The Perfect Light

I have searched high and low for a drum shade chandelier that won't cost me a fortune.  I found some that I liked but the ones I LOVED were way out of my budget, go figure. :)  So, I decided to get creative and make my own.  I found the drum shade at the pottery barn outlet for a great deal!  The price tag said $24 (which I thought was a great) but it rang up $18!  I couldn't compain about that.  I also purchased a pendant lamp from Home Depot for about $20.  I had originally bought plexiglass to go on the underside to diffuse the light but after I put it up I realized I didn't need it.  So for about $40, I had my drum shade chandelier.  I had to do a little electrical work to make it happen but in the end it was worth it.

 

Easy Mirror Update

Here's a simple way to update a builder's grade mirror.  I love the way two separate mirrors look above a bathroom vanity but also love the functionality of a large mirror.  All you will need for this project are two picture frames (you can usually find cheap ones at a thrift store) and some command velcro strips.  First remove everything from the frame until you have just the frame.  Next, attach the velcro strips to the back of the frame (I attached one on either side and one centered at the top) and then attach the frames to the mirror and you're done!  Here is a picture of the finished product!

Before and After

It's amazing to me what a huge difference a little bit of paint can make.  Most of the furniture in our home was either given to us or was my husband's from before we were married.  I am very thankful for all that we were given even though it wasn't quite my style.  I thought I would share a couple of the before and after pictures with you so you can see the transformation too. 

This was my husband's office furniture from his old house.  You can't tell very much from the picture but it definitly needed a little TLC.  Here is the before...

and after with a fresh coat of paint and natural cork tiles added to break up all the white and add some texture.  My mom found the chair for me at a yardsale for $5 so I painted it white to match and recovered the cushion as well. 

This dresser was given to us but unfortunately I don't have a before picture so here is the after.  Before it was a very light oak color with large (kind of tacky) gold drawer pulls.

This was actually a craigs list find.  I loved the lines of it and knew with a fresh coat of paint it would be good as new! 

Here is the after...Each time I refinish a piece of furniture I learn something new.  With this piece, I didn't even think to fill in the holes where the drawer pulls were because I assumed I would just find new ones that would fit.  After shopping around, I realized they don't make drawer pulls that length anymore for some reason so I ended up using individual crystal knobs instead.  In the end I think I like the individual knobs better so it all worked out for the best :)

 

This last one I actually can't take credit for, but it's one of my favorite chairs.  Unfortunately I don't have a before picture of this one either but it was in pretty bad shape.  I bought this from a thrift store with the intention of refinishing it, but never got around to it so my mom did it for me.  She did an amazing job!  Thanks mom!

I have a couple other pieces I'm working on now.  Hopefully I will be able to share them with you soon!

Welcome

After thinking and talking about it for quite some time I have finally decided to start a blog.  Please excuse the layout, it's a work in progress as I'm still figuring all this stuff out.  For my very first post I thought I would start out with some fall decorating ideas, after all who doesn't love fall? :)

I found these leaves at the dollar store and immediately knew I could find a use for them and I have definitly gotten my money's worth...

This is the first thing you see when you walk in my front door so I wanted it to make a statement.  I found these sticks in the backyard and got a can of spraypaint from Walmart for $0.99 cents and voila, for under $2 you have a fall centerpiece!

I added them to the napkin rings too...

and made a fall card with them...

I originally bought these ornmanets for my Christmas tree but changed my mind and thought the color was perfect for fall!

and of course you can't have fall without pumpkins!

I hope you enjoyed my very first post!  Stay tuned for more!!