I can’t believe this year is almost over, and come to think of it, an entire decade !   2009 has  flown by at record speed.  It’s true what they say, “The days are long but the years are short”, and boy do they get shorter every year !

Anyway, I thought I’d post a roundup of some of the non-holiday focused crafty and creative projects I’ve completed in this past year, especially for those friends who are new to this blog.  Last week was a roundup featuring thirty of my Before & Afters of 2009.  Check it out right here if you missed it. 

Now for the creative and crafty roundup !

This fabric covered headboard is surrounded by decorative painted trim for a romantic and feminine look in the bedroom.

This DIY jewelry tree is an eco chic way to display jewelry, inspired by Urban Outfitters.  It was featured on Casa Sugar.

This Ballard Designs inspired laundry room drying rack was a cinch to put together and the effort has paid off handsomely.  It dries all our delicates and sweaters.  Love it !  It was also featured on Apartment Therapy !

Inspired by Restoration Hardware, I framed some vintage skeleton keys I found at a local salvage shop. 

Read the rest of this entry »

I’m way late in this publication, but it’s time to send a big THANK YOU to those of you who linked up to the DIY Ornament Party earlier this month.

Your creativity is just off the charts!  I was overwhelmed with the fantastic ideas, and now it’s time to share some of them.  Here’s a roundup of some of the original handmade creations that you’ll surely want to bookmark for next year.

Pearl Encrusted Stars and Anthropologie Inspired Tree Topper

by Decor to Adore

Cardstock ornaments by My Domicile Style

Ruffle Pomander by KoJo Designs

Read the rest of this entry »

Hiya friends.  I was just looking back through the archives doing a little blog housekeeping.  In looking back to February to the beginning of this little online adventure of mine, it seems I’ve been a teensy bit busy.  In hindsight, all I can say is I should have bought stock in some home improvement and fabric stores, cause I sure spent a few cents throughout the year sprucing up some stuff. 

A few folks have been asking for a roundup, and perhaps a few of you who are new around here may have missed some of these crazy schemes eager projects. 

So here’s a look back at thirty of my Before and Afters from this past year.  These were all completed by yours truly and include a range of projects, from the smaller afternoon paint transformations to some totally overhauled spaces.  They’re in no special order of importance. 

For the full articles, just click on the titles . . 

. . . and away we go !

# 30 – Garage Sale Benches

This pair of mismatched benches were forced to coordinate with some gel stain, and then recovered with some bright fabric and pom pom trim to create tea party perches in my daughter’s room. 

#29 – Balcony Upgrades in One Afternoon

Mr. CG’s office mates had a plain balcony until I upgraded it in an afternoon as a birthday present. 

Before:

After: 

This use of river rocks was featured by Apartment Therapy as a great way to mulch plants. 

For the full tour of the entire balcony space, click here.   

Read the rest of this entry »

I started working on this idea a few weeks ago, and finally got around to finishing up this little experiment of mine just the other day.  I wanted to create some original candles with plain glass containers and soy wax for the holidays and to give as gifts. 

Here is the first of the four candles I created.  This version has a cranberry tinted soy wax inside a plain glass oval container – it is painted and embellished with a glittery seasonal message. 

Read the rest of this entry »