The Swedish Room

Cocoa Beach Christmas Part I

2011-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hi everyone, I hope 2011 is better than 2010. I took a little Christmas vacation to Cocoa Beach, and we went in Gracie. Mr. Swedish Room surprised me with it a week or two before we went. It was a lot of packing, but I was still excited. All I could think was I finally get my dream of waking up on the beach at Christmas. I enjoyed my time at the beach and I bought back lots of pics, but I have to show them in parts. I really felt like I had my beach cottage that I always wanted. It was a short walk to the water, and I went there every chance I got. You don't have to believe me just see for yourself....

Waking up to palm trees, it was a little cool there. I still had my shorts on, so not too cool.
The pier, I just went there just to be closer to the sea. Maybe I could talk Mr. Swedish Room into getting a boat (Yeah and why don't I ask for a million dollars too).

My Christmas Ham. He does look cute, he enjoyed wearing them and everyone got a big laugh.

A rock shore, so peaceful and beautiful. Perfectly beachy!!!

There are more to come. Stay tuned....

See everyone soon, go give someone a hug.

Who Needs Restoration Hardware Anyway???

2010-12-15T06:44:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend. Sorry I have not responded to everyone right away, but it has been a little busy here at The Room. I promise I will respond to everyone ASAP. Here is the new news, Mr Swedish Room surprised me with a trip to Coco Beach in Florida. Here is the catch we are going in Gracie, ok not so much a catch, but I still have to pack her and get her ready. I ready don't mind because I'll enjoy Christmas on the beach in my BCOW (For those not in the know, Beach Cottage On Wheels). Just have to get a little tree and some beachy ornaments, I'm going to have fun. PS we are taking my buddy Zeus (check the side panel, he is the one with the smiling face and the wagging tail). I'll keep you posted.....

Ok its White Wednesday Time, and have I got a project for you. I'm sure everyone has seen how Restoration Hardware has this new French Flea Market look, but lets just say the price tags don't match. Ok I sell antiques, but even I have to look twice and shake my head. I love the look, but in these days and times a penny saved is a penny earned. So I needed a new lamp, now is my time to strike with the good old crafty imagination (Thanks Martha Stewart). I know I need to take step by step pics, but I was so excited, I guess I didn't think about it at the time until the end, darn...

I took a lided urn I had kicking around The Room and said LAMP!!! So off to work I went. I took off the knob. Enlarged the hole, and put the base together. I found a base for the bottom and faux rusted it ( I used Rust-oleum rusty metal primer and after that dried, put on Rust-oleum Multicolor Textured spray paint in Autumn Brown. Here is the part that makes it look rusty, take a hand towel and dap the Autumn Brown spray paint wet. You may need more than one coat and dap to get it where you want.) I had Mr. Swedish Room wire it, and I took my creation to Restoration Hardware for a shade (Can you believe someone wanted to buy my lamp in the store? It made me feel great). There you have it a Restoration Hardware like lamp without the price tag. Enough talking, here are some pics.

The faux rusty metal base goes great with the real rusty metal of the urn.
Silk shade by Restoration Hardware, lamp by me. After all they are copying want the rest of us have been doing for years.

Here is a before pic I found of the urn with the lid. The knob just unscrewed and away I went. Look around you never know....
For more Wonderful White Wednesday go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/
Go Hug Someone, you may make someones day.
See everyone later......

My Inspiring Christmas

2010-12-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Thank you everyone who commented to my last post or have sent your prayers, they are all appreciated. Let's do Christmas everyone. I put Christmas up early this year, because Mr. Swedish Room wanted to have the office Christmas party at our house. Might I say parties are nice when they are not at your house. So instead of being the evil Christmas witch this year, I decided to give in and start the party. Did I say Christmas witch, I meant SUPER CHRISTMAS WITCH. Lets say my Martha Stewart gene was going into overdrive. Everything had to be perfect and unique, everything had to be cleaned and recleaned. The house had to be redone, and redone again. Might I say I yelled so much, I couldn't stand myself. Somehow by the grace of God we made it. It was a nice party and I will show you some of the redoes, but not today. Instead let me show you some Christmas at The Room.

I found this idea at Pottery Barn. I said to myself, I have a Christmas tree and I have a birdcage. Why not? Only thing I bought at Pottery Barn that day were the birds at $5.00 each. I thought they gave me the idea, so I could spend a little money with them.
This is a vintage ornament I've had for years. She get the royal treatment when she gets packed away.

A couple of years ago I painted some dollhouse furniture white and just stuck them in the tree. Everyone thinks what a fun idea. The little silver chair is actually a place card holder. I put a hook on it instant ornament.

A sort of full view of the tree. All white and silver, my two favorite colors.

Take away gifts for the party guest and on hand for visitors who stop by.
For more great Christmas ideas go visit Debra at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/
for Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Go hugs someone today.

See everyone later....

Blog Breaks And Blessings

2010-12-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I know I kind of disappeared, I hope you all aren't too mad with me. I really enjoyed blogging this past summer and enjoyed meeting all of you and seeing beautiful homes and even more beautiful thoughts. It has been a weird last few months, lots of ups and downs with Mr. Swedish Room and I. I felt so all alone with no one to turn to and no direction. I have been unhappy about my life lately, I know kind of stupid. There are so many that are way worst than I am, yet I could not see that, until last week. A friend came to visit me, I was so excited. I showed my friend all the local sites we laughed and had plenty of fun. We also talked about what was happening to me. This friend has never been that profound or inspirational, but I was truly surprised by what I heard. My friend said you only have one life to live if no one wants to walk with you pick yourself up and walk, eventually someone will walk next to you and then another and another. With this message in hand I decided recently to start walking and keep on walking. Today I understood the message fully, I decided not to do Scott's this month. I helped a friend, Angie, last month by storing her tables for her and I promised to bring them this month. I also wanted to bring Ms. Prue and older woman at Scott's who sells toys and pretty things, some toys I bought for her. I also wanted to give a Thank you note to Sonny the man that sells antique books at Scott's, because he did me a favor last month. When I got to Scott's all the other dealers I had talked to and knew gave me hugs and told me they were glad to see me. They said they would miss me this month at the show and couldn't wait to see me next month. I was so happy at the outpouring of love I was smiling and still am. My friend was right, and I'm glad. I missed my little blessings, but I sure saw them today. I hope you all take a minute and see your little blessings. I think my break is over and I'm ready to get back to life.

PS go hug someone today, you may make their day.

See everyone later........

Who's Ready For The Beach???

2010-09-20T07:19:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, Here we go. I finally did it, I finished Gracie (well at least most of her, I still have some small bits in the bathroom). I couldn't wait to show you all. Lets start at the beginning, Gracie was inspired by Kerrie at Sea Cottage, she has a vintage camper she calls the Pearl. Seeing her adventures, and hearing about the wonderful times she had got me thinking. So I decided to go for it this summer. Mr. Swedish Room at first looked at me like I lost my mind, but I convinced him we could be in the great outdoors more often. Saying that cinched it. So we started looking for campers, or for those in the know BCOW (Beach Cottage On Wheels). It took so long, and seeing so many dirty, expensive, and bad layout campers, I thought this was never going to happen. Then we finally found my Gracie, don't get me wrong she needed a lot of work (a new ceiling for one thing). Well you can see for yourself........

I'm going to enjoy the great outdoors more, as long as its done my way.
You always need a layered bed, on those cold nights. I made the pillow in the front, the rest are Ikea and Target(I love both of these places). The nightstands were refaced. All the hardware was replaced. The lamps are also Ikea. I know you all remember the headboard from three post ago.
A wider shot. Yes, those are wood floors (actually laminate, but it still looks good).

The kitchen. This might get some use in the morning (I love my morning coffee), but not much cooking (I have to draw the line somewhere). Rug and trash can, Ikea.

Tray is Target, teapot is an antique I found (yes it's going camping with me), and mugs are Shabby Chic.

Where the eating action is going to happen, naaaaaaa just laptop work. Oh the slipcovered cushions are from Ikea (actually I tucked and fitted them, they don't really go). The lantern is Ikea also.

The refrigerator door was damaged so I took some embossed wallpaper and covered the inside panel then painted it (semi gloss so I can wipe it down).

I see a lot of reading going on here. Another slipcover from Ikea, so are the two white pillows and the rolled up throw. I made the other two pillows.

Don't disturb me, I'm in repose.

Curtains as room dividers are from Ikea. All the other curtains are from Target.

Some before shots......

Fixing the sofa.

Refacing the nightstands.

Oh No Ceiling Down!!!!

Just kidding Mr. Swedish Room taking down the bad ceiling, it only took $300.00 to get it back up. Great job Honey. ( I guess this is why he don't want to be in the blog)

I was cleaning lots of this.

Now that it's done. Watch Out World, Here I Come!!!! and with a white camper named Gracie, oh and Mr. Swedish Room and Zeus (our dog) can come, I guess.

Ok I'm doing things a little different this time. I'm posting this on three parties.

Cindy at Cottage Instincts, Make it for Monday

Kathleen At Faded Charm, White Wednesday

Debra at Common Ground, Vintage Inspiration Friday

Thanks for visiting.

See everyone next time........

A Louis Chair In Disguise

2010-09-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm almost done with Gracie. I can't wait to show you. Today I'm joining Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday. I have been thinking who has inspired my style the most, I have to say Rachel Ashwell has. Ever since I saw her slipcovered furniture and use of vintage pieces, her embrace of imperfection, I was hooked. I love white, but I have included other colors as well over the years. I even learn to make slipcovers thanks to Rachel. I think she has influenced every part of my life. This includes my thinking, embracing the imperfect, and seeing it's perfect beauty. I had these Louis chairs (I have two) for a while (you may have seen them on other posts already slipcovered), but I want to share with you what inspired me to slipcover, instead of upholstering them.

I love the big ties I put on them, I love seeing big ties on slipcovers it gives them an extra detail.

One of my inspirational pieces (these two pics are from Shabby Chic), I love the loose fit of the slipcovers and the tie details. After seeing these two pics years ago, I knew I could slipcover my two Louis.

As you can see I modified the Shabby Chic design, but the spirit is still there. It took a little figuring, but I got the design done.......

right down to the arms......

For more vintage inspiration go see Debra at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/. Now back to work on Gracie, Yaaaa!!! I'm almost done.

See everyone next time......

Rusty White

2010-09-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm taking a small break from working on Gracie (I hope to have pics for you next week, cross your fingers), to join in White Wednesday. I love urns and have quite a few, I can remember years ago seeing them everywhere, and loving them. There is nothing like a rusty urn showing it age. I always wonder, what was planted in it, if it was in a cottage or a grand home. Most of the ones I own are not old (those are too expensive for me), but they still have lots of rust. Well if you leave them outside......

Here are three that I love, I put them on a rusty base table....

White and rusty.....
Rusty base table. I found the base years ago, rusty and white, then added a white painted wood table top. It is one of my favorites.

An urn with a lid, when I don't have flowers in it, it still looks good.

This one is really rusty and crusty.....

This one I painted white, planted it and left it outside, nice and rusty. As you can see I love urns, especially white and rusty ones. For more white inspiration go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/.

Ok I'm back to work, Happy White Wednesday.

See everyone next time.......

