Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Turquoise Wooden Pedestal Bowl

I went thrifting over the holiday weekend. Couldn't help myself! I found some diamonds in the rough. Or well...I hope they will turn out to be diamonds. LOL. I found a sturdy wooden bowl in good shape. Does it's shape really matter if my plans are too paint and shabby chic it anyway?? =)


BEFORE:


I gave it a quick sand. Nothing special. Just needed to rough the surface some. I mixed Americana craft paint using Desert Turquoise and Bahama Blue to come up with my very own color. ;)
I gave it two coats of my very own color.
Once dry, I sanded the edges. {LOVE}

AFTER:


I filled it with brown candles, smooth rocks in neutral tones and YES!! the pencil starfish! I LOVE the pencil starfish. It happens to add just the right beachy feel for this landlocked, only been to the ocean one-time in my life, Montana girl!




Although this doesn't match ANY of my decor, I'm still swooning!

Partying at the following:
The Lettered Cottage
Show and Tell Linking Party @ Blue Cricket Designs
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Fun-Day Friday @ Little Lucy Lu
VIP Party #17 @ Designer Garden
Everything But the Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Sundae Scoop Link Party @ I Heart Naptime
UndertheTableandDreaming



The DIY Show Off

Photobucket


Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great day!
Carri

Monday, May 30, 2011

Easy, Decorative DIY Frames

While shopping yesterday...I picked up some items to create a couple fun frames.

Here's what I used:
2 unfinished picture frames
2 pieces of scrapbook paper
2 pieces of felt
Bahama Blue craft paint
Fern craft paint
Walnut Distress Ink
Mini Clothes Pin
Mini Metal Clip
Mod Podge
Sandpaper

Here's what I did:



First, I painted both frames.
One Bahama Blue and one fern.


(I used Distress Ink on the green one...just to see if I liked it. lol)

I traced the outline of the frames on the
scrapbook paper and cut out the outline.
I put mod podge on the front of the frame
and placed them front down on the paper.
Once dry, I used an xacto and cut off the excess paper.
I sanded the edges and distressed with Distress Ink.
I cut felt pieces to size and place them in the center.
I tied hemp string around both and
added a mini clothes pin and the metal clip to each.



Yes? They turned out super cute!
Thanks for stopping by! Follow me for more fun!

Partying @ the Following:
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumos Sweet Stuff
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime
Run With Glitter Link Party #11 @ Running With Glitter
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Show and Tell Linking Party @ Blue Cricket Designs
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Sundae Scoop Link Party @ I Heart Naptime

The Lettered Cottage

Have a great Memorial Day!
Carri

Thursday, May 26, 2011

? Can't post comments?

What the hell??

I can't post comments on blogs. Any suggestions??

*updated: as it seems, I am not the only one who can't post comments to other bloggers or even on my own blog. SO...check your email, I may be leaving you a message there. AND please know that I appreciate your comments and welcome email messages*

Thanks!

A Cloche to protect

Again...cheese cloches are all over blogland and are nothing new. But they can still be OH.SO.FUN. I just happened to find one the same day I found my "who found, repurposed and blogged about one of these already?" stand. I couldn't resist it. I just couldn't!


BEFORE:
*yes...I nearly missed the before pic*
(just your basic cheese cloche and basket base)

I lightly sanded the plate and the base. The base came off of a thrift store basket. Saaawweeet!
LOVE it!
I gave them both a coat of Burnt Umber and then SW's Divine White. I glued them together with E6000. Once dry, I sanded them and stained with distress ink.

NOW:

I added a piece of light turquoise tissue paper, a pair of baby shoes both my boys wore and a pacifier. Oh man! Talk about capturing a TON of memories in one little cloche. A cloche is used to protect a plant from frost.
But, I am using it to protect something a little closer to my heart. ;)


(took out the tissue paper...it wasn't working for me)


*sigh*

I happen to {heart} it very much!
And you?

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Everything But The Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack
Fun Day Friday @ Little Lucy Lu
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Show Off
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Show and Tell Linking Party @ Blue Cricket Designs
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Fun-Day Friday @ Little Lucy Lu
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

The Lettered Cottage

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to follow me and come back again!

Have a great day!
Carri

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The "who found, repurposed and blogged about one of these already" Stand

Ok...soo...for the last hour~ An hour, I will never get back...I have been playing a little game called, "who found, repurposed and blogged about one of these already?" I know it! What a LONG title for such a mind numbing game huh?? Well despite my best efforts (which were very good) I can't for the bloglife of me find the blog where a similar repurpose took place. Game over-I lose. boo hiss!!

