One Mantle Makeover

It's time for

another mantle makeover!I used many of the same elements I used on my Easter mantle---
faux flowers, electric candles, moss and shutters.
I added a mirror to reflect the light of the chandelier
and resemble a window between the shutters.
I like the feel of looking at
a window of spring from the inside.

I'm linking to Nester's mantle party.

An Artist's Window

Over the last few months I shared with you a few projects we built for our friends cabin. We built a hall tree out of an old door,and changed the look of their fireplace from this...to this...
Across from the fireplace is an open staircase, a perfect little spot to tuck in tables an chairs for their grandchildren. To make it even more fun we created
an art center made from an old wooden window frame. One side of the window we made a chalkboard and the other side we cut a piece of metal to fit for a magnet board.We built and attached a little window box out of cedar to hold plastic flower pots filled with oodles of art supplies.

A perfect spot for inspiring little artists!

Hubby's Skills

My hubby has skills!
I could list several.
Among the list would be that he is the best amateur carpenter, plumber, motorcycle rider (he would want me to include that),
dishwasher, and electrician that I know!
It is the latter that was very helpful
in the installation of my bargain thrift store chandelier.I was not fond of the original hanging apparatus. It was a little too sleek and modern, and the fact that it hung down
11 inches created a big problem with my 8 foot ceilings,
especially hanging in the middle of a closet.
I didn't need anyone to poke their eye out while getting dressed.

The solution was to replace it with a more traditional ceiling canopy. That's when it's really nice to have a hubby with electrician skills.

Problem number two came when we
took down the antiquated light fixture. Apparently the previous owners had at one time installed high watt bulbs
causing so much heat that the paint discolored and peeled.
We have big plans in the future for remodeling this
so-small-you-can-barely-call-it-a-walk-in closet
so I didn't want to take the time to re-paint it now.
Instead I decided to use a quick and inexpensive cover-the-mess solution;
a thrifted silver tray.Now that the ceiling looked so pretty
I thought I'd stage my side of the closet. I use some pretty boxes and apothecary jars
(already stored there waiting for another organization project).
Then I tacked up my small collection of vintage hats. Now it's a real treat to walk into my closet!

A Full Platter

It's no secret that I am a collector.
One of the many things that I gather from thrift stores in abundance are ironstone and vintage dishes. I have stacks of them in our china cabinet and kitchen. Many are oozing with character
from their lives of service.
Chips, cracks, crazing, and stains are the very things that draw me to these delightful objects of practicality.Recently I was redoing the plate rack in our kitchen, a spot that changes several times during the year. It will often display dishes in beautiful colors that I'm wanting to subtly incorporate in the kitchen.
It's a favorite spot to show off holiday plates.Perhaps my favorite is the numerical dish display made with
dollar store plates and vinyl decals.Being in a mood for a fresh and new exhibit, I pulled out
a few vintage platters and stacked in as many as possible. I was thrilled with the display, but it did seem to need
an extra layer, right there in the middle.

Being one without a fancy vinyl cutting machine, I used the resources I have available. I printed off the letter A from my computer in a fancy font. (If this seems familiar, it's because I used the same technique here)

With a little cutting and gluing
the vintage platter exhibit is complete. And I am giddy with glee!

***Don't forget to enter for the Sodderbug giveaway.
Entries will be accepted through Sunday at midnight MST***

A Cozied Corner

You've seen the end of my upstairs hallway before with

the large monogram, the "family" sign and the family photos.This is the longer view of said hall,
complete with painted subflooring and dings in the walls. (and yes, I have brass doorknobs---
haven't you heard, brass is making a comeback)
On the left is a closet door and the doorway into the computer room.
Straight ahead is the door to the bathroom
and just right of that is the door to our master bedroom.

When we first looked at this home I fell in love with the way
the doorways were set back into alcoves,
just a little architectural detail that intrigued me. The master bedroom door alcove has a small corner
that stayed vacant for years.
One day I haphazardly plopped a this small table there
and I liked the feel of it. But when I found this gorgeous plant stand
at the thrift store
I knew it would make a better fit.Of course I had to top it with something,
something that would
reflect a little light
into this darkened corner.
That something was a PB vase I picked up...at the thrift store. Love it!
And since the theme for this corner seems to be
thrifted elegance with a bit of shine,
why not finish of the vignette with this collection of mirrors. These were gathered one by one
over a period of time,
just waiting until there is enough to make a statement. And what a statement
this thrifted elegant hidden corner makes!

Please go here
if you haven't yet entered the Sodderbug giveaway.

Empty

Well son #3 is off to learn Mandarin Chinese and to grow and to serve. I am thrilled for him! But it's been hard to have to a quieter house and leftovers in the fridge. It's very difficult for this momma to adjust when her babies leave the nest. There is always an empty spot in my heart and my home. We sat down for Sunday dinner in the dining room with one more empty chair.Speaking of my dining room, I don't think that I've ever shared many details about the furniture there. The table was our first and only purchase from an antique store. I love the details of this 100+ year old beauty! Each end has leaves that pull out and up to extend the length. It's distressed and creaky and charming.
It has taken it's fair share of abuse from our family from meals to toys to school projects. We have made many memories while gathered around it. I often think about the stories it could tell of it's previous life with other families.
I inherited these gorgeous chairs from my grandmother. I adore their detailed craftsmanship. And I love having something from a past generation as an important detail of our home. We originally started with six chairs but are down to five with many of them having been rebuilt and repaired. Even though they are heirlooms we use them and enjoy them and love them.

A few months back I stumbled upon
two tufted beauties at the thrift store. I was smitten the moment I saw them! They now sit at each end of our table and are often called into service in our living room when we have guests and need additional seating. I am delighted by the way they soften the dining area and bring in a bit of a feminine element to an otherwise more heavy and masculine space. Opposites do attract!

A Light Transformation

A few months back my heart skipped a beat when I found this gorgeous chandelier for ten dollars at the thrift store. It looks right at home in our foyer.There was just one problem with updating the foyer light.
The dining room light now looked a little tired and dated. I love the fixture itself and knew that with just a little transformation it could look fresh and new.
These socket covers can be found where light fixtures are sold. I am drawn to the warm color and the details that resemble a burning candle. I've used them before on our master bedroom chandelier. It's a simple fix. Simply pull off the old socket cover and replace it with the new---but first measure the length of the existing covers to be sure they'll fit.
The new covers and some pretty crystal (that are actually Christmas ornaments) are all this chandelier needed to give it new life.

Moving Music

Do you remember months ago when I wallpapered the odd nook at the end of my downstairs hallway with aged sheet music? Every time I see it it makes me smile. The only problem is that I don't see it that often since it's downstairs at the end of the hallway.
So I decided to combine that idea with this ideato make this.Now I can display an aged sheet music collage wherever I'd like. And for now I'd like it in my dining room surrounded by mercury glass and real and electric candles.