French Beach Cottage Headboard

2010-09-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Its that time again, Make It For Monday. I didn't post for the party last week for two reasons. One I have been busy working on Gracie (for those in the know my Beach Cottage On Wheels), and two I had nothing to show. This week I have a great project to show. I call it a French Beach Cottage Headboard, this was the solution to needing a headboard for Gracie, and having a small budget. I hope it inspires.....

Don't mind the blue tape, I'm still working on Gracie. A little of the finished product.

I had some beadboard from another project, but its not that expensive (also you can have it cut down at the home improvement store). I bought some 1x6 finished lumber.

I put it all together like this (BTW its better to nail the beadboard into the 1x6 from the back), also mitered corners look better (If you ask real nice they may do it there too, Mr. Swedish Room helped me with that).

What? Oh that, I had this laying around the house so I just put it on. I'm sure you can find something like this at the flea market or something like it at a home improvement store. You can be as fancy or plain as you want.

Add a little primer and paint, Wa La a French Beach Cottage Headboard. Go try it, I had fun. For more inspiration go see Cindy at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/. Have a good Make It For Monday. I'm back to work on Gracie........

See everyone next time.......

Seasonal Change

2010-09-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I thought I would take a break from Gracie and show you some small changes I made for fall. Fall is a great time of year, you can sit out without being burned up or frozen. Depending on where you live you can feel a pleasant nip in the air at night. Fall colors are not usually in my palette, but I make small changes for the season. I find its cheaper to make small changes, and it does have more of an impact than you might think. First change dining room, all I did was get a black urn I already had (I know its not white, I don't paint everything white), rolled up some paper (in this case a clearance calender from Anthropologie I bought years ago, because the pages had an old parchment quality), threw in some pheasant feathers (I did have to buy them, but they weren't much), and a vintage paint brush I had around the house. Wa La... a cheap and cheerful center piece.

Here is a no money change, some lavender (ok I know everyone has potpourri, or can get some cheap, I had this in a baggy doing nothing), Pour it in these apothecary jar I had (try a glass bowl, or silver platter), and added some watch faces. Quick and easy....

My favorite crown in some river rocks (I usually use the rocks to put around orchids), some old hardware I picked up a long time ago, in a silver bowl I had in the china cabinet. Fall for no money......

This one is another freebie and only took 2 minutes, I took this piece (my favorite) off a bookcase shelf and put it on the coffee table.

Some more pics of this wonderful piece...

Look around, you may have a piece if you look at it a little different may make the perfect seasonal change. After all why should the big designer stores get your money, you use whatever you buy from them for a month, maybe two, then toss it or have to find a place to store it. I hope this inspired some of you. Now back to Gracie, I hear her now........COMING GRACIE (she sure is a taskmaster!!!)

(No I don't hear voices, just kidding LOL!!!)

See everyone next time.......

Gracie's Glam Camp Gear

2010-09-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, It's here another White Wednesday. I took some time from glamming up Gracie to show you some of the things I'll be taking for my glam camping (a friend told me that's what all the magazines are calling it). This the outdoor dining set I'm taking, I know it's white (wait until you see the inside of Gracie). The two side chairs were from the Ballard's Outlet, the table and bench are from Ikea, so is the lantern. I can't wait to hit the road.

I like the idea of using real dishes, I know who wants to wash dishes on vacation, I don't mind.
Sweet little mini roses.....

Sitting in French style, I love it!!!!

Well I'm back to Gracie, Mr. Swedish Room (that's right I never mention him, he's not into being part of the blogdom, but you may hear me speak about him more this year) is helping me work on her (Actually doing more of the work, but that's ok. I'll do the fun stuff real soon).
For more great white eye candy go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/.
See everyone next time.......

A Quiet Little Corner

2010-09-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Its Saturday morning, and today is filled with BCOW(Beach Cottage On Wheels), now to be known as Gracie (that's right she finally has a name). Tell you more on that later. Today is build out day (basically all the molding and anything else that requires carpentry is going to happen today). So that will keep me busy.

This morning while drinking coffee I felt like a small project (just what I need another project). So I looked around the house and decided this space needed something. I thought a quiet corner.

So I cleaned off the top of this dresser, and the memo board. I put out these zinc candleholders and silver tray (which I already had). Moved my French pig, and Walmart radio over (I know the evil empire, but I love some of their stuff and you can't beat their prices).
Wa La a little inspirational corner, play a little music, light a few candles. Also a few inspirational bits on the memo board, and a great place to walk by and feel relaxed for a sec.

The dresser has its own story, as black does not usually fall into my palette. I designed and had this piece built for a local shop, black did fall into her palette. So after a year of no orders (plenty of interest), I decided to pull all the pieces. After some debate with myself (I know you do the same thing too), I decided not to paint it and to put it here. Sometimes you have to throw a zinger, this is mine.

And a little white rose to top everything off.

Ok now I'm getting back to work. I hope this corner relaxes me even for a sec today.

Have a good weekend.

See everyone next time......

White Bird Table

2010-09-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Happy White Wednesday. I've been busy working on the BCOW (For those not in the know Beach Cottage On Wheels). It has been a lot of work and a lot more coming up. Right now its in the shop getting a ceiling panel replaced from past water damage. Yes I knew about it and am ok with it (because it is fixed, and hasn't leaked since I have had it). It will be back soon and then paint, after that the fun stuff. Enough about that, its White Wednesday Yayyyyyy!!!!!

What happens when you see a table you really love but it doesn't quite fit. That's right lots of white paint. I found this table at Pier1, I loved the bird and the twig shape but......

It looked like this, great lines, but its missing something. That's right white paint.....

Look how sweet the little bird looks.....

Oh I had to do something with the table top (not being a big fan of clear glass tops). I fixed it with spray frosting for glass.

There it is a nice table turned into a great white table, I love it.

For more Wonderful White Wednesday items go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/.

See everyone next time......

My Little Swedish Jewel Box

2010-08-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is having a good weekend. Yayyyy!!!! its Make It For Monday. I've been waiting for this Make It For Monday all week. Well I told you last Monday in my post that I was working on doing a Swedish garden room. Well I did do it, but because of space it couldn't be the garden room I wanted. Then I realised my budget was limited also, so no big budget makeover here (I ended up shopping the house for a lot of things). One thing I can say I love the results.

This is what I started with an enclosed room off my kitchen, never really used for anything....
Here it is.......

My little Swedish jewel box (I had to change the name, this name seemed to fit better). There is one of my redone chairs (no money, they have been waiting for me to do something with them), lamp (It has been in the attic for a while now, the shade was $20.00 at Target), the column (came in from outside), the urn (hanging around here too), the mirror (I got that baby from my booth, can you steal from yourself!!!), the nightstand (I got that from Maine Cottage a while ago and never had a place for it), and the votives (came from Pier1, $1.50).

The footstool is actually the Tu-Tu vanity stool without her white wedding attire. I made a new top slip for her. The rug is one I had around, I never could part with it.

A close up of the new slip (yes its not white, its toile. I always turn it inside out for a more faded Shabby Chic look).

Oh I almost forgot....The roses cost a grand total of $8.00.

I love this mirror, it has such a sense of history.....

The other chair, with a rolled up Ikea throw (yes I already owned the throw). There you have it, a room done on almost no money. oh I'm forgetting something I got a new ceiling fan (from Lowe's for $15.00, sorry I didn't picture it, but its a ceiling fan for $15.00). I did the room for about $46.00, just by shopping my house and doing a few redoes. It was fun and didn't break the budget (BTW if I didn't mention paint or fabric I already had it). Have a great Make It For Monday and for more incredible makeovers go see Cindy at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/.

See everyone next time.......

Etsy Store Time At Petite Maison 770

2010-08-26T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Well its that time again Etsy store time at my shop Petite Maison 770. I was up last night and decided to take pics and upload them to my shop (I've been waiting to do this for a couple of week, but its the same thing as you keep hitting the snooze button, good intentions). Anyway here are the good things at the shop.

One ram's head Wedgewood bowl...
One very cute pink vintage dresser set, oh did I mention very cute.....

Yellow glass sugar and creamer, Yum!!!

A 1941 oil can, come on wouldn't some roses look great in here (I know some of you love rusty crusty).

A pair of porcelain cherubs, I really had a hard time parting with these.

An Italian candleholder, even though its Italian, I still feel it could be French, or maybe even Shabby Chic....

Last but not least is a gold vintage female figure. I think she was spray painted, I can't tell exactly. She is metal and has a great French attitude.

Go check them out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/petitemaison770 and my French style pillows (more pillow styles to come soon, I know as soon as I take the pics).

See everyone next time.......

Rustic White Bench

2010-08-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, its that time again, White Wednesday. I have been drawn lately to rusty painted objects (I guess I want to have a sense of history). This bench was one I tried to sell at Scott's, secretly I was glad it didn't. I love this bench, I love the arms, and the curvy details. This will be a lot more comfortable to sit on than the last bench. This is real rusty crusty.....

Opps... she has a little boo boo, just makes her more lovable.
I will definitely love tea here.

Lots of attitude, but a good ole' girl......

For more Wondrous White pieces go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com. Now I'm off to finish my Swedish Garden Room. I know, pics are coming.

See everyone next time.......

From Vegas to Sweden

2010-08-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Well its that time again Make it for Monday. I love Mondays now because of this.

How do you go from Vegas to Sweden, its all in the paint, baby. I started off with this rather Vegas like chair, black with gold accents. I'm sure it was pretty at one point (Maybe 1984????). I do however see the potential in it, the Rococo line. So I decided to go for it.

I had this.......

Yummy gold details (yuck!!!!)
I wanted this, a beautiful Swedish Rococo chair......

I got this, very close without the price tag of a real antique. I primed, painted (Its a misty Swedish green I had color matched), distressed and glazed. The seat bottom is a fabric from JoAnn Fabrics that had a Swedish feel. I love it and I have one more to go, then I can have my front porch sitting area Swedish style. After all this is The Swedish Room.

No more gold detail Yaaaaa!!!

For more Marvelous Make It For Monday Makeovers go see Cindy at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/

See everyone next time........

Grandma's Pearls

2010-08-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Its that time again White Wednesday, I love them. This White Wednesday I wanted to do something different and not show a piece of furniture or anything else like that. I wanted to show you the pearls I bought for my grandmother from the show this past weekend. My grandmother always wanted a set of pearls for as long as I can remember. My grandfather didn't make that much money working as a foreman, and running our small part time farm. Plus us kids and grandkids always needing something. So she put her desires to have a pearl necklace on hold. She never complained and never resented it. We still cooked and cleaned together. We did art projects and sewed, she never once let on. She remained happy, and I one day asked if there was anything she wanted, and she said I have everything I want and need, if God thinks I need more he will give it to me. She never let on about a special pearl necklace just for herself. My grandfather just recently passed, I decided to continue on and finish what he would have wanted to do himself. I hope she loves them.....

Every grandmother needs a set of pearls. This is their medal, not for some great battle, but because of all the little battles in life.
For more beautiful white pieces go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/. Have a Wonderful White Wednesday.
See everyone next time......