I just saw it not too long ago on thee blog of thee bloggess. NOW~>if you are the awesome blogger who repurposed one of these little gems DO let me know and I will get you added to this post. I'd love to attribute the source of my inspiration!

Whew! Exhausted!
Anyway, here is my version of
"who found, repurposed and blogged about one of these already?"



Whaawhoo! What a neat lil thrift store find!
I gave him a light sanding, wiped the dust away and gave him a coat of spray primer.
Once dry, I mixed, mixed and remixed various blues and grays using mostly craft paint. I came up with my own color of blue. Sadly, it turned out blue'r' than anticipated but that's ok.
I painted the drawer pull with Burnt Umber craft paint.


(eek...he looks baby blue here BUT he isn't really)

I sanded his edges a tad and added Walnut Distress Ink. I also ran the distress ink across the top, sides, insides and drawer front to give him a weathered look and to deepen the blue.



*crickets*
still lookin' a lil too blue here too...hmmm
must be because I don't know how to use my camera
=)
I may add more Distress Ink. Haven't decided.
I still like the way he turned out too blue or not!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love for you to follow me!

Partying @ the following:
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Everything But The Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack
Fun Day Friday @ Little Lucy Lu
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Show Off
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
The Lettered Cottage

Have a great day!
Carri


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Thrift Find~Wooden Candle Trays

My lovely Momma who is a thrifting expert (tee hee) brought me home these two gems. Oh yeah...it didn't take long to decide that they needed a shabby chic face lift.
So here is what I started with:




One was dark smoky blue and the other was dark green. I washed the dust off them and painted them both with Burnt Umber craft paint. I top coated the smaller tray with Desert Turquoise craft paint and the larger one with SW's Divine White. Once dry, I used my Dremel tool to sand the edges, hand sanded the rest with medium grit paper and then distressed with Walnut Distress Ink.

Here they are NOW:

~From dark green to Desert Turquoise~

DIY Milk bottle tutorial here.

 ~Dark Smoky Blue to Distressed Divine White~


(yep...repeat offender...can't help it...I{LOVE} that darn pencil starfish)

These thrift finds were turned into treasures...
to be sold, gifted, or kept. =)

Partying at the following:
Anything Goes Party @ Type A
Homemade Projects @ Tip Junkie
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Show Off

Thanks for stopping by! Follow me for more fun!

Have a great day!
Carri





Monday, May 23, 2011

Chippy Shutter

While thrifting a while back, I found a set of white(ish) shutters for super inexpensive. And in great shape! Couldn't resist a deal like that. I FINALLY decided to tackle one and redefine it. It is now a chippy *photo, card, mail* holder and resides in my kitchen by my breakfast bar. {LOVE}

BEFORE:


I used my Dremel and skimmed the edges, slats and varying places in between. Then I used Walnut Distress Ink to "stain" the areas where I sanded. I didn't redo the hinges...I should have. And will. But, it will have to wait until the weather is good again.

NOW:


Sweet, simple, inexpensive...
To which my son said, "oh wow...what happened to that thing?"
And I replied, "I sanded it to look like that."
On his heel he turned and offered, "well it looks kinda old!"
=) What a great perception for a 6 year old. (=

I like it but am thinking at some point it may become a different color. But, for now...it works great like it is!! I love shutters. Hope you like it too.

Find me at the following link parties:

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Motivate Me Monday @ Keep It Simple
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Running With Glitter Link Party @ Running With Glitter
Anything Goes Party @ Type A
Homemade Projects @ Tip Junkie
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Show Off
~~>you can find Redefining C on Facebook
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

and Up Words & On Words (vinyl) on Facebook and Etsy<~~

Have a great day!
Carri

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Good Friends and Good Family

:( Sadly...I don't have any projects to rattle on about today. BUT, I did spend the weekend with family and friends. And I must say it has been LONG overdue. It's sad that life is such that we get "too" busy to just sit back and enjoy a few good things. Our weekend included watching it rain like crazy, attending my husband's cousins graduation and celebrating good times at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. If you aren't sure what that is...google it. You will soon get the gist of what a party it is!! =)

