The Redo {Headboard & Dresser}

This is a project I have been wanting to do for oh, about 3 years now.  So what has been holding me back--a little FEAR.  I was totally overwhelmed, but finally I decided this was the time.  I dragged my husband in for a lot of help.  Seriously, he was VERY opposed to the project.  He kept asking me if there was another project I could get really excited about.  He also let me before we got started that he thought it was a bad idea--that way, if it turned out horrible, I was 100% to blame.  But, he was a champ!  I couldn't have done it without his help.

So you want to see the before/after pics??? (forgive my bad pictures.  VERY BRIGHT SUN=Bad pictures)

 So, the result-I absolutely LOVE them.  Seriously!  I have to thank my friend Jessica for talking me into painting the headboard a fun color.  I was going to use cream for both pieces.  SO glad I went with the tealish/blue.  It makes me excited to finish my bedroom decorating (it has been highly neglected over the years)!

Do you have your own furniture you want to redo?  Here are a few tips.

1.  Use a good primer.  I used this Zinsser primer.  NO NEED FOR SANDING!!!!

2.  Spray on your paint.  We used a paint sprayer (yeah, the kind you would paint a house with).  If you don't have access to this, I would recommend using spray paint.  This primer also comes in spray form.

3.  Don't be afraid of glazing.  I am sure if somebody who actually knew what they were doing when it comes to glazing, they would probably laugh.  However, I love the depth it gives the furniture.  I found a few glazing video tutorials that were a great help.  Also, I just used craft or acrylic paint to mix with my glaze.  It seemed to work fine for me, however, I have never used latex paint to have a comparison.

5.  I also sprayed a protective finish on once I had finished the painting and glazing.

4.  Don't be afraid.  Just do it!!!

Happy Day!  It's finally done!

Love One Another

Well, the good news is that I FINALLY finished a craft to put on here!  The other good news is that school started TODAY (yesssssssss!).  I am hoping to have a little more time to get some crafting done!

Anyway, I saw the cutest sign quite a while on Pinterest.  Check it out here.  Then more recently I saw another similar sign here.  So then the other day I was out taking pictures of the cutest little 9 month old little boy.  We were in a field with an old little barn or shed.  Well, there was this old piece of wood lying on the ground, and I knew it was PERFECT!!!  So I took it.  I showed it to my husband to make sure he thought it was okay that I took it.  I mean, the field is for sale--not being used.  I'm sure most people would have just chucked it--right?  Well, I guess that's my justification for stealing it.  But I totally LOVE how it turned out.  Plus it got me to FINALLY take down my 4th of July decor....about time, I know!

So let me know what you think!

I'm loving the simplicity!

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?

Is it summertime for you yet?  My kids still have a week and a half of school left--ugh!  I think I was ready for school to be done a few weeks ago.  Oh well.  But while I am anxious, I know we will all go a little crazy in my house if we don't have some FUN things planned.  To help with this, I created this:

I love when a project comes together how I have planned in my mind!  This little project started brewing in my mind after seeing similar kinds of things on other blogs.  I have had these cute little buckets and the little rod for quite sometime--just been waiting for the right project.  Finally, I figured out what I needed them for!

Here is what I did:

I just used Q-Tips for this.  You don't need very much.  I just spread some along the corners, edges, and randomly through the middle of the board.

To paint the wording, I used the same process I always use when making signs.  Find out HERE.

After I painted the letters, I did a little more sanding over the whole thing--mostly just to give the wording that worn look to match the rest of the board.  Then I just hung the rod.  Simple!

For the buckets, I decided to have one full of activities for me to do with the kids while the husband is at work (or sleeping--he works nights), one full of Family activities, and an empty one to fill up with the activities we actually do (hopefully it will be full by the end of the summer).

I am so excited.  My kids are too--in fact, we did our first activity this afternoon.  We made THESE delicious cookies that I pinned a few weeks ago. Delish!

Hooray for summertime!

Little Stools

First, I have to just say that my husband is THE best!  After seeing these cute little stools/benches on Pinterest (I'm sure you're not surprised), I knew that I NEEDED to have some.  I knew they would be PERFECT for our backyard patio area.  So what did I do?  I showed my husband and he quickly got to work.  What a good man I have!  After he had them built, I did a little painting, sanding, and staining.  And that's it!

I love that they were quick and easy.  I love how they act as great seats for kids (and even adults).  I love how they make a great leg rest.  I love how they are fantastic for photo shoots.  Oh, and I love that they didn't cost a thing to make because we had the scraps lying around.  Yay!  Now, go make some of your own (or get your husband to do it)!