My Crowning Glory

2010-08-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Well the Scott's show is over. I always get a mix of feeling about it being over. In one respect I like doing the show, and talking and having fun with other dealers. On the other hand its a lot of work. I'm relaxing today and cleaning my house, nothing else to do today being its kind of misty and rainy. I feel kind of melancholy, so I might as well keep busy. I want to show you my best purchase at the show, my newest crown. As you all know I love crowns (I try to keep the number down, after all I think the Queen of England would have a hard time keeping up with me if I got everyone I loved). This is the same type that Shabby Chic used to have (I love Shabby Chic the store, but I'm not paying $200.00 for a crown. I'm an addict, not insane). Every time I would go in there I wanted one, but could not justify that much money for a tcokche (I hope I spelled it right). So I said to myself I'll get it one day. When I started doing Scott's I noticed in Amy's booth she had the same crown for a lot less. It took me a while to do it, but I finally just went for it, I'm glad I did. It looks perfect on the coffee table in the silver bowl with the shells (where the smaller crown was).

Great old rusty details and the stones look old also. Why look for one in Europe when you can find great reproductions on the market for a lot less (Anyway how many real and old crowns are floating around).
If you are interested in your own crown, contact Amy at http://www.hiveforthehome.com/ and tell her you are interested in a crown, as they are not on the website. Tell her you saw it on The Swedish Room (sorry it won't get you a discount, she just wants to see how many of you respond).

Oh and the other crown, it found a good home. BTW she sells this one too.
See everyone next time........

From Bed To Bench For White Wednesday

2010-08-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Here it is another White Wednesday. Well its Scotts time again, I hope to get some blogging in the rest of the week, we'll see. I did want to do White Wednesday for sure. Welcome to my Swedish style bench in my conservatory (I could say sun porch, but I love the romance of the word). I know pics are coming, right now I have a French settee in there, that's not suppose to be there. Garage time for that little beauty (I know before and afters of that also, I got a really great deal on it). Back to the bench, it has a surprise.... It was really a headboard and footboard in the trash. It was a couple of years ago, I was picking up a friend for lunch and spied it. I couldn't get it right then, so though lunch that was all I could think about. After lunch I bee lined right to it, just in time to snatch it from the trash man. He even helped me get it in my car (talk about a close call). I had seen in a magazine how to turn headboards and footboards into benches, so now was my chance.

I added details because all the details were taken off of it. I don't like doing that, but it did need something. Chopped the footboard in half, perfect arms. Added a skirt and a deck, some white paint and wa la done (Ok it wasn't that easy, but wouldn't you like to think that).
Some fluffy pillows, for napping..... (I've done that a few times on here).

There you have it from bed to bench.....
For more wonderful white eye candy go visit Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/
See everyone next time......

Silver Teapots And White Roses

2010-08-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope you are having a good weekend. From my previous post you all know I have a BCOW (Beach Cottage On Wheels). I haven't done anything to it yet except buy pretty things for it. I want to show the pretty and whimsical teapot I bought for the BCOW. This is the service I'm using for my morning tea and coffee. I know very fun and maybe not so practical, but I love the fact it not what anyone is going to expect. Silver teapot, ironstone sugar and cremer, and white little bistro cups. What says camping more than that? (LOL) Oh and the white tray just tops it off. I really wanted the BCOW to have a French beach cottage feel, so I have been moving towards the French, but still have the beach part in mind. Like white slipcovers (Yummm), and a white beadboard headboard with a French surprise (wait and see its going to be great).

The teapot by itself...... It definitely has a fairy tale quality, shaped like Cinderella's pumpkin carriage. The teapot is from Sheffield, and was a great deal.

A close up of the lid, Looks like a pumpkin stem.....

The feet are fun also. That would be like me camping and bring a tea service, but it will be fun. (LOL)

Ok here is the white roses part. My white miniature roses are blooming. They do that once a month and I can't ever wait. I usually take one in and put it on the kitchen window. It makes doing the dishes a little fun (Let face it dishes are never fun).

Well everyone have a good weekend.......

See you all next time.......

White Wednesday Relaxing

2010-08-04T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope you are having a good week. This post is for White Wednesday at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/, check out the great birdhouse, too cute. This White Wednesday I just wanted a peaceful post. So I want to show you where I sit when I do sit outside (Too Hot right now for that). I usually like to sit and read, watching the dog play in the back. As you can see my love of all things white even extends out here. That is a little decking I bought at Ikea a couple of years ago, and yes the bench is from Ikea too. A couple of pillows and it is very comfortable. A little wrought iron table I painted white (of course), and another Ikea find, the tray (it was already white). My miniature rose bush (white blooms of course), planted in a concrete planter (no I didn't paint it white, I did think about it though). Beyond the lattice is the trash cans (I like not seeing trash cans).

A little cold tea today, as it is over 100 degrees, but it still can be drank in a lovely cup. Reading and drinking tea, I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

White rose buds waiting to be welcomed to the world.

More white flowers in the yard. No I don't know what kind of bush this is, but it is still pretty. (I don't know because it was here when I moved in, it was pretty so I kept it).

Well I hope you had a White Wednesday Relaxing time. Have a good White Wednesday and visit Faded Charm for more White Wednesday treats.

See everyone next time.......

Everyone Needs A Crown

2010-07-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, First I would like to thank everyone who commented on my White Wednesday post, it means a lot to me. Well this post is for Gretchen at http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com/, she has gorgeous jewelry, and she is a crown lover like me. Thank you for the idea of this post Gretchen. You saw the crown I posted on my coffee table for White Wednesday. I picked this up at Scott's from my friend Amy.

This one I pick up in New Orleans at an antiques mall on Magazine Street. It has that Mardi Gras feel to it.
Another Amy crown, its very small, but just big enough to fit on the head of my bisque statue of mother and child.

This crown was part of a window treatment at Home Depot Expo, so when they closed I bought the display and attached it to my Italian amoire.

This crown I picked up at an antiques mall, it was gold. I didn't like it gold and it had more of a garden feel so i painted it white, distressed it, and glazed it. It sits on top of my cherub.

Well that is the tour of crowns, I hope to get more. I love crowns, and don't we all deserve to feel like royalty from time to time.......

See you all next time.......

White Wednesday Coffee Table

2010-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend and are having a good week. Its that time again White Wednesday. For more White Wednesday go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/ there is always good inspiration there and check out her front porch (I love it). For this White Wednesday I decided to show you my new coffee table, I really like it. It has a great marble top and a can of Martha Stewart paint (white of course), now I have a new coffee table. I picked it up at Scott's last month, from my friend Angie, and I'm glad I did...

A beachy arrangement with a fun crown I also picked up at Scott's from another friend, Amy.

It has great details, we should all have legs like these......

More summer time.....

Rusty candlesticks add a little texture, along with the vintage books.......

The before shot, it needed a little help, and it got it.......

For more White Wednesday go to http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/, you'll have a good time.

See you all next time.....

Petite Maison - My Etsy Store

2010-07-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Its been quite a week for me. So I did it, I got an Etsy store. I'm excited about it. If you are interested in visiting my seller name is petitemaison770, I plan on having a lot of fun there too. Here are three of the items I'm selling (Well truth be told they are the only items I'm selling). Three great pillow covers, they are 26 x 26, the down inserts are sold separately, or you can do your own inserts(This keeps the shipping cost down). Yes I made them with my own two hands (I did have the images put on the fabric by the printer). The images are from antique lithographs, so there is no copyright infringement(Don't you hate when you get sued.......). They are made from raw linen for more of a French flea market look. Here they are....

This one is called Louis XVI, very French ooo lala!!!

This one is French Candlestick, very dramatic.....

This one is French Seasons, fun and classic....

All of the backs are done as envelop closures.

Here they are French and fun....

BTW I'm getting more styles in, something about birds and crowns (These will be 16 x 16). So keep checking my Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/petitemaison770

Have a good weekend.

See you all next time......

The BCOW (Beach Cottage On Wheels) Is Here!!!

2010-07-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Its here my BCOW(I'm going to have to come up with a name soon). Its a used 2001 Coachmen, I don't know much about trailers, but this one seemed to fit my needs. It has been inspected and as you can guess it needs some things. Nothing a little elbow grease can't fix. The weird thing is I have wanted one for a while, but now I'm having second thoughts. I'll get over it after my first trip in her. Let me take you on the before tour.......

This is the outside, she is 25feet, and needs a little cleaning.

As you walk in here is the kitchen, this is getting the white treatment and I'm taking down the window covering.
Here is the rest, spindles are going, nightstand tops are being recovered (think of a wood slipcover), window coverings are being replaced, white slipcovers, and the white treatment. Also new hardwood floors, because I like the idea of just sweeping it clean. Some fluffy white bedding and done.
This is the bathroom, This will be getting the white treatment, new shower curtain, new mirror, and new door knobs

All in all I have a little(LOL) work to do, but its mine and I love the idea of waking up on the beach in the morning. Have a good weekend.

See you all next time.......

White Wednesday And A Tu-Tu Stool

2010-07-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Welcome to White Wednesday thanks to Kathleen at Faded Charm. I love White Wednesdays, and I have missed them. Well lets see I want this White Wednesday to be special, all white. Thats right a cloud-like White Wednesday at The Room. What is more cloud-like than a tu-tu, a tu-tu on a vanity stool, it is like sitting on a cloud. It gets better it is on a white dresser with white starfish (I told you an all White Wednesday). This is the Tu-Tu Vanity Stool I made for the Scott's show, she is very sweet. Yes that is a real tu-tu there.

There she is a little golden light shining on her. That what I love about white, the way it reflects light.

Her pretty flower and crystal bead trim. So Sweet......

Her legs distressed and antiqued to give her some character.

....And some pretty starfish so she won't be alone, also to remember summer isn't over yet.

This is what she looked like before, she started as a vanity stool, then became a side table and now back to a vanity stool.

Her marble top (I know I thought it was Formica too).

Those legs very pretty, but I wanted her to be wonderful.

A good before, but a better after....

For more Wonderful Whites, go to Faded Charm.

See everyone next time........

My Beach Cottage On Wheels

2010-07-18T15:53:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm glad to be blogging again. I hope you all are having a good weekend. I did it, I got an RV, YAHHHH!!!! After a month of buying things for a future beach cottage on wheels (BCOW for short), I finally have one. It is not like the one in the pic below, but I still love it and the idea of having it. It is not perfect and needs a few things, nothing a coat of white paint, some white slipcovers and curtains, and new hardwood floor (I got that today at Big Lots, love that store) can't fix. I'll have before and after pics, and yes it is going to be all white inside. My BCOW is going to be the second home I always wanted, but could not afford (Darn Budgets). The best part is it can go anywhere. Here I come BIG world, Watch Out.
I hope everyone's weekend is as great as mine.....
See you all next time........

A Day At The Market

2010-07-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is well. As you all know (from my previous post) I do Scott's Antique Market here in Atlanta. It is fun, but a lot of work (sometimes its like having two jobs in one). Its once a month, so no worries about me being too tuckered out.

Here are some before pics, yeah quite a mess. Trust me I looked around for a while trying to make sense of this jumble.

Ta-Duh Here is the after, pretty and ready for business. Don't mind the closed signs (I forgot to take them down before I took this pic). Don't you love the old theater seats, they are Lorene's. She also made the great pillows on them Lights...Camera...Action!!!. What a great idea she had for them.
The rest of the booth, very French Vintage......

