
Chairs - $300 on sale
Table - $20
Curtains - free!
Curtain rods - $47 cafe rods from Target
Rug - free (a craigslist find, see how I updated it here)
Accessories - $22
Total = $389
Before
After
I love these chairs! SO comfy! These are from the 2009 Smith & Hawken Marlton Series from Target.
I got this candelier years ago when I worked for Pier 1 Imports. I never had a place to put it until now!
Here's the urn from Value Village I painted a few weeks ago.
I bought the table from a Craigslist seller for $20. The curtains are actually tablecloths from our wedding, my mom and I hemmed them up a bit and I hung them up with clip rings. The candle lanterns were from Khol's and with coupons, I got both of these for $9 total! The seagrass basket was a garage sale find for a whopping $1.00 and all the other accessories were from around my home.
Budget Breakdown
Chairs - $300 on sale
Table - $20
Curtains - free!
Curtain rods - $47 cafe rods from Target
Rug - free (a craigslist find, see how I updated it here)
Accessories - $22
Total = $389
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