Just Add Numbers

Well this post isn't especially

elaborate, but it's still worth sharing.

I spotted a few separate rusty tin

canisters at completely different locations.

They both seemed to be the

perfect canvas for some old style numbers.

Do you see any potential?

I used my Cricut to cut some adhesive vinyl

letters & large numbers.  This was a simple

quick stencil project!

AFTER:

It breaks my heart,

because I know people throw

items like old rusty tins away

every day.

I simply ADORE these new sassy tins.

You can't store your small white linens in them,

but they are clean enough inside for many 

other random household items!

Linking up to:

Beyond the Picket Fence

Painted Jars

I decided to use some paint

from my stockpile that's been sitting

idle for quite some time!

I'm thinking spring & pastels already.

I swear my stash of jars is 

reproducing.  So I had to get busy

and prep a few to sell.  

These jars got two 

coats of Valspar paint. 

Remember if you try this,

keep the first layer as thin 

as possible & let it dry overnight.

I love the lightly sanded finish &

hemp twine wrapped around

several times.

I made a few charming tags

using Unity stamps.

This one is colored in with

Copic markers & has some 

vintage ric-rac for embellishment!

I can't wait for garden season.

These jars would look darling filled with

a bouquet of daisies!

Linking up to:

Coastal Charm

LOVE TAGS

Hello visitors!

The new year is blasting by us

at warp speed, don't you think?

It's time to decorate for 

Valentines Day!

This ivory painted display is a vintage dresser

mirror frame! The chicken wire I added

makes a great clip board. A few decorative 

boards made it a free standing unit.

In order to "JAZZ" it up,

I added hand made paper tags.

This set features:

 old book page Sizzix die cut letters

Bobunny paper

 lace & ribbon

die cut scallop circles

I also decided to peck away at 

using up some old jars.

My stockpile is unbelievable!

(I have more painted jars

 to share in future posts)

These plain jars, with no embossed words, 

are ideal for making heart "windows".

Then if you add candy to them,

they look super cute.  The old glass mayo jars

are plentiful & plain like this.

I used actual JAR PAINT from the 

craft store.  It really does stick the best!

Be warned, if you have a heart sticker

on, peel it off right away while the 

paint is wet.  Then, for your second coat,

add a fresh heart sticker when it 

has completely dried.

I made some decorative tags

using the Minnesota made

UNITY brand stamps!

Linking up to:

Coastal Charm

and

Creative Country Mom

Painted Drop Side Table

Check out this old dark table...

Before:

I spent a few hours sanding the 

extra glossy finish off this functional piece.

My inspiration for this table came

from the Special Issue 2015

Country Sampler's Christmas.

There is a cherry red drop side table

with ivory legs in that magazine.

After consulting my sister 

and mother about the magazine 

table idea, I took the plunge on this 

unique bold paint job.

I started this project by painting the legs.

While it was upside down I did the 

bottoms of each drop side, 

since they will show when down

from certain perspectives.

Then I had to completely cover the legs

so no dark paint would splatter down 

on my crisp ivory paint.

I was also careful to protect all my cupboards

from that strong pigment red paint.

After:

I love this type of table.

It would come in so handy for holiday

meals, card games and tea time!

The striped pattern is similar

to the old grain sacks.

It's a fun blend of modern & vintage.

Don't you think?

I prefer to use flat Valspar paint.

This color is called Rushing Red.

I had to go back with a swath

of painted cardboard & match

it to the proper sample.

Mystery solved.

Linking up to:

Coastal Charm

Free Windows

This was the year of free old windows.

Word has spread that I make various 

things from the chippy old panes.

My shed rafters are busting with

the stockpile!  It's been a while since

I made some wall art windows.

Here is my latest creation:

I love this quote & think it 

speaks to a lot of other people!

My handy dandy book called 

THE INSPIRATION STATION

is loaded with phrases, quotes & titles

for scrapbookers & cardmakers.

I use it to dream up new projects 

all the time.

I used my Cricut machine to cut

the adhesive vinyl letters & 

"eyeballed" them on!

Linking up to:

THE DIY SHOWOFF

More Arrow Signs!

I'm loving all the more

natural trends right now.

They call it "woodland" style.

As an avid outdoors lover,

decorating with arrows & antlers 

comes very easily!

The "happy" signs have gone well 

at my craft booth.

Here are a few of the holiday 

signs I made...

Linking up to:

StaceyEmbracingChange

AND

RootedInThyme

Fancy Desk

Hi folks.

I'm excited to share a cool desk transformation

with you.  I forgot to get a "before" picture.

But as you can imagine, it was your typical 

dark brown wooden desk. 

Here is the updated piece...

This was a ready to paint, sturdy desk.

It had minimal varnish & since I planned on

distressing the edges, I did no sanding at all!

I chose not to prime either.

In my opinion,

skipping these steps should 

only happen if you: 

Use Annie Sloan Paint

or

Plan on a very distressed look

Clean well with TSP

Apply a super thin base layer

Give the first layer ample dry time

It had great hardware,

which can make or break 

your furniture sale.

These were intricate, 

fine & had a great patina!

The top got a fancy stencil design.

I made it using my Cricut machine & 

adhesive vinyl.

It's a messy, tedious process.  But in the 

end it is very much worth the time.

I've gotten pretty fast at it!

Sometimes choosing the design can be tricky.

For creative stencils,

the biggest trick is to

make sure your base layers of paint

are good & dry.  Otherwise, when you pull 

your tape & stencils off the paint will 

peel right off with it.

I don't apply much pressure to the

tape either.  

Now the honest breakdown...

paint brand: Valspar

desk cost: $5

selling price: $80

After cleaning,

 3 coats of paint,

stencil time,

& distress sanding:

about 3-4 hours of work

Now, I am already moving 

on to my next project!

Linking up to:

Coastal Charm

and

Between Naps on the Porch