Speaking of which here is Lorene on our first day (as you can see by the boxes and general chaos). Lorene is very creative and I think we compliment each other well.

More surprises, my first three pillows. They were a hit (Too bad all I heard was they are so pretty and great designs, nice as it is, a few orders would have been better). I take old lithographs (the copyrights are outdated, because these images are over 100 years old), have them printed on to fabric and then I sew them into pillows. This coming show I'm adding some more to the line up. Don't worry, I'm starting an esty store soon, so they well be available outside of Scott's.

My Tu-Tu stool as promised. A little sweeter than I would have liked, but very pretty. The seat bottom is actually a slipcover with trim, the bottom is a real tu-tu (I'll do a before and after post of the piece so you get a better idea).

This older refined lady is a dress form I found. She is a little worst for wear, but a little chocolate ribbon and she is ready to step out.

This is a coffee table I bought for the house. She is perfect (ok not yet, but she will be), a little white paint and she will turn heads. This will be part of my before and after post coming real soon. BTW I got her for a great price and that is real marble on top (Yummy).

Well that it for now, I hope you enjoyed my little tour. Oh I almost forgot to say I have TRAVEL TRAILER FEVER!!!! thanks to Fairmaiden at Sea Cottage. I want my own beach house on wheels, more on that later (yes I am actively searching, and that is a whole other post).

Have a good weekend everyone.

See you soon.......

PS Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers on the death of my grandfather. I really needed all of your love.

Thank you

I Missed You All

2010-06-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It has been a wild and sad time for me. First things first, my grandfather got really sick in April. He never recovered, and he past away in May. I'm not going to lie this really hit me hard. Harder than I thought it would. He was always there, and I'm going to miss him greatly. My grandmother seems to be taking it well, but she needs time. They were married for almost 60 years, she must miss him more than I do. My only regret is the fact I didn't have my last goodbye with him. It hurts me very deeply, I was doing a show when he was really critial and could not get away. My mother said he would have understood (he was about family, but he always instilled in us to do a good job, and finish what you start). It doesn't make me feel any better, but they say time heals all wounds.
On another note, I'm still doing Scotts Antiques Market. I'm having fun meeting people and selling great stuff (pics are coming). I have a new partner, her name is Lorene, she is great. I love the fact that she is fun, full of energy, and has great ideas. We did the show last month across from each other and had a ball. So this month we are going to be in one big booth together. I can't wait.......
BTW I'm doing pillows (I know pics are coming), and I'm working on a little project I call the Tu-Tu vanity stool. I was inspired by Lorene, she found a little round table and a tu-tu, we both looked at each other and I knew what she was going to do. She slapped that tu-tu on that table and WA-LA, a tu-tu table. I like it so much I decided to translate that to a vanity stool (I know pics are coming).
Finally I'm doing a design job. Its Lorene's house, she liked what I did at the show and my own house she asked me to do her house. I think thats a great compliment. She already has great style and taste (her shell work is fabulous, great walls, floors, her baths and kitchen). She just wants me to add the finishing touches. I love that part of the job.
Well thats it for me, I hope all my friends in blogdom are doing well (I have a lot of reading to do, and comments to post). Thank you to everyone who was concerned about me. Well today is a go out and find some junk to sell day. I'll get pics for you.
See everyone soon.........

French Love At The Room

2010-03-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the kinds words for my last post. I really appreciated it. Ok we are moving on with the fun. Ok I decided to do something difficult for me, but I love a challenge. I recovered a Louis side chair in white burlap. I didn't realise that burlap is so thin, so I doubled it up so the staples would go into the fabric and stay. Trust me it took a few tries, but I finally caught the hang of it. Next was double welting (I found mine at Hancock, I went to JoAnns and they don't sell it anymore). This was really hard trying to stitch it and making sure it was straight. This project took a few days (because I just had to walk away a few times), but I bucked up and finished. BTW the frames were yellow gold (Yuk!), so I distressed them and put some dark wax on them to give them an aged look. I love them, take a look......

As you can see green drapery fabric and yellow gold frames...
Now with burlap and antiqued frames, I love them!!!
Look double welting (I might wait to do this again).
French Love...

For more Make It For Monday love go to Cindy's at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com.

See everyone next time......

Thank you to My Blog Friends, Good Bye Fair Weather Friends

2010-03-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I just want to do an insightful post. First I want to Thank all of the wonderful people who follow or enjoy my blog, it means a lot to me. I like to think of the blog as my journal or my idea factory. I follow quite a few blogs and I enjoy a lot more. I will be adding more blogs from my followers list, because you guys have great blogs and I want to showcase them.

Ok the knitty gritty, I recently had a giveaway as you all know. I enjoy doing these and this was my second one. I was hoping to maybe get a few more followers and to have fun with the ones I already am blessed with. I am sorry I only had one prize. I am not sorry about who won. She has a wonderful blog and I am glad to support her, as I am with many of you and with may more of you. I am trying to give everyone a fair chance to win a prize, but such is life sometimes we win and sometimes we don't. Trust me I do not always win.

Here is the nuts and bolts. Some people just followed my blog for the giveaway. I feel sorry for them, that they only stayed to win something and when they didn't they left. That is a sad trait, and I felt I should say something.

I try to make the blog interesting and fun. I know lately I've been M.I.A, but I'm trying to revamp my products for an upcoming show. Trust me I miss blogging and seeing all of your wonderful blogs. I will be blogging regularly this upcoming week at the Make It For Monday party at Cindy's. I am glad to see new faces come to my blog, and will enjoy all of your inspirations also.

I will continue to have more giveaways. I'm not going to let a few people stop me from having fun, and spread joy to others.

BTW I'm going to have a followers only giveaway, I'm thinking towards the end of summer, this is to wrap up a great spring/summer.

Ok I'm getting off the soap box. Everyone have a good weekend

See everyone next time.......

....And The Winner Is!!!

2010-03-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I told you I would announce the winner today. I have to make this a quick post as I still am working on revamping my look for the upcoming Scott's show. I miss blogging I hope to do more regular posts real soon.

Here is my friend getting ready to pick (the suspense!!!)....
The winner is Linden Townhouse, Congrates, I will email you in the next couple of days so I can send you your prize.
Everyone else I'm sorry, but there are going to be more giveaways with just as nice prizes. Just remember to sign up and follow for the followers only giveaway, so start following, tell your friends, it is going to be a good giveaway prize. Ok I have to go. Thank you all for joining my giveaway.

See everyone next time......

The Scott's Show & Still Need to Announce Winner

2010-03-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I am so sorry about not being on in a while, and I will respond back to everyone as soon as I can. Well you all know I did the Scott's Antique Market last weekend. It was quite an experience. I might say I was not prepared for it at all. It is one thing to shop the market, quite another to sell at it. I didn't have the proper back drop, my furniture and items looked like they belonged at a garage sale instead of an antique market. While the pieces were lovely and I loved doing them, I thought the big pieces would go first, but they didn't, being overshadowed by my smaller pieces and small items. I already knew some of the people at the show, and met some new ones that I loved talking to and shopping with. I love when that happens you meet people you just connect with, it always makes these show go fast and you have lots of fun. I think I was smiling and laughing the whole time, despite the fact my two biggest pieces sat. I asked everyone new and old what I could do to make things go better for next show. The main consensus is lots of smalls, crust and rust, and burlap. Also walls wouldn't hurt. So for the last week after the show I have been looking around for smalls, crusty rusty things, and pieces I can cover in burlap. I have been working on walls and flooring. New display pieces and tables, it has been really busy here. I have been using Restoration Hardware as a guide to this style, because I'm all about the white and this is about as foreign the me as going to Mars. I think I'm getting the hang of it, we'll see. I'm also going going to add hardware from my years of changing handles to glass. Adding some vintage costume jewelery, and garden items. I'm going fun and funky, I might even add some to my white world (GASP!!!). Here are some pics from the show.

This one went to the antique mall I sell at. After she sells I'm going to do my rusty crusty there too. I love her, but the public has spoken. In my heart thou it will always be about my whites.

This wonderful piece did sell (the only big one that did).
These went too...
This one I'm bringing back, it seems to fit with everything.
I sold a lot of these pots, so back they come (I have to sneak a little white here and there).

So wish me luck......

Ok the thing that everyone is waiting on the giveaway, I know I said this past week and I am sooo sorry to keep everyone waiting. I will announce it either this Monday or Tuesday, I promise, cross my heart. Good luck everyone, and to keep it fair a friend will pick the winner (no she doesn't blog, but I keep telling her she should, I'll keep working on her).

See everyone real soon........

From Vanity to Nightstand

2010-03-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Sorry about last week just got busy doing the show. I should be good for another 20 days until I have to get ready again. I'll tell you all about it in a later post this week (saving all the details until then). It is Makeover Monday and I have a good one. You know how you see old vanities around without mirrors, well I love to turn them into nightstands. As long as they have four legs per unit it is easy to do (I once didn't notice a vanity I bought only had three legs per unit, I had to have two made to match. Lets say after that I always make sure.). The middle of these vanities are usually a step down drawer, so find out how it is attached and remove the screws or nails (usually inside the units). Next putty the holes, sand, wipe down (that easy). Then I paint, distress, and wax the tops (I don't think I need the explain all those steps). Waaa Laaa two great old looking nightstands. See for yourself.....

Before
After

Don't they look great, they sold at the show, so I'm happy for the two little girls, who had such a smart, and tasteful mommy who thought they should have them. For more Must see Makeover Monday projects go see Cindy at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com.

BTW.... The giveaway is still going on until March 15th at 12:00am (ohhh nooo that's tonight so hurry). The rules are on My Mistake post. After tonight I will announce the winner later this week. Good luck and have your own Makeover Monday.

See everyone next time.......

Anthropologie Love

2010-03-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been on lately and I haven't attended any parties. I have been busy getting ready for the Scotts Antique Market (Thank goodness for WiFi). I am able to post from the show. Yes I'll bring back pics. For everyone I'm still having the $50.00 Anthro giveaway (go to the My Mistake post for the rules). I wanted my designer post to be about Anthropologie.

I can't tell you how much I love Anthropologie, the look and the stuff!!! When I worked there I realised how much work and staff it takes to create all the displays for an Anthro store.

I learned the displays are created by artist (really surprised me it wasn't designers). They are given a guideline in what the direction the company wants the display to be about, but the actual display is up to the artist themselves to create. It was wonderful to see in the morning all the great transformations of the store, the way an idea can be realised. I'm a designer and some of the ideas really surprised me. Sure I could go on about the wonderful home items and the great clothing, but it is the displays that get you in the door. Without them you wouldn't even notice the stores. Anyway lots to do I'll bring back pics later. Here is some Anthro eye candy.

Sorry only had time for two pics, but we all know how great Anthro is.

BTW the drawing for the givaway is March 15th so hurry.....

See everyone next time.....

Walking in the Park & The Giveaway

2010-03-05T09:37:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope the week has been good to you. I just have to be honest I have not been feeling myself lately. I don't know if it the season or maybe I've been letting things get to me. Today I decided to take a walk to the park next to my subdivision, I just needed to take a walk today. I usually take my favorite ham, my Belgium Shepard, Zeus. He is quite the character and he was more than willing to take a walk today.

