What inspires you? Weekly Inspiration #1

What inspires you? Is it a feeling? A textile? Color? Music? A painting? The options are endless. For me, most of the time, it's nature. I look around me and just marvel at the vast array of colors, textures and the way they are combined in glorious arrangements.

Have you ever just taken the time to look at what surrounds you outside the home? There seems to be a general sense that the outdoors are all neutral colors, but if you really look, there is a plethora of vibrancy out there as well as neutrals! That's what makes it so relaxing. There's a perfect balance between extremes. God is such an amazing artist!

I want to start taking you on a little inspirational journey each week. I'm thinking Monday would be a great day for some inspiration as most of us are trying to get back into the grind after our weekend off. We need a little "pick-me-up" to get us going. I'll be sharing one of my photos each week and then doing a Pinterest board with room decor options the photo inspired. The sky's the limit. This is just to get you going. Keep on pinning and make it your own.

Today, I'm inspired by this picture that I've shared before:

"Clover"
B.E. Interiors Photography

I love this picture! It has such great color variations and texture in the clover flower...makes me think of a tween girls bedroom, a pretty, feminine "lady's retreat" such as a dressing room or bachlorette's bedroom, or if you have a man who's really secure in his "manhood" a gorgeous inspiration piece for a dining room design!

I decided to take it in the feminine bedroom design idea with my pin board, titled "Inspiration #1". This picture just takes me in the glamorous direction and I went all out on the pretty stuff! I have to occasionally indulge that side of me as I get to do it little around here with all the testosterone that is floating around my house! I haven't figured out if you can export a board to your blog yet, so I just copied and pasted the items. To see the board, click here.

    
    
 

Now you see where my imagination takes me and have a peek into how nature just gets my wheels cranking. It's the oil for my engine:)  If you haven't joined Pinterest, you really should check it out. It takes care of all those little folders you have clipped images saved into!

I've just recently joined up and someone better hold me down! I'll be a pinning fool in a matter of days:) Follow along to see what I like by clicking the side bar button (that I can't seem to get added! Keeps saying "URL contains illegal character"? Anyone got an suggestions what to do to make it work?)

So, there you go. Weekly Inspiration #1 with a lot more to come. Hope you enjoyed it!

linking to:

A Secret!

O.k. I lied. It's not really a secret if you read blogs like this (decor and DIY), but I want to reinforce/restate it for emphasis:

Gorgeous, expensive looking rooms can be had for VERY little money!

Jennifer Lopez's Home via Veranda
See that painting? Gorgeous! Do you realize how easy you could make one similar for less than $50? Not to devalue or lessen this one in any way, but this is what you look for to create a look for less. Things you could duplicate or create near replicas of. Art is one of the easiest things to make yourself. Original work is so much more expensive looking than a print (more meaningful and beautiful as well) !

How many of you are intimidated at the thought of dealing with a designer, architect or contractor, or DIY? If I had to wager, I'd bet a bunch. Why? Because $ is what always comes to mind. And for a lot of people the lack of knowledge about those subjects and funds is scarey or overwhelming. Am I right?

via Andrew Raquet Interior Design
See that chandelier? Easy way to get the lux Italian look with an old cast off chandelier of basic shape! Simply wrap arms in cording or braid and hang tassels. Easy and gorgeous!

We live in a day and age where everyone is used to just going out and buying whatever they want - instant gratification. If you want it, it's out there....for a price. Our lovely little economic situation here in the U.S. is evidence of that. But, were there is a will,there is a way... to get the look without the price tag!

via Decor Pad
Spray paint some old ginger jar lamps for a pop of color. Use high gloss for lux.
Do you know how many of these old spool style beds I find in thrift stores?! I love them!

When I was growing up, there were times I thought I was getting the raw end of the deal because we had so little. I used to spend hours restitching clothes, coming up with endless outfit combos, and figuring out how to keep my wardrobe "cool". We NEVER went clothes shopping right before school unless we had outgrown EVERYTHING. Not because my parents were "mean" but because we just couldn't afford it. Four kids on one school teacher's salary (four kids & college! $$$$). Thus, the seed was planted. If you really want something, figure out how to get it for as little as possible. So it wasn't the raw end of the deal after all...it was God's provision... teaching me how to think out of the box.

via Decor Pad
Make a huge stand against the wall mirror for pennies (screams $$$). Check out a salvage store or
Habitat Re-Store for a discarded sheet mirror removed from a bathroom for dirt cheap. Simply take old
boards and miter the corners at 45° then liquid nail on. Wha-la!

