BOTB 5.15.2011

By Kate Riley May 15, 2011

Hiya friends, hope you all are having a fab weekend.  Me?  Not so much (see below).   Amanda and I are back with a few ‘Best of the Blogosphere’ picks we found around the web this week, let’s take a looky loo. 

Use perforated radiator sheets to create Moroccan inspired lanterns with Ruffled.  We’re thinking of them outdoors on tabletops at a summer party or even a wedding.

upcycled radiator lantern ruffled blog

 

Build a simple A-frame tent with Cakies blog, a great DIY project with a charming result! (via Making It Lovely)

a frame tent cakies blog

 

This pretty desk was a dresser in a former life, don’t miss the step by step transformation at Thrifty and Chic.  So inventive Alicia!

dresser turned desk thrifty and chic

 

 

Learn how to make an element monogram using Jen’s tutorial at American Crafts Studio. This would make a delightful addition to a gallery wall or child’s room!

element monogram

 

Speaking of gallery walls, have you seen Shelley’s latest project at House of Smiths? We love the sophisticated gray and cheerful yellow color scheme that ties it all together.

house of smiths gallery wall

 

Erin from In Between Laundry completed a front porch makeover with a new light fixture and fresh coat of paint on the door.  She has a handy tip for those of you contemplating painting your own front door, here’s a clue: Vaseline.

front porch makeover

 

Colleen came up with a great idea for her old trophies, and turned them into a cool coat rack (via Design*Sponge).   

 

Inspired by this skirt by Say Yes to Hoboken, Sarah shares her vintage bow tie skirt tutorial (made from a thrift store find!) over at Welcome to the Good Life

bow skirt

 

Send a hug and a “Missing you” sentiment to a loved one with a this postcard pillow by Olive Handmade on Etsy (via Apartment Therapy). 

postcard pillow by olive via apt therapy

 

Here’s a sweet photo garland by I Should Be Folding Laundry.  File this one away for inspiration when thinking of décor for your next birthday or anniversary party!

photo garland i should be folding laundry

 

Brittany’s photography secrets at Pretty Handy Girl will be helpful for that next project you’re shooting indoors. Mirrors and foam board may just become your new best friends. 

interior shots pretty handy girl

Using a dry brushing paint technique and some Briwax, Tracy gave her potting bench a makeover.  A new pegboard offers some extra organization. Check out her work at Tracy’s Trinkets and Treasures.

briwax potting bench makeover

If you’d like your latest project, room revamp, craft, or recipe considered for this series, be sure to send it to [email protected].   Thanks again Amanda for helping me round up some amazing picks, be sure to visit Amanda at her blog Serenity Now.

FYI, I picked up a terrible flu bug that has my head all fuzzy, so I’m making minestrone and curling up in bed with a book I’ve been meaning to read for awhile.  No worries kids, with plenty of Zicam, tea, and rest I’ll be back in no time. 

soup and tea

 

See you Tuesday at Sarah’s spray paint party!

 

 

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37 comments

  1. Weird. I’m also a bit under the weather and spent today eating home made soup, drinking lots of tea, and reading (you guessed it) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!

    I hope you feel better soon.

  2. Hope you feel better soon Kate! I love the BOTB posts, especially since things are a little slow on Sundays and you give us fun things to read. Enjoy your book – that series just gets better as it goes along!

  3. Hope you feel better soon! This weekend has been full of trying to tidy up our messy “man/woman cave” so I would almost trade it with you if I could. ;-)

    Love this blogpost, so many inspiring things!

  4. I always look forward to reading this post. Not only get great ideas- it also leads to great blogs that I haven’t discovered.

  5. Kate I can really relate right now. Feel Better! Thanks so much for the great links!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come and enter my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily

  6. SO MANY CLEVER PEOPLE OUT THERE!!!! Its really mindblowing- especially when you put all the great ideas together like that! I LOVE the tent for the kiddos- it would look so great in my living room- in a coordinating fabric (as oppsoed to the lovely polyester Cars-themed one Grammy got us for the little guys bday;)

    Hope you feel better soon- being sick, and being a Mommy is NOT fun!
    xoxo

  7. Hello there Kate. I had a nice weekend with my husband and daughters. We spent the whole Saturday malling, shopping, gardening, and baking some cakes.

    I have a home-office and Alicia’s converted desk is what I’m looking for. I have two broken dressers in my garage. I’ll just have to pair its color to my flooring and carpet.

  8. Prayers coming atcha for a quick and full recovery! Must you blog even when you’re sick??? Or is this “therapy” for you?? In any event, you are setting the bar waaayy to high for the mere mortals.

    P.S. Milk this for all it’s worth from the fam!!!:) Feeingl a craving for Ben & Jerry’s coming on??

  9. Theses are all great projects! Hope you feel better soon! That book has been on my nightstand forever! I really need to start reading!

  10. I love this series! I’m always inspired! However, I don’t have time to do all I see and love. *sigh* One day I’ll use your archives to do everything I want!

  11. Oh no! The flu is terrible! I love posts like this, the best of the best all in one place! I also adore The House of Smith’s gallery wall! I had to blog about it a few days ago also.

  12. OMG where’d your blogroll go? I’m spazzin’ ’cause I don’t have links to all of them yet. :(

  13. Hey Melanie, I compiled them all onto one page, that list was getting long, plus added a few more favorites! Look for the “Blogs I Heart” button in the sidebar, they are all listed there!

    xo
    Kate

  14. I’m sorry you’re feeling sick, I hope you get better soon! I have to say those Moroccan vases are my favorite, how clever!

    I have just started a new blog, I’d love for you to come check it out!

    repurposedlifedesigns.blogspot.com

  15. Such great ideas. I liked the post card pillow the best. Get well soon.

  16. Excellent book! I read the entire series. People either love them or hate them.

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