"Lets get going, those ducks aren't going to chase themselves"
I always love going to this park there is so much to see. Like the beautiful pond and fountain, The falling down trees in the background were the result of a storm last year. It still has a certain untouched beauty.
There are the ducks, don't worry I never let him chase them. After all I'm not getting in that cold water.
This is the outside of the visual arts center in the park. All of the art here is from local artists.
I love this bench, there are three here. Do you think might miss one????
I like this play area, makes me want to be 8 again.
Then this great path, very wooded feeling even with the lights. I love walking back here.
I feel better now. Walking in the park always makes me feel better, especially on nice days like today.
Don't forget about the giveaway it ends on March 15th. For all the rules you can go to the "My Mistake" post. Oh and tell your friends after all I want everyone to have a chance to enter.

See everyone next time....

Faces of White Wednesday & A Giveaway

2010-03-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Yesterday should have been called White Tuesday, Georgia has been snowy and cold this year. Another reason for spring to get here already. It was pretty to look at, but it made a big mess. Anyway it is White Wednesday, the most rocking party in blogdom (I will talk about the giveaway in a bit, you'll love it). I was thinking about what I could do for White Wednesday, and it came to me. I have white figures and busts so what great subjects to photograph. I hope you enjoy....

Madonna and child, I love this one and it cost me a dollar.
This handsome man was a gift from my aunt who went to Italy.
I just found her and I'm still deciding if I should sell her....
This little guy is in a glass globe with shells, sand dollars, and coral. The hope for warmer weather.
For more wonderful whites, go see Kathleen at http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

Now the giveaway....

The giveaway is a $50.00 gift card to Anthropologie.

To qualify you have to leave a comment and become a follower to my blog.

If you are already a follower to my blog, Thank you, you can just leave a comment.

The giveaway ends March 15th, after that I will have a drawing and the winner will be announced.

The reason I want you to follow is I'm going to eventually have a followers only giveaway. This will only be for followers of the blog to that point.

I'll post about that giveaway when I'm ready to have it.

Have fun everyone.

See everyone next time.......

My Mistake

2010-03-02T03:33:00.000-08:00

photo:www.anthropologie.com

Hi everyone. I just wanted to do a quick post about the giveaway rules. I reread my last post and made a mistake so I will go over the rules again. Sorry everyone, but this is not a big deal.

The giveaway is a $50.00 gift card to Anthropologie.

To qualify you have to leave a comment and become a follower to my blog.

If you are already a follower to my blog, Thank you, you can just leave a comment.

The giveaway ends March 15th, after that I will have a drawing and the winner will be announced.

I noticed I put favorite instead of follower, so everything else is the same.

The reason I want you to follow is I'm going to eventually have a followers only giveaway. This will only be for followers of the blog to that point.

I go into it more later when I'm ready to do that giveaway.

So everyone have fun.

See everyone next time.....

Numbered Hat Boxes & A Giveaway

2010-03-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope everyone had a good weekend. It is Make it for Monday again hosted by Cindy at Cottage Instincts. Well my project is a series of white numbered hatboxes. I was inspired to do this thanks to A Beach Cottage, Sarah had a great post on a painted and numbered toolbox. I didn't have a toolbox, but I did have some hatboxes from a Christmas display. So I said to myself why not.

Here are the hatboxes before, rather plain. I think I bought them at Jo Ann's. So I picked a number font and sized them for each box.
Here goes the paint. I used some eggshell paint I had in my garage. I just made sure it was kind of matte.
Next I printed numbers on full sheet clear labels and cut them out carefully. I did this because my is not study enough to paint numbers. Anyway no one will ever know.
There you have it numbered hatboxes, great for storage and they look pretty too.
For more Make it for Monday go visit Cindy at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com

Ok here is the giveaway.... wait for it.... A $50.00 gift card to Anthropologie. Yes the hottest store in blogdom right now. You ask how can I win this, glad you asked. I going to asked that you not only leave a comment to this post and all the others until giveaway end, but here is the twist. I'm going to ask you to favorite my blog also (If you already have me in your favorites, Thank you, your support means a lot to me, and you can just leave a comment), I do this because, this spring/summer I'm going to be doing more giveaways and I don't want anyone to miss out. So come an join the fun, great giveaways, fun and inspirational post, and a good way to meet other bloggers like yourself.
So go check out Anthropologie http://www.anthropologie.com and see all the great stuff. The last day for the giveaway is March 15th, so hurry.....

See everyone next time.....

My Teacup

2010-02-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope your weekend is going well. I was going though my favorite blogs this morning and saw all the buzz about Belle Blanc's favorite teacup action-giveaway. I have been reading (ok lurking, I've been caught) her blog through the White Living blog. She always has beautiful pics, and I enjoy reading the stories she tells. So being who I am, I love a good party so I decided to join in.

This is my favorite teacup and it comes with a funny story. When I had my own shop in Philadelphia (before I moved to Atlanta), I had a friend who sold antiques next to me. We always had after hours Saturday cocktails. While there I spied this little beauty, sitting there calling to me. At first I ignored the pull she had on me. So all day that Sunday and Monday (we were closed on those days) I thought about the little teacup. So Tuesday morning I ran down before I opened and told my friend to hold the little lost teacup. My friend laughed and said "I know you, thought about it all weekend? " I just smiled went down and opened up. So she went home with me that evening. I have a lot of teacups (I love tea and coffee), but this is the one I always pull out when its just me enjoying a nice cup of tea (usually Blueberry tea, yum!).

For more on the giveaway or to see other beautiful teacups go to http://belle-blanc.blogspot.com

See everyone next time.......

Spring Time Color

2010-02-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope the week is going good for you. My week here is starting to look up, I just wish the weather would cooperate. Anyway I was just thinking about what to do for my next post. Let's see I still have a few more rooms to show, then I thought something inspirational might be better. So I decided to go around the house snapping pics of spring time colors, after all just because its cold outside doesn't mean we can't think of spring.

I started with light creamy yellow, or buttercream. Always been a fourth favorite of mine. It has all the feel of sunshine, but not as bright. In fact the lighter this color is, the better for me. Check out the flowers here, very spring time...... (it even has some pink there)
This is better than coffee (Ok maybe not, but almost).
Ok moving on to my third favorite, That would be spring green. This color reminds me of green grass. It is just so calming and feels fun.
This piece has a coat of green and never complains about it.
Green maybe the color of jealousy, but I think the other chairs are really green with envy....
My second favorite spring time color is light or sky blue. Of course this is the color of sky and water. This color is all things spring and goes right into summer. This little sky blue table is fun and useful to me with a stack of white towels and washcloths. The little silver starfish is in good company in my bath. This French blue chair is dressed to hit the water. I bet you she is not that blue. (I love the detail on this chair).
Even though these colors are great, my first love is the color white (as if you didn't know that one). Have a good weekend.

See everyone next time.........

W is for White Wednesday

2010-02-24T07:47:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. It has been one of those weeks, you know the ones. It is the kind of week you think you can do nothing right. All things considered I did not want to miss out on White Wednesday the best party in blogdom. This week I wanted to play what do I spy with my little eye that is white (I also wanted to show you my spring/summer makeover).

First I spy a white architectural piece in front of the fireplace.
Next I spy white slipcovered chairs and a sofa. I have been waiting impatiently to put on my spring/summer slipcovers, and bring down the new desk chair. This desk chair replaces my green Swedish styled one.
Lets see I spy a white floor lamp, this one also replaces my blue floor lamp.
Next I see white cherub candleholders. I have loved these two since I first saw them, they just look so Shabby Chic.
Lastly I spy my favorite flowers, white roses. I hoped you enjoyed playing and for more wonderful white pieces go to
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/
Hooray spring is coming.

See everyone next time......

White Wednesday Tea

2010-02-17T07:36:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. It is White Wednesday, and I figure I would invite you over for tea. We can sit talk, laugh, and have fun.

Come on I'll pour you a cup, I have a cup waiting for you.
See I already poured myself a cup waiting for you.
We can split this delicious looking cheesecake and enjoy the roses, while we talk.
Grab a seat and lets have some fun, after all I enjoy seeing you.
I hope you enjoyed the White Wednesday Tea. Come back I would enjoy seeing you again.

For more White Wednesday go to http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

See you next time....

Make It For Monday

2010-02-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I had so much fun at the White Wednesday party, I decided to do Make it for Monday. Thank you Cindy @ Cottage Instincts for hosting this great party (I'll leave you a comment when I'm done).

Ok, this is my project. This is a chair I made a while back, but I thought it would be a good project for here. I wish I had a before pic, this chair started out as a Queen Anne chair (you know the ones, they are everywhere, I got it for $5.00). I wanted it to have a French flare.

I started by taking the chair half way apart, and adding old molding I had laying around.
In this pic it shows the new top I put on the chair.
I added a new center back piece (I can't remember the name right now) it was just a piece of wood cut to size, and some molding.
I added molding around the skirt of the chair, added some metal leaves to the legs, I had them in a junk box.
This is the back of the chair, more molding, wood pieces, and metals leaves.

I then sponged on some silver paint, glazed it, and then polyed it.
Finally I recently added this seat cover (yes I made the cover also). There it is a French style, silvered chair on the cheap. For more great projects go to:
http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com
See you there. See everyone next time........

Snow White and the Mantel Makeover

2010-02-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope the weather is not getting you down, I know we are all ready for spring (at least I am). Lets do more revealing here, I live in Atlanta, Georgia, so when I heard that it was going to snow here I said to myself 2" tops then it will go away in an hour. I was wrong this was reported to be the biggest snowstorm Georgia has had in a decade (at least the news said that). So I went outside to get some pics for the good old blog here.

My statue in the front, he seems to not mind the snow.

This is the day after, it looks more like the northeast than the south.

A little Charlie Brown Christmas tree.....

So with not much to do, and having spring fever. I decided to redo the mantel with hopes that spring will come soon.

This is the before......
Here is the after.

I want to do something a little fun, but still classic. So I chose a bird theme for spring, but everything is still my favorite color (mmmm could it be white...).

The candlesticks I already had (I bought them years ago). The bird is alabaster and I already had him. The nest was picked up outside on the ground. The cage is new (so to speak it is from France and antique), I needed something more and when I saw it I snapped it up (great deal too).
The prints I picked up a few weeks ago, a $1.00 a piece. They are sitting on floral frogs, no need to frame I wanted to keep it casual. The votives I already had.
And my favorite mantel clock......

Well I hope this brings spring real soon, or I at least make me think it is spring...

Everyone have a Happy Valentines Day, get plenty of flowers, eat lots of chocolate, and snuggle with your favorite someone.

See you next time....

White Wednesday

2010-02-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I've been wanting to do a White Wednesday party. This is my first party and I hope you enjoy the pics I took. I wanted to show all the little details that look delicious in white.
This figure looks very upmarket in white, even though she was picked up for a song.

My dining table leg with a Swedish/French look in distressed white.

Part of an beach inspired urn with large starfish, absolutely french beach style.

The detail of an antique chair paint bright white, white always makes all details pop (especially the face on this chair).

Neoclassic lamp base in distressed white. I love the detail of this lamp.

Alter candlestick, showing more of the magic of white. I love white it transcends and helps to combine all the ages and styles.

"Renoir said once that nothing was so difficult, and at the same time so exciting, to paint, as white on white."

Ambroise Vollard

For more White Wednesday go to fadedcharmcottage @http://www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

P.S. If you can please leave a comment. I love reading them also I try to include the commenters in the blog reader section. So give me some feedback let me know what you think. Your feedback really does matter to me and also makes the blog more enjoyable.

See you all next time..........

Refuge Francais

2010-02-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope the week has been good for you. Been a little busy here, but I'm keeping my word with a room pic layout (yay the fun stuff). This is my mother -in-law suite, but I refer to it as my Refuge Francais (French Hideaway). This is where you will see the most French influence. Everything from white painted furniture (My favorite color), toile de Jouy fabrics, and French style furniture. Everyone always ask to stay here, and the big softy I am, I always have this room at the ready.
The ceiling is dormered making the room cozy, it has skylights which are ok, but the mornings are brutal. So I put up white roller blinds so it cuts out the morning light for the late sleepers. Where the curtain is at is the entrance to the walk in closet, which leads right to the suite's bathroom (show that and all the other nooks and crannies around here in another post).
One side, then the other........
Toile window treatments.

A sitting area to watch TV, or read. I made the slipcovers for the junk store find chairs. Here is something I do with toile, instead of trying to bleach it to give it that faded look that I like, I just turn it to the back (easy peasy). White slipcover for the ottoman.

French chair next to white dresser, I love it.....

White bed with a dash of toile, perfect together.......

A little French nook to write a romantic letter to the one you love. The desk is a repro, but it still says France. The sconce is a gift from a best friend, it is really antique, with the original mother of pearl shades.

BTW picture 2 shows my air conditioner, oh well we don't live in the 18th century. Have a good weekend everyone.

See you all next time......

Maine Cottage and the Art Auction

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't been on in a while (been busy, you know work, friends, and extra activities). So I'm back and I decided to try something new. I want to showcase a least once a month; a company, store, or designer that inspires me and I hope inspires you also. First up is Maine Cottage (www.mainecottage.com), I love the furniture at Maine Cottage. I has a simple yet well crafted look. The style mixes and matches with a lot of other styles, especially Swedish, beach, and farmhouse styles. I have a few pieces myself and really enjoy them. There is only one problem, the cost of Maine Cottage. I have a solution to that, Ikea. I mix Maine Cottage and Ikea because they compliment each other. An example is my Beach style guest room, headboard Maine Cottage, nightstands and lamps Ikea and they go well together. Here are some pics for more Maine Cottage inspiration.....

photos:www.mainecottage.com

Now for the next part of my post.....
I went to an art auction last Thursday, it was a lot of fun. The auction was a charity event. I had a great time meeting different people in the community and the art for auction was wonderful (this is my third time going to this and it keeps getting better). Look at what I got, a great photograph (inside the caddalilly is a small bug, I thought it was the cutest thing). I'm going to hang it as soon as I can figure out where I want to put it. This week I will showcase another room, that all I'm going to say. Enjoy the week.
See everyone next time......

Girl With A Pearl Earring

2010-01-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I just wanted to do a quickie post. I just saw one of my favorite movies, Girl With A Pearl Earring. I love this movie, the images in the movie are like the painting of Johannes Vermeer. The story line is believable, and Scarlett Johansson's acting was great. I can see this movie over and over again. Here are some images from the movie and the actual painting.
The painting and the movie still are very close to the same look.

Photo:inel.pe.kr

Photo:moviewallpaper.net

Incredible movie, if you are more interested in this movie or Johannes Vermeer, I would recommend: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (I loved reading this book), and Vermeer The Complete Works by Agnese Antonini (great images and history of the artist). I hope you enjoy the movie and the reading as much as I do.

See everyone next time........

French Farmhouse Family Room

2010-01-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope your week is going well. You can see I have been working a little more on my blog, there is more to come in the days ahead (don't forget to read the quote at the bottom of the page).
Ok lets get on to the fun stuff, room pics. This is my family room, I've been waiting to show this room until after I finished the crown molding. I finally decided to just do it, I'm changing this room for the spring/summer anyway, so more pics are coming and the crown molding will be up by then.
This room is very different than the other rooms in my home. I did this because everyone ends up here (where the TV is.......), while I like all white rooms my guests may feel uncomfortable (I know this, because I was told by a guest). This is what I call French Farmhouse Style (finally the big boys like Potterybarn and Restoration Hardware get it, go check it out), I have mixed my two favorites Maine Cottage and Ikea. The two chairs, table, and TV armoire are Maine Cottage, the bookcases are Ikea.
The sofa is Ikea, you can see my main computer.

This is a coffee table prototype that I was working on for a furniture line I was producing. I decided to put that on hold for now (I need to revamp my idea for my furniture line). This is a cool coffee table (took months to figure out how to make this work), as you can see it looks solid.

Surprise four stools pop out, perfect for families so the children can use the coffee table as a work table. I love it so much, too bad it didn't catch on. So it has a home here, and I'm glad it does.

This is the mantel, I found the clock in Austin, TX on a trip. The candlesticks in a junk shop, and the mirror was another junk shop. Some postcards in a floral frog and done.
My trademark bird nest in the chandelier...............
Great piece I found, I just love the look and I capped it off with a metal flower.
That's my French Farmhouse Family Room, I know its so different, that's what I like about it. Though this spring/summer it will be a little more white, so stay tuned......
See everyone next time.......

Morning Coffee and New/Old Books

2010-01-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I thought I would do a quiet post today. I decided to show everyone how I read posts on all my favorite blogs. I usually get up early (usually around 4 or 5, I know I'm crazy), come down and start my coffee. I like to grind my beans and take my time, I set up a tray. Then push down on my French press and go to my sitting room. I grab my netbook (I know it is white, that is how much I love white. It took a while to find it too), I put a throw on my favorite chair, light some candles, then drink and read. I love the idea of the world around me being quiet and peaceful. I really enjoy it.
This is my new find that I had to have. They are a set of five German books (I should get someone to read them to me), I saw the color and I had to have them. When I asked the dealer the price I crossed my fingers and he said $40.00 for the set. I said sold. Later when I researched the books, they are from 1912, so I think I got a deal. They look great and fit perfectly.

Well that is it for now, I'm hoping to get my crown molding up in my family room so I can take pics (Maybe I'll do a before and after). Waiting for spring, so I can change my family room slips. I love changing for the seasons.

See everyone next time........

Seaside Guest Room

2010-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is enjoying the small break in the weather. I was waiting to post this guest room, but we are all impatiently waiting for spring so I decided to do it today. I have what I call my Seaside Guest Room, it is the room that I can imagine being at the beach in. Of course I added lots of white, a dash of blue, and seashells then the mix was ready for that beachy style.
A large urn with large starfish I painted white (they were an orangy color before). I also painted the urn, but not very well I wanted it look a little rough and not solid white. The starfish came from Paris many years ago. I love them and the large size.
Next is the bed....
First I made the pillow from some left over fabric from a client project. The headboard is Maine Cottage, the nightstands and lamps are Ikea. I love that you can mix Ikea with anything and it goes well. The curtains again are wank off the bolt hang on blinds valance window treatments (I love simple and plain window treatments).
Here is the silver chair that I made in college. I loved it so much after the term it followed me home (hey its only stealing if it doesn't already belong to you). I made a seat slipcover for it and now a new home here. Next is the dresser.....
I planned for the dresser to be sold off, but after I was done I really loved it. I did take it in, two weeks went by, and all the other dressers I brought in sold, and it was the only one left. I took it as a sign and it came back home. An urn candle and some shells, it looks positively beachy.
Lastly I saw this great lithograph of a ship out flea marketing, again Ikea to the rescue with a frame. Just put it in and hang it up.I'm no where near the beach, but I love that style, as well as Swedish and French. I try to use shells in other rooms, but this is my beach room. I hope you enjoyed it.
See you next time........

My 5 Simple Rules for Guest

2010-01-16T01:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is good. I was with a friend recently and she wanted to thank me for the advice I gave her for guest she was having over for the holidays (She said this was the first time her guest asked in advanced to come back). So I thought it would make a good post. So here are my 5 Simple Rules for Guest......
Simple Rule #1
Make a list. I always make a list of guest special needs, what they like, and places they may want to see. I don't follow the list exactly, but more of a guideline (I find list to be helpful).
Simple Rule #2
I love to set out big fluffy white towels, packaged soap, and I always keep a supply of extra toiletries (I find these at Target, they have the small ones for just a $1.00). That way if a guest forgets something you have it on hand.

Simple Rule #3

I make the bed with matching or coordinating linens. In this pic the bed linens are white but the pillows have a little more character, but they all go together. I don't think about expensive bed linens, I usually buy Jersey Cotton Sheets in white (yes the $20.00 ones, I love the way they feel, sooo soft) and I mix in different pillowcases and shams.

Simple Rule #4

I like to have empty drawers, closets, and nightstands (except a notepad and pen). Guest feel like they have a place to put all their things (I don't know about you, I hate living out of a suitcase). At least one empty drawer and a bit of closet space would be good (I know you may not have the storage space or your guest my be in the kids room that is why some space is still good).

Simple Rule #5

The always welcoming touch, flowers. I usually put them on the dresser or nightstand. Since I live pretty much all white I try to add color with flowers. For the men I have a bowl of mints or candy (guys seem to like that more than flowers).

So those are my rules for when my guest come over, besides cleaning. When my guest are here with me, I try to include them in different things if they want. I am also good at having a tray with coffee or tea brought to their room in the morning. Setting up drinks at night so we can catch up and talk about our plans for the next day. So enjoy your guest and think of it as fun. The more fun it is, the less stress, and your guest will be happy and want to come back soon for another visit.
See you all next time.........

Master Bedroom and Thank you........

2010-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Sorry for the break, I have been a little busy this week. I'm back with the good stuff, room pics. I decided to head to the master bedroom, my inner sanctum. I had to pick up the clothes and shoes around the room (it wasn't that bad, maybe?????). Enjoy.......
I make my bed Shabby Chic style, loose and plush. I like being able to just slide into bed with a bottle of water or hot cup of tea. My nightstands are different, but the thing they have in common is white and glass knobs. I found these lamps at a junk store $25.00 each. The shades I had around the house. The cherub was a gift (Italian, it came off an old mirror), perfect for my rosary beads.
My setting area, I always wanted one in my bedroom and I feel it is needed if you want to be alone or a place to receive visitors if you are sick. I just do late night reading here, and I love it. The chairs I found and reupholstered, then I made slipcovers for one and arm covers for the other. The footstool is the $20.00 Ikea one, the color of the slipcover didn't match, so I made one for it. The nightstand is Maine Cottage with a glass knob. The lamp is from a flea market, some paint added. The shade is from Target. The curtains are just whacked off the bolt and put on the window blinds valances (plain and simple).
The dresser is something I have had for a while, I bought it new and I love it. The mirror I bought before the dresser (I love rabbits as well as sheep), I love this mirror. The jar was bought to hold a terrarium, but I never got to it, so some shells and remnants later, I have a great piece.
My amoire was going to be replaced with a really nice french one, but it would not fit up the stairs (I hope one day to get it out of my garage). So I retrofit this one to hold my TV. Sometimes you can take lemons and make lemonade. Its white and it functions, sometimes you have to say it works and leave it at that.
My birdcage with stone birds.....