When I got older and wanted to decorate my own home(s), I quickly realized I could do it for a fraction of what others were paying. I just had to get out the ol' thinking cap and get creative. Do you know what you are actually paying for with most of the high dollar price tag? Status, marketing, materials and labor. So, take away three and you're left with only materials. Now, obviously someone has to contribute labor - you. This is where you have to decide two things:

1. How bad do I really want this? If it's just to keep up with the Jones, you should forget it. I'm not an advocate of this way of thinking. The only thing that comes from that is debt and frustration later at money spent. It should be because it either meets a physical need in a pretty way, creates an environment you love being in, or satisfies a need for a challenge/creative outlet/money savings. NOT just because it's the "in" thing or because your confidence is linked to having it or not!
2. Could I do/make this on my own? Of course you can, if you really want to. It may just take a little practice and learning, but it does for even the pros! Don't be scared to give it a try or be discouraged if the first time is a flop. I can't tell you how many times I've chunked an idea and gone back to the drawing board or redone something several times to get it right.

Translate all this to your home. With a little elbow grease, planning and patience you can get the look for thousands less (and no one will ever know unless you tell them!).  I'm continually shocked at two things: the stuff people toss out just because they are tired of it and what comes back into fashion over the years. Amazing! That means, hit up a good thrift store, auction or estate sale at the right time and you'll score big! The trick here is thinking out of the box, not being a snob (i.e. thinking your too good to go in a thrift store or buy second-hand) and patience. Patience, patience, patience! I'd say 7 out of 10 times I drop in a store and I walk out with nothing. But then I hit the right day and...Bingo!

Inspired? GOOD! Now, go tackle that project you have been too scared to take on. Get the materials cheap enough and what have you got to loose...especially if you were going to pay someone to do it anyway? At least try. See if you can not only save money, but feel good every time you look at that finished project because YOU did it!

Master Bedroom Addition



Goodbye trunk....Hello bench!

 How do you like my newest thrift store find? See that bench? Yes... this one:

I found it brand new, still in the box unopened for an unbelievable price! I got it for the booth, but when I opened it all the way up and saw the colors of the fabric, I decided it was staying home with me. I 've wanted a bench at the foot of the bed for quite a while and it fits just perfect. So, the trunk moved locations and the bench took it's spot.

I also put my old painting of the Pineapple Fountain at Battery Park, Charleston, SC back up over the bed. I bought it shortly after Hubby proposed to me there over 12 years ago! Where does the time go? I had it over the bed for years, then relocated it, but decided it just belongs in that spot. It's still one of my favorite places...and was even before he proposed. Isn't it just gorgeous?

Appears I'm a little lopsided today!

via askmissa.com



via panoramio.com

There you go. A quickie for today. Got a lot to do this week so you can have some good reveals in the near future. Audios, amigos!

Back up and Punt!



My favorite piece of art which was made by my two oldest!
The only thing that will make a new piece as special as this one is that all three will have made it:)



Occasionally, the best of plans go awry. That would be the case with my dining room redesign. I had it all planned in my head, under budget, etc. Then, it just started falling apart. I just wasn't feeling it. It just wasn't clicking. Ever happened to you? The best test of your ability to design is how you deal with the issues that come up (my opinion).  I love watching Sarah Richardson's Design Inc. because she lets you see how that happens all the time with her team of designers. It's a fact of life. Sometimes, you just have to back up
and punt (Can you tell college football has started?!).

 My goal was to neutralize my dining room...using the same general color scheme but in a totally different way for as little as possible. The issue is that the family room, dining room and foyer are all open to each other meaning you have to keep the sight lines in mind when picking finishes and colors. It's all got to tie together. But, one thing after another kept going wrong. The only parts that went right from the beginning were the blue ceiling and chandelier remake. Which, honestly... are the best things that could go right. Neither were easy. The chandelier was to be my big focal point and it's the only thing I couldn't have done on my own. The rest I can handle "solo".
So, I just put the brakes on the other day and spent forever with a notebook and a pen.

Floor plan. Notice the how you see the family room from the dining room and the foyer is
essentially a part of the dining room.  The red represents rug placement to create some separation.

I listed every possible option that had crossed my mind for decor combos, then methodically narrowed it down based on a couple of things: budget, time, existing pieces and colors, etc. until I had the biggest WOW factor for the least amount of money. When I was done, I'd done a near 180°! Here's where I've been and gone:

1. Planned strie/dragging wall treatment...to solid. After I started the main wall, I stepped back to look at it and I realized there was just too much going on in the room for that to work. Too busy. So, back to white walls. Leave it white or paint new color?
2. Planned dining rug became no dining rug for now and new foyer rug! Long story short...found a brand new premium 5'x7' at the outlet up the road for 75% off!!!!!! Great colors and went great with existing family room which is directly connected. So, bought it for $50 ($400+/- new) and LOVE it! Adds the richness the room was lacking (remember...dining and foyer are all open space separated only by columns).
3. Color scheme planned was based on mainly blue & white...now based on new foyer rug. Loving it!
4. Curtain fabric was short 1 yard, so changed them up. May be changing again to coordinate better with new rug. Haven't decided yet.
5. Slipcovers fabric has completely changed.
6. My boys art work (shown at top) was to stay front and center...now they are creating new art work and the existing piece is moving to the family room.

