Thanks to the folks over at CSN Stores, I was honored to choose an item from their line of products to giveaway on my site.  So one of you will be the lucky recipient of this lovely white earthenware Lenox Berry Bowl, which retails on the CSN Stores site for $60.  It includes the silver serving spoon !

One can never have enough white ceramic decor, right?  This piece is designed to be used as a table worthy colander, but this bowl is actually quite versatile.  You can use it all summer long to wash your freshest berries, and it will come in especially handy for your Fourth of July soiree.  But you’ll never put it away.  Why?

This autumn, you could use this bowl to display a festive pumpkin in your home, or on your Thanksgiving table.  See ?

Then during the Christmas season, you might fill it with ornaments for your best holiday dinner party:

Better yet, before summer is out, you should line it with plastic, fill it with ice, and take it to the beach.  Don’t forget the limes: 

** special thanks to my brother Nate for his Photoshop skills **  

Now that you’re convinced this will be a delightful addition to your home, you need to do two simple things to be eligible for this most splendid giveaway. 

In a comment, you must: 

1) Visit the platform beds link at CSN Stores and tell me which one of their platform beds you would use in your home.  No obligation to buy friends, just visit the link. 

2) In your comment, copy and paste yet another link to a fabulous DIY project.  Bonus points if it’s yours. 

That’s all folks. 

Remember, I am amassing a collection of your original DIY projects in the Links Library on my website with a link to your site, so don’t hesitate to prop yourself up.  If you’re not in the mood for self-promotion, you can still qualify by including a link to a DIY project that lately has inspired you.  (No fair linking to one of mine, though I would be most flattered.)

Tell all your friends so they can get in on the giveaway.  Eligibility ends at 8 p.m. PST on Sunday.  The winner will be chosen at random by Random.org and announced on Monday morning. 

Have a most relaxing weekend.

Earlier I hinted at the stash of exceptionally tacky brass objects I picked up at the Goodwill yesterday.  I had been looking for the perfect little table to sit next to my master bathtub for keeping soaps, washcloths and other bath products handy.  Then I spotted a hideously shiny metal table that I knew I could transform with just a bit of spray paint.

Here are the items before the transformation.  They consist of a shiny brass table and candlesticks, rusty planter, tarnished mint julep cup and brassy framed mirror.  Total rejects right?  Wrong.

Here’s my transformation:

First things first.  Read the rest of this entry »

Friends, you are awesome.  Thanks for all of the positive feedback on my girl’s room.  I am feeling very fortunate today. 

Many of you asked for ‘Before’ photos of my daughter’s room, so here is one from last year, after I had, quite frankly, given up on the space.  Notice the dollhouse was in need of a major remodel with its old fashioned decor and skirt, and the kid clutter was everywhere !    Before the green desk, there was a park bench from our rear yard in her room (on the left).  That just makes me laugh. 

Before:

   The After, featured in yesterday’s post: 

Read the rest of this entry »

Over the weekend I finally finished my five year old daughter’s bedroom.  Take a tour through this bloom filled room with me, and remember all of the DIY projects that contributed to the final result.

The window panels shown below are simple sheers in blush pink and in white to allow for plenty of light, with a glass knob rod from Target.  She has a inside mount shade underneath that blocks light for naps or bedtime.  The silk covered tufted bench you’ll remember from this thrift store transformation.

The bedding was a bit of a splurge.  It is the Bedding of Roses from the Land of Nod, with matching euro shams.  I had contemplated making my own version with two flat sheets and some ruffle trim, but because this was the perfect shade of blush pink, I bought the set instead.  The personalized bolster pillow I embroidered myself, then added some ribbon detail.  The paisley pillow was $10 at Marshalls.

Next to her bed is a nightstand that I bought for $3 from a yard sale last year.  I painted it white, and then spray painted the decorative pull a soft pink.  The jewelry holder I made last week with this project.  I bought this handmade doll several years ago at a local shop.

Next to the nightstand sits a dollhouse, built by Mr. CG many years ago.  It sits on my old coffee table from college.  The table is not attractive, so I hid it under the gathered tablecloth I sewed from some Waverly fabric, again in paisley print.  We hide toys and shoes underneath the skirt.  All of her dollhouse furniture is kept organized in some baskets from Michael’s and some hat boxes from the Land of Nod.

Then there is the girly glamorous closet I featured in this post.  I just love the beaded velvet curtains, the striped wall, and the green ‘Dresses’ sign above.

Next to the closet is last month’s painted cabinet project sitting below, with the oak painted mirror from this project hung above.

On the dresser is an antique milk glass vase with some peonies.  The fringed table runner is made from just a bit of toile I with a simple sew project.  Behind the door are some sweet little hooks for holding all things girly, like purses or ballerina tutus.  I will use them to hold sweaters and her robe as well.  In the corner is the cherry tree mural from this project.

On the cherry tree wall is the sweet little green painted desk from this project that I bought from a local thrift store for less than $10.  The vanity stool is from this project.  She has two of them, and uses them for impromptu tea parties.

And I cannot part with the little ballet slippers that she has long since outgrown.  They make great decor !

So here it is, finally finished.  The bed was a floor sample I picked up at a local shop for $300 when she was only one (and it was in storage for a year).  I couldn’t resist the look, and the price.  And if you’re curious, the chandelier I made myself in this project many months back.  The canopy was made with last week’s Velcro solution.

This one’s pretty happy with her lovely little space!

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