I hope you enjoyed the tour...

P.S. I want to say thank you to Ness from marley&lockyer for posting about my blog. Ness, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the items you won, the jars look good on your mantel. Also to everyone who comments and visits, Thank you, you all make it worth blogging. Also I want to say there is a great blog Belgian Pearls by Greet, it is very inspirational (love reading about your design projects, Greet).

See everyone next time........

Natalie Merchant

2010-01-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, this is a quickie post. I was on youtube and I thought this video would make you smile. It is Natalie Merchant (I have always loved her music), and this it my favorite video it always makes me smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdG618TMc5E
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
See you next time.......

Dressing room Redo

2010-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Well I put away Christmas ( wow what a job!!!). I decided to do a little room redo. In one of my guest rooms is a walk in closet/dressing room. It was ok before, but I have a favorite chaise lounge I had restored. It has been in my office, lately I have been thinking about moving it so I have more space in my office. Redo time.....
This is the room before......
It is ok, but this is the room now........
I took out the short dresser, repositioned the tall dresser, put back my pig and sheep footstools. The I added the chaise lounge, a small bird side table, and a small alabaster lamp. I added some pillows, this now reminds me of a proper dressing room. A place to dress and play, or just to be alone with a cup of tea and a good book (a may try it myself). A little nook to just shut out the world and relax.
See you next time.......

Happy New Year from The Swedish Room

2010-01-01T02:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Wow another year is behind us, and a new decade is in front of us. This year I decided to stay home and think about the past year. I have had many ups and downs like everyone, I think this is the year of introspection. Well I finally finished design school (I might go back for my masters), I started this blog (I've been wanting to do this for quite a while), and I think I am happy with my life for once (I'm happy for everything I have, and not worried about what I don't). I have learned to be patient and wait because all of life's good things will come to you with God's help. Yes this has been a year of discovery. I hope it has been for you too. I thought it would be nice to show the Christmas tree one last time.....Ok lets open my life door just a bit more....

For years I have been selling painted furniture, French, Swedish, and Shabby Chic items. I love doing this as my sideline. I'm even starting a furniture line (just started and I already sold some pieces). I will show some of them in a later post. I love this European/shabby/cottage lifestyle I want to share it with everyone (you know what they say, if you enjoy what you do you will never work a day in your life). I enjoy what I do including painting and building furniture, making pillows and slipcovers, treasure hunting, and designing. These pics are of the booth I sell out of in a small antiques mall near my home. I know it is a little crowded, but I like to bring in new things (maybe I should get a bigger booth, we'll see). Enjoy......

Yes I know the booth and the blog have the same name. Well the booth had the name first then I decided to make the blog the same name. I hope you enjoyed my little tour. Have a Happy New Year from The Swedish Room.
See you next time.....

T'was the night before Christmas

2009-12-24T13:47:00.001-08:00

photo: Holiday Clipart Home Page

My own little special Christmas card. Everyone be blessed and have a good Christmas.

"May your family enjoy a special season filled with love, joy, and peace."

Merry Christmas everyone see you next time......

Merry Christmas and Winter/Spring slipcovers

2009-12-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, First things first Merry Christmas!!!! I hope everyone gets their Christmas wishes. I replaced the Advent candles with a tree under a cloche (yes I got this idea from the Swedish blogs). I love this look, very Swedish, simple and elegant.
So being done all my holiday deeds, I decided to work on a project for spring (I love thinking ahead,also I love projects.). I started working on my spring slipcovers for the family room. I never did seasonal decorating, but Ikea was having a sale (going there is great, but it is like getting a new outfit. You need new shoes and new this and that). So a new white sofa slipcover for my Ikea sofa started the ball rolling. I went to the fabric store excited about my new project, until the white denim I love is now $10.00 a yard. Great for a small project not when you need 15 yards. So I had to think about what to do, after all I wanted white in the family room this year. So back to Ikea, maybe I could make something do????? Going to scratch and dent (you know where that is....), I went though the slipcover bin hoping maybe I could find something. Finally I thought I can use the great fabric there (for two reasons,1. Cheap, 2. The fabric is almost the form of my chair, just needed a little nip and tuck here and there.). So I left Ikea with $50.00 worth of slipcovers. Another reason to make these slipcovers is because my chairs in my family room come from Maine Cottage, and I'm not paying tons of money for new slipcovers. The before pic great slipcover, I have loved it for years. Great for fall/winter.
The after pic, I love this slipcover. Great for spring/summer, I can't wait. I think I did a great job (one down, one to go).
Have a Merry Christmas, and have plenty of cookies, eggnog, and good cheer!!!!
See you next time.

Common beauty and the Great Wall of China

2009-12-21T01:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I'm glad to have more free time, but after the first back to work. Until then I'm going to blog and do other things I put off (like clean my home office, put up crown molding, and sew some spring/summer slipcovers for the family room. I hope I get most of it done).

Anyway I wanted to post about common beauty (I know, let me get my soap box). You ever look at something, a place, an object, or a person and see them in a different light. You say to yourself, "Why didn't I ever notice that before?". Well I did my dishes yesterday morning, I usually do my dishes right away, but I was tired the night before so I just rinsed out my teacups and pots. Then the yesterday morning added in my coffee cups, french press (from Ikea), and all the other things (I will post about that later). So after doing the dishes I looked at the dish rack, I mean really looked at it. With all the different cups and pieces of china and said to myself sometimes the most beautiful things are right next to you...

This inspired me to take some common beauty pics from around the house. Things you never think about as being beautiful, but they are.
This armoire (which I love) has a secret. Being long and narrow, I was conflicted about how to make it work for me. So taking a page from Martha, I decided to have my own "Great Wall of China" and build up.

I added standard shelving, and went to the Container Store for plate stands and here we go my "Great Wall of China". Making the armoire functional as well as it is beautiful. So if it worked on one side why not the other, but instead of china I added all those things that don't have an official home. Here you go.....

All of the silver, napkins, tablecloths, and what nots. This has a common beauty also.

Lastly are the kitchen cabinets (not all of them after all I have to have some secrets). I love to organize. For me this common beauty makes me smile everytime I open these doors. So find your common beauty, look at something in a new way, you may just have a warm moment which makes you smile.

See you all next time.....

The princess and the pea....

2009-12-19T02:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Thank you all for the kind words, I loved it (Thanks Ness for the great comments in your blog) and I will try to get back to everyone over the weekend. Also to everyone that made me one of their favorites, Thank you very much, I hope you continue to enjoy the blog. Wow what a nice welcome to blog land. I will have more time, so I want to blog more, so YAY!!!!

This is my "princess and the pea" room, I call it that because it has that princess feeling I think is so important (at least in one room in every house). The pea part comes in because it is small. I tried to make this my jewel box guest room. All my female guest love this room, especially since it comes with room service (that's right I get up and make coffee or tea in bed for my guest, I like to pamper my guest after all they came to see me. Anyway we always end up laughing and having fun in that room, like an old fashioned pajama party.).

Here is the yummy bed(no the dress doesn't always stay out, I thought it added some interest to the shot). I try to make everything fluffy and mix and match, I love that look.

The nightstand, I found this pair of nightstands at a junk store for $99.00 a piece(I know a bit much, but sometimes you have to go for it). I love the french detailing, but I hated the beat up wood finish. So they got the treatment in a french vanilla color and now they are perfect.

The vanity, because you know every princess needs a vanity. Now this was a deal at $125.00 (I know for this great vanity). It is a little distressed, but we all love that look. I just cleaned her up, lined her drawers and her she lives (love that mirror!!!).

Love this little set, the silver is almost gone on the brush and mirror, but the hair receiver is all bright and shiny.

Who wouldn't want to wake up to this cute little guy.................

And every princess needs a chandelier after all it is fun to look at laying in bed.

And a ballerina chair, it has double ruffles (not really just a table round cover and a sheer seat cover, i know completely impractical, but it still looks pretty.) She is covered in white linen and craved, this is a great chair. Now off to the surprise........

This room has a walk in closet, so I turned it into a dressing room after all every princess needs a dressing room.

Dressers and some goodies (I don't like clutter, sorry I know it looks a little plain. I tend to like quiet details, anyway my guest always have clothes and other things around this room, so I would rather it be about them as the guest.)

Quiet details, I love when space is made, but still has the elements you want.

Finally a princess chair to sit in repose and dress. I have a pair of these, I have been thinking of getting them redone (the fabric is not my style, but I can wait). I made the seat cushion for extra comfort. After all what princess would not want to stay here. I know I would............

See you next time.......

And the winner is.........

2009-12-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. This is a quick post, I just wanted to announce the winner of my giveaway. It is Ness from Marley & Lockyer (go see what Ness has, she makes great pillows and tags. Also she gives great design inspiration, one of my favorite blogs). Congrats Ness and I will contact you shortly. You all know of my love of sheep (trying to say that it is still rainy and dark, if that's not bad enough it is also foggy). Anyway I thought you would enjoy a pic of a cute sheep (I love sheep).
See you next time.....

photo: alerta amarelo

Busy bee

2009-12-13T05:21:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been a while since my last post, I've been really busy with design boards for a house project (yeah like the ones from HGTVs designers challenge, only mine are better. I have to show in another post.). After my presentation on Thursday I want to have a lot more time to blog over the holidays. Also I get to do the pollyanna this year with my family so lots of phone calls today. I like doing it, but it has been so busy. We started last year because the family is getting so big, and certain members were always complaining about how they gave more than they got. So I decided last year to have a pollyanna, I got mixed results. I didn't even think about it after that. Then the phone call, and another, so I decided to try it again this year (I hope it goes well). No personal pics today, its all dark and rainy(yuck), so I decided to go with a place I would rather be. Just imagine morning coffee or afternoon tea here (beautiful). Oh by the way if anyone is still interested in joining the giveaway, there is still time (midnight EST). Oh no what is that sound, the crack of a whip. OH NO HELP ME!!!!!!!!(just kidding), back to work.
See you all soon.....

photo: restorationhardware.com

My First Giveaway

2009-12-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Ok this is my first giveaway, but I'm hoping its good. Anyway I was out shopping and saw these great things, so I decided to have a giveaway. The first item is a pair of French style metal (I think iron???) candle holders for block candles. As you can see they have a zinc finish with real rust. They look like they have been around a hundred years (kind of crusty, but really fun looking). I am sure they are new since I bought them with the price tag hanging off them. I am going to say they are not perfect, but I know you guys don't care about that (anyway they are free, and you can't beat that).

The next item is four artichoke shaped jars with lids. I love the look of these pieces (I almost kept them for me). They are new, no damage and they would make great serving pieces. The best part is they are white, you have to love that.

Ok here is the catch...... You have to leave comments (nice ones) to any post in this blog. You have until this coming Sunday (December 13,2009 EST), and here is the best part you can leave as many comments as you want (again be nice), each will count on its own (the more comments, the more chances to win). I will have the drawing on Monday (December 14,2009 EST), and announce the winner soon after that. So tell all your friends (maybe you can both split the prize, if either of you win). Good luck to everyone. Remember I can ship anywhere, so everyone can join in on the fun.
See next time........