The last few days I've been a busy bee (pun intended)! I've done a ton of painting, sewing and editing between workouts, soccer, dinners, school, grocery shopping, homework, house cleaning, play dates, planning a birthday party for boy #1..AND furniture painting (whew!). If I'm missing in action on Monday, it's because this busy bee is working overtime to present a finished dining room reveal AND new furniture piece!

Until then, you're in the dark and stayin' that way. I'll leave you with a peek at the two rugs I picked between for the foyer (yes...I didn't just buy one! I bought TWO! The one not used will go to the booth...it was that good of a sale!).

Rug option #1

Rug option #2.

 Aren't I just a booger?!

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Minor Wall Repairs with Joint Compound

I have a confession to make. I haven't painted the dining room walls yet. Nope. But, there's a reason. When I got ready to start last week, I realized that the area I'd taped out and painted as a "frame" on the wall was going to show through the paint! Oh, no! What's a girl to do?!

Well, let's see. Sand it? Tried that. I now have a layer of paint & drywall dust all over my dining room...probably on my "new" chandelier as well. I know it's all over poor Scottie Dog! After sanding, I painted it and guess what? I could still see it...plain as day. So, I realized I was going to have to do a little repair. Remember this monstrosity that was over our family room fireplace when we moved in?

See that lovely "architectural detail" over the fireplace? UGH!

It didn't come off the wall without a fight. A lot of patching was required, as well as a lot of paint, but I got 'er done! I'm proud to say that now you can't even tell it was ever there (thank goodness!). I've done a lot of repair work over the years, but nothing of that magnitude with drywall and wasn't how sure it was going to come out looking when I finished up (pregnant, mind you!).

This is now:

Oh, sooooo much better!

Well, it would seem that my repair "skills" were needed again with the dining room wall. (This room has become anything but easy to get done! Can just one thing go as planned?!)

Here's what it looked like prior to starting this whole renovation thing:

See how I'd painted out a white "frame" around the artwork? Yes, it has come back to haunt me!

And this is what it looked like after priming the walls, thinking I was going to leave that "frame" and adding yet another two layers of paint to it!

Now it was about 4 or 5 layers thick! Made a nice CRISP line!

After priming over it twice, thinking I would just cover it up and paint the walls, this is what I was staring at:

UGH!

So, I made a quick trip up to the building supply and got this. Those guys love me (wink, wink). I think I'm the only woman that comes in that doesn't work there! :



This stuff is just amazingly smooth...like Bud-ah!


It's very important to use JOINT COMPOUND on a repair like this...not spackle! It should be quite creamy and fairly thin. Once stirred up (if needed) it should look like this:

Using the dry-wall knife, I put a glob (like that technical word?) on the end:

and GENTLY drug my knife down the wall straddling the area needing to be patched, like so:

Initial application for coverage.

Then, I started smoothing by dragging my blade at about a 30 degree angle from the wall with gentle pressure...first down, then in an "X" pattern over the area. This stuff dries really fast, so don't over work it. Dried clumps can get in it and marr your finish. Just get it fairly smooth and move on. Better for it to be too high than too low (not enough). It sands like a dream and that's how you'll get it totally smooth...not with your knife. This stuff is also very forgiving...unlike spackle.

After one coat, it looked like this:

See the rough spots from appling with the knife? Just sand those babies out till smooth as silk!

I then took a fine sanding sponge like this:

Hi-tech equipment needed here (and some focus! Had the kids helping with these shots:).

and sanded in large circles smoothing it down until it was smooth as a baby's bottom!

Sanding in large circles.

There were just a few places that still didn't seem filled in enough, so I applied another thin layer.

When dry, I sanded that layer. I wiped down with a dry rag to get all the dust off (make sure to do this between layers of joint compound as well!). Use your hands to tell you if it's even and smooth... as well as your eyes. That's the trick to stuff like this: use all your senses you can...not just the obvious. Your fingers are super sensitive and will see things the eye can miss initially.

This is what it looked like once all patching and sanding was done:

Finished patch job.

Now it was ready for paint. On went the first and second coats of primer to get it even with the walls. And now, that wall is FINALLY ready for the paint treatment!

Really boring shot, but that's the point. No lines! Smooth as silk and ready for paint.