In order to all be together for the weekend, we drove through a ton of rain. Inches upon inches have fallen in Central/Eastern Montana since late last week. The creeks that are usually dry have been flowing like mad and farm land and pastures look like lakes. The river is high and is rising as we speak. It is suppose to continue raining off and on all week. Flooding is occurring all over. Basements, washed out railroad tracks, dirt roads, river banks, creeks and unfortunately most farmers haven't even got their crops planted. :(



I forgot to take my camera along with me this weekend. boo hiss. Yep, I usually take it along for the ride but rarely ever take pictures. It would have come in pretty handy as I have NEVER seen water in our area like this before! It's crazy! I mentioned in another post that I am flagging for road construction. I noticed on my way home that a sign series had been tipped over and is now drowning in a ditch full of water that mostly resembles a lake. Only the tires are showing and some part of the sign. A.LOT.OF.WATER! (for our area, mind you) 

So. Eek...that makes it a little hard to get right out there and get the spray paint projects done. But, as long as we are safe, I can't ask for too much more. I hope that the flooding isn't too destructive and I will pray for the safety and well being of those who are being affected. Is it the worst thing ever?? Probably not...but it definitely still effects our lives.
Have a great Sunday!
Carri

Saturday, May 21, 2011

I've Been Featured @ Literally Inspired

Ginger over @ Literally Inspired featured my DIY Pedestal Picture Frame here!!


I'm super excited! Thanks so much for the nod!
If you haven't stopped by Ginger's blog yet, do so! She has some great tutorials and neat projects! =)

literally inspired

Thanks again Ginger!
Make it a great Saturday!
Carri

Thursday, May 19, 2011

So much to do...

Hi all! I haven't posted in a couple days. My apologies for being MIA. The weather has been crap! Makes it tough to spray paint. boo hiss! In the meantime~~>I have been collecting morsels of FUN for upcoming projects. And working on a VERY big vinyl order. I have also started flagging for road construction again. In fact I am sitting here on rain delay. Op...just got a call. Oh *joy* I get to head out and get rained on all day probably off and on. Be prepared for posts about my adventures working with the traveling public. Oh the stories I could tell. =)

Stay tuned and thanks for your patience.

Have a great day!
Carri

Monday, May 16, 2011

LIVE laugh LOVE Milk Bottles-DIY

Oh...I love love love these! I CAN NOT lie! And they are a fairly easy DIY creation. Clicking though blogland I stumbled upon this idea at Kindness Matters. Tracy did such a great job and I loved her bottles at first sight. Sooo~~>I made my own "redefining" them a tad. Thanks Tracy for the wonderful inspiration! I love how your bottles turned out!

*here are MY bottles...I had to post the pic up here so that the pic showed up in the blog reel. Anyone know how to choose which picture I want to show up?*


OK...
Here are her white bottles
embellished just right
 and topped with super cute ribbon:

Photo belongs to Kindness Matters.

If you haven't already guessed...these are frappucino bottles. Purchased in a 4 pack and filled with YUM-O flavored coffee inside. They are kind of spendy but a girl has to do what a girl has to do! =)



So here's what I did to "redefine" 'em:
Washed 'em of course. Lids too.

Then I put some Divine White paint inside with a tiny bit of water. I turned the bottles slowly until the interior was coated well. I poured the extra paint out and into a cup. I waited and waited and waited for the excess to flow out. But only until I was happy with how much had ran out and then called it good! I set them outside to dry. It took all day.
In the meantime, I spray painted the lids using Rustoleum's Textured Dark Brown. How stinkin' fun is that paint?? I also used it HERE on a set of decorative DIY jars.



I wrapped the neck of one bottle with hemp and tied the other two with burlap strips. No rhyme or reason as to how much hemp or how wide of strips. Just went with it! ;)

Then, I created an Up Words & On Words vinyl design and used my Silhouette to cut the lettering in Turquoise. I placed the vinyl on the bottles, put the lids back on and
 BAM! Cute-ness x3.






Whattaya think?
I {LOVE} them!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love it if you'd like to follow me and join the fun!

Partying at the following:
Monday:
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Running With Glitter Link Party @ Running  With Glitter
Wednesday:
Whassup Wednesday @ Elements Interiors
Thursday:
Transformation Thursday
The Lettered Cottage
Everything But The Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack
Fun Day Friday @ Little Lucy Lu
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Show Off
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
VIP Party #17 @ Designer Garden
SNS #84 @ Funky Junk Interiors
Sundae Scoop Link Party @ I Heart Naptime

Have a great day!
Carri