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I've been busy as usual (I would like to blog more often, I hope I will soon). I managed to get Christmas up and I thought I would share it with you. The tree was done last weekend in my favorite Christmas colors, white and silver. So I took a picture of the whole tree and thought it could look better. So I took pics a small piece at a time, I think it came out much better (Small views of my family room, I'll post more about this room at another time. Besides my crown molding is not up yet, it will be this spring). So enjoy the views......

The pig and the sheep are actually footstools. I love them and I use them at Christmas under the tree. The sheep reminds me of the verse "The lamb of God", I use a lot of sheep this time of year (you'll see). The pig is in my parlor, so she stays. Normally they are in a guest room, but I enjoy looking at them during Christmas, so they come out to visit.

This is my nativity sets, I know more than one. It started out with me buying a make due set. Then I decided to upgrade, but I couldn't get rid of the last set, and you know the rest. Three nativity sets, each is unique, and I love them all.

These are my sheep, real wool and porcelain, I love using them at Christmas. Tying silver bows around their necks, I think they have Christmas attitude. The tinsel tree was bought at the dollar store so the sheep look more pulled together on the tray. The tray was just hanging around so I put it under the sheep and the tree. I like to use as much as I have around the house for the holidays. One it is cheap, two it is fun to dress up familiar items. Even all the ribbon is from past projects.

My metal sheep, I fell in love at first sight with this one. It reminds me of the metal sheep done by Francois-Xavier Lalanne and his wife Claude Lalanne. I saw the their metal sheep in Paris and have loved sheep since then. The rest is history.

Finally my Target snow globe. A friend asked me what I wanted for Christmas last year, I said I always wanted a silver snow globe. They went to Target and got one just for me. Funny story time, they said this was the second snow globe they got me. The first almost made it home and fell in their driveway. Lets just say they were mad. A good friend, they went right back to Target for another. During Christmas we laughed about the the funny Christmas tale.

Well that's Christmas for me. Be good, I don't want to hear about anyone getting coal this year.

See you next time......

P.S. I will be doing a give away real soon, my first so lets make it good. Keep watching.

Now see you next time........

My Sanctuary and getting ready for Advent

2009-11-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well Thanksgiving is over and it is time for Christmas. First though I wanted to show you the place I call my winter retreat, my front sitting room. No TV is allowed in here, it is my place to think in, my place to listen to music, and my place just to relax and read. We all need a place to just take sanctuary. I had a friend who had the smallest bedroom in her house as her retreat. Her rules on her retreat was no one was allow in her special room. I don't want to be that strict, I enjoy having others with me in my retreat, and sharing the peace.

Collected well loved objects. I truly believe in the Shabby Chic motto, less is more, I do not own anything that is not useful, beautiful, or well loved.

My favorite chair, it is so big and comfortable. I sometimes find myself reading and falling asleep. The throw on the arm is a good thing on cool nights. We all need a place all our own, where we feel "calm and can carry on".

Now on to Advent.....I love the Swedish blogs, especially this time of year. Seeing the different ways Advent candles are displayed. Using that as inspiration I created my own set of Advent candles. I cannot wait to celebrate Advent this year (being Catholic I'm ashamed to say I don't celebrate it that often). I love the white candles instead of the purple and pink. I think it is somewhat traditional using prayer candles. Anyway I will be happily celebrating Advent, thanks to the Swedish blogs.

See you next time......

Thanksgiving and giving thanks

2009-11-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well today is Thanksgiving and I have many things to be thankful for. First being a wonderful friend who decided to spend Thanksgiving with me. We are both far from home and they asked what I was doing when I said Boston Market and DVDs, They changed their plans and are spending Thanksgiving with me. Great friends are always a God sent. So I decided to put together a special table for the two of us. After all they cook (didn't get that gene from Martha Stewart), and I table set.

I like simple yet elegant tablesetting, everything here I own so I just cleaned it up and put it out.

Grocery store roses, always a good thing in a pinch. Some rose hips for some color also gives an autumn feel.

Finally one of my favorite pieces, this is an antique butter dish. I fell in love with her the minute I saw her. The dealer and I were really good friends so she gave me a really good deal. She said she wanted it to go to a good home. I love it and use it as much as I can.

I hope you can count your blessings today, because I will. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

See you next time......

French Blue Dresser

2009-11-21T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't blogged in a little while, I have been really busy doing design boards and I'm now just plain tired of hot glue and fabric samples. I didn't forget about you, the dresser from last post is done and looking quite lovely in french blue. She came out really well. You don't have to take my word on it see for yourself........

This is her with her primer coat, you can start seeing the potential there.

Here she is with all her coats of paint, but she is still getting more layers.......

And here all done, I think she looks great. Here are some more close ups......

And the final touch, lined drawers. Actually some toile wallpaper from a yard sale 3 rolls for a $1.00. I love transforming vintage pieces it makes me feel good to enhance their beauty.

See you all next time......

Rachel Ashwell sighting

2009-11-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Quickie post: Target has a new style video with our favorite designer. So head on over there http://style.target.com/2009/11/. Sorry no pics with this post just a quickie.
See you next time........

Handmade cards and a dresser needs some TLC.

2009-11-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I promised a quick handmade card lesson. Here it is, I go to Micheals or any craft store that sells stamps. I like silver ink, but any ink will do. You know the rest. What I like to do is stamp the back corner with the "Handmade with love" stamp. I love handmade cards because they are unique and show someone really loves you. I make them for all occasions, especially Christmas.

Next is a find.......... I found this girl at a thrift store, one of those great ones where you can get a deal. I was just cruising around and decided to go to my local thrift store. I have been here before and usually only find bits and bobs. This time I zoomed in on this classic beauty. It was love at first sight, you know what I mean. Anyway she didn't have a price so I had to ask. This can be tricky because if you seem too eager, they decide to up the price from what they originally wanted. So I slowly walked around waiting for one of the people to ask if I needed help. An older man asked and I said, "I'm curious about that piece?" He said "$75.00" and I said "I'll take it". At that point she found a home. She has great lines and good details, so I have a project this weekend. I'll take plenty of pics so you can see her go from drab to fab with some paint, glaze, and sandpaper.

Have a good weekend see you next time............

Today I'm taking you to the Loo.....

2009-11-07T02:43:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to figure out where to take you next. I thought hummmmmm, the one place everyone eventually goes in a house the bathroom. In my case here, the center hall bath, you know the one everyone uses. I wish I had before pics to show you, but the bathroom changed when I got here, and due to a recent accident (everyone else has their hot water heater on the ground floor, mine is in the attic, enough said). So the ceiling had to come down. this was my chance to change the fixtures and a new shower curtain.

The one thing I really wanted to do was change the mirror. It was an old sheet mirror attached to the wall. I went looking for the right size mirror. After coming home dizzy and madddddd (I don't know about you, but I'm not paying $800.00 for a mirror). So I went to work, I purchased some molding and corners (because if I mitered it, lets just say that it would be better done by a first grader). The framed prints I already owned. the shower curtain was more than I like to spend(I think $60.00 at Potterybarn-I know what you are saying" what did I expect?"-but I love it).

The sink got a good clean.....

And I added this lady to the WC back. I always liked her ($20.00 from my trip to New Orleans, she finally has a home). I wanted this bathroom to be spa like and I think it is. I lot of white though, don't go snowblind. Well now its off to make a thank you card for my neighbor for inviting me to her Halloween party (Sorry no pics, I didn't think about it, all the costumes were really good and I had fun). That's my next post hand made cards (I'm not just pretty you know.).

See you next time.......

Swedish Room Dining Room

2009-11-04T11:19:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. Now it is time for the fun stuff. Lets start with the dining room. For years I wanted my dream dining room, you know the type. The really expense one that you only see in magazines, but no where else. Knowing my money was tight I decided to roll up my sleeves and get to work. First was a change in color, I thought my first wall color was going to be my only one, was I wrong. My dining room started a sage green, for a long time I kept thinking I hate this color, but I lived with it. One day I looked at the green, walked out of my house got some white paint and went to work.

Next was the slipcovers..... I always liked the look of Rachel Ashwell's slipcovered furniture, so I took a page from her book. The two arm chairs I made those slipcovers, the others were from Target ( after all why torture yourself, and I'm impatient). The armchair slips were not that bad. The Target ones were even easier.

Now for the table..... I know what you are saying, "You are talking about rolling up your sleeves, but look at that table." Surprise I built that table, it was easy. I saw the legs and the top at the flea market, I asked the dealer how much for both, he said $80.00 for the top and $40.00 for all the legs "SOLD". I asked him about them he said a furniture factory went out of business and he did a clean out. A trip to Home Depot (Thank goodness for all the DIY stores), coats of paint, and some wax for the top and I have a table that looks more expensive than it is.

Let me tell you the story of this pretty girl..... I had been looking at her for a couple of years in my local antique shop. At $2500.00 no way, so she remained homeless, but I would keep checking on her. As time went on her price kept going down, until she reached $500.00. Let just say I snatched her up so fast. She now holds my dishes and silverware. I LOVE HER!!!! She has her shabby chic/french look for sure. (Although she is Italian).

Last but not least is this gilded French chandelier. Another example of if you wait long enough you maybe surprised. A friend had this beauty, I always loved it and always had a compliment for it. One day I can across a large mirror that my friend wanted it, so I suggested a trade. Anyway this beauty was on its way home with me.

Well that's my dining room. Oh whats with the bird and nest? That's my signature almost all my chandeliers have birds and nests. It makes everyone smile and look at them weird. So get out there and look, wait, trade, and paint.

See you next time........

Designers that influenced my style

2009-11-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting, so I hope I get better as time goes on. So please bear with me.

I decided to do my first posting on designers who have influenced my style. I take a little from each of them. There are more designers and I will mention them as I continue to post. So I hope you enjoy my first posting.

The first designer to influence me was Rachel Ashwell. Lets just say that after buying her first book I was hooked. Her style combines so many influences, I always love going to her stores and to Target to see what is new. It is because of her most of the seating in my home is slipcovered. I also love white and pale colors because of her. She also taught me( not personally) not to be afraid to mix and match.

(photo: shabbychic.com)

Next is Martha Stewart, ( and no I cannot prepare meals like her). I like the historic influence of her style. She and Rachel Ashwell have a lot in common. I just like the way she makes everything seem so easy. I would like to have that someday, but sometimes it is better to work on yourself by trying, then by succeeding. To be honest with you I will never have a Turkey Hill lifestyle, but I admire her for showing us not to settle for the ordinary.

(photo: marthastewart.com)

Finally for now is Carol Bass from Maine Cottage Furniture. I love that furniture, I love the lines and I love the large scale of it. Her furniture is simple, yet artistic. I'm not a fan of the bold colors it comes in, but they have my white and pale colors which I love. You can see Maine Cottage Furniture at www.mainecottage.com.

(photo: carolbassart.com)

Well that's it for my first post, I hope you enjoyed it. Next post is the fun stuff, home pics and maybe more inspiration. ( After all who doesn't like to peek in their neighbors windows).

See you next time.