Rediculous! If I wasn't so hard headed, I'd probably just slap some paint up there and call it a day, but I really want the wallpaper look, so I'm determined to get my dragging technique on there!

In other news.....here's a few things that I'm working on for you in the near future:

1. How to make no pattern, pull over, dining chair slip covers,
2. How to make a stick/twig mirror, and
3. More furniture reveals, of course (speaking of, I may have to take a day or two and get caught up)!

I've got more up my sleeve, but I have to pace myself so I'll keep those a secret until I get to them! Now, go patch up those wall repairs that don't require tape. If you have kids, I'm SURE you can find at least one to practice on. We'll tape on another occasion (although I don't need it to be too soon....BOYS!). Are you reading this?!

Keeping Twiggy Dust Free

I'm laughing at one the comments on Twiggy right now! It's one the hubby asked and I've contemplated, but kind-of didn't really care what the answer was...'cause I had a challenge to tackle.

"How do dust this thing and keep it clean?!"

Hmmmm....... I could burn it when it gets too dusty? How about this:

Electric or Aerosol dusters!

I just figure I'll get one of the kids little toy fans that actually has some kick and blow it off occasionally. If it gets too dusty, I'll just pull this out:


 Just KIDDING! But seriously, got any better ideas?! If so, please share.

Keep your eyes open. I've got another post for today that I just couldn't get the last photo shot in with available light, so I've got to wait until morning. Then I'll post it. Two in almost one day! Boy, ya'll are lucky (wink, wink)!

Not Gonna Compromise!

"Japanese Maple in Autumn"
B.E. Interiors Photography 

This is way off topic from my normal, but it's on my mind and I felt the need to put it out there. (In other words, God's hitting me with a cattle prod...AGAIN! I think he gets his kicks from watching me squirm.)

Once again, I've got this little voice saying...put that out there in blog land for all to read. So, I'm not gonna argue this time. I don't win anyway. Here it is:

You know, it's frustrating to read what all the "experts" claim you should NOT talk about on your blog or whatever in order to be successful. See if you can guess what the two biggest were. Yep, religion and politics. I'm out to make my blog and business a success, so I hunt for tips only to find this. Lovely.

Well, I hate to break it to "them", but I'm not gonna filter who I am to get more readers (although it's always tempting because that's so much easier!). Not all of us are out to be politically correct or to get readers/followers just to win some unspoken popularity contest. That doesn't mean I don't want readers... I'd love to make a living doing this (I enjoy it THAT much!), I'm just not gonna compromise to get them. I'd love to one day be able to look back and say, "See! Who says following the blogging/business 'rules' are what will make you successful? According to them, I should be a failure, but my God is greater than any set of 'rules'! If he wants me to succeed by the world's standards...then by golly, move over! 'Cause there ain't no stopping him!"

But, it could very well be that He lead me to blogging for other reasons than worldly success in business. It could be that just one or two people needed to see my blog because of my lack of a "filter". That's reason enough for me. Heaven knows that I've been incredibly blessed since starting this five months ago. He's shown me a side of myself that needed work...one that struggles with remembering the reason for what I do and keeping priorities straight. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers game and forget your real reason for what you do and WHO you're doing it for. I can't tell you how many nights I've gone to bed asking for forgiveness for losing focus and ashamed for patting myself on the back instead of thanking God. Success is his to give and his to take. My blogging attitude and business sales is a constant finger on the pulse of my spiritual walk. It's like a constant mirror for me to look in and see the truth...second only to raising children. That is the biggest mirror you'll ever look into! I'm just being honest, folks. It's ain't easy to always  be honest. I don't pick that road because it's a cake walk!

I've been and continue to be blessed with this new outlet to use my talents - far beyond what I ever expected! I refuse, no matter how big a struggle it is or what the "experts" say, to ever forget or quit telling the world who gave me those talents, provided me with all I need to use them, brought buyers for my pieces - readers to my blog, etc. Like the old saying goes, we tend to grow closer in the storm...and it's a definite spiritual storm. You get tempted to quit at times, then puff up like a rooster at other times. It takes daily prayer to keep you head screwed on right!


I realize I take a huge risk of losing people when I mention my beliefs. I could be like so many people and carefully monitor what I post for fear of offending, but when you do that you're just a number and you aren't sincere. In my opinion, if I'm to be good at what I do (any and all things), my heart has to be in it. In order for my heart to be in it, Jesus Christ has to be in it as well. That's just who I am and what I stand for. He's greater than any social statistic or poll and will bring the readers/buyers I need. I don't need to pretend to be someone I'm not. I'm not out to impress the world. I am out to use my God given talents to honor Him, and if that offends someone, I'm truly sorry. That's not my intent. In fact, it really saddens me, but it's a reