Open/Closed

I made this new sign for the window @ The Design Haus. I found 2 metal signs that had some hokey saying about bad cooking in the bargain bin at ThriftOMania. I pounded out the wire heart that was part of the scroll work. After spray painting them black I glued them back to back and one upside down so I would have the opposing scroll work top and bottom. I Mod Podged some left over gift wrap on the surface and then applied the lettering. I had never used something created on Cricut, pleased how easy it was! Thanks Laura for making the letters. It looked a little plain so I decided to Bling it up. Some Fleur de Lis and some chandelier findings and Voila!

Hope you never see this side of the sign!

I am linking this to Under the Table and Dreaming.

Bon Appetit

I found this super skinny vintage bread board at the World's Largest Garage Sale a few weeks back and had a hard time finding a super skinny graphic to put on it. I found one @ The Graphics Fairy that had the Spoon, Fork, and a Knife that was to wide so I cut it up and added the french wording. I used the transfer method described in a previous post Here. Of course I had to add my new favorite check ribbon! Find this at The Design Haus.

Mini Trough

I found this little trough when I was cleaning out the garage, it was horrible, painted orange with purple crackle glaze! I thought it was beyond help and I did not want to invest a lot of time or elbow grease into a project that might be a throw away. I painted it Heritage White and it covered well. It still had a really rough finish so I used some brown gel stain to make that finish an advantage. A black Fleur de Lis embellishment and this cast off makes a great storage container for guest towels or mail (bills) or whatever. Now available @ The Design Haus.

MB Reno

More Before pictures of the Reno from hell! This was the Master Bedroom color.

And this is the Bath.

Spent most of the weekend getting the first coat of paint on all the first floor rooms. Sherwin Williams Navajo White in the Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, and all the Bed Rooms. After I wanted Vanilla ice cream!

Sorry, no after photos yet I want to do a big reveal when all is done. That may be a year from now the way things are going!

Bee Hive

Can you guess what this started life as? You see them all the time at Garage Sales, Flea Markets and Thrift Stores. I have always passed them by because I couldn't figure out anything to do with them. Until I found this one, I really liked the frilly wrought iron edging.
It is a Trivet! I sprayed it all black then I Mod Podged an image found @ The Graphics Fairy and then antiqued it. I think it looks Tres Chic.
Here is the same image Mod Podged on a left over chip board box lid.

I like to work these little treasures on to shelves, a nice alternative to hanging everything on the wall.

Honey Bee

There was such a positive response to my previous posting on this transfer technique that I wanted to show my newest art project using the same technique on a different medium. Here I used a small 6x6 inch canvas that I painted brown first and then a coat of white. I used a great Honey Bee graphic found @ The Graphics Fairy, reversed it on the computer and printed off with an inkjet printer. I applied a coat of Mod Podge to the canvas and applied the image ink side down. Let dry over night (not great for the instant gratification minded). Soak thoroughly in water and when the paper softens, rub off gently, I use my finger and a circular motion. In this case I then tinted in the yellow areas with acrylic paint to get the striping for the Bee's body. Brush on another coat of Mod Podge to seal and then an antiquing coat of my new favorite color "Asphaltium". I did a light wash then I dabbed it around the perimeter with a sea sponge for that mottled look.

Now I have tried this transfer technique on wood and canvas. I like that I can hand tint the image after transferring, opens up all sorts of possibilities. I think this piece would be great grouped with other things for a wall collage, on a shelf, or nestled in a wreath. Sweet as Honey!

Reno Time

Have you missed me? Here is the project that I have been working on in my free time. I am helping my Brother-in-Law Dave and my Sister Jo reno my nephew's home to sell. Phil has joined the Army and has been posted out of town.

This is a big project! We are updating the entire house, a Mad Men era mid century style house. I should have started the picture process sooner but always forgot the camera! So here are some in process before shots of the kitchen. It was updated some time in the early 80's.

Dark cabinets, dark walls and scary floor!

More soon!

PARIS

I found this great photo of the Eiffel Tower already mounted with a huge rip in the corner. I could not pass it by, it was a steal! Some chipboard letters painted a glossy black and a blinged out Fleur de Lis strategically placed breathes some new life into a castaway.

Cottage Chic Table

Sometimes the Thrifting Muse smiles on you and I find something fun and unusual. A hexagon table in need of a make over! Painted it with SW Navajo White and some sanding a sealer and it is off to The Design Haus. Note the Paris pillow as art, image from The Graphics Fairy.

Bread Board Decor

I saw this great idea on Distressed Decor and had to give it a try. I found a old wood cutting board and painted it brown first and then cream. After the paint dried I gave it a lite sanding before applying the image I found @ The Graphics Fairy with Mod Podge. Follow the Tutorial @ Distressed Decor. I antiqued the board with a brown gel stain and added a black and white checked ribbon. C'est Bon!

UPDATE

Love it when someone loves my creations as much as I do. Check out my artwork @ The Graphics Fairy DIY blog. Thanks Karen for including me!

I'm linking this up @ Frugal Fridays @ The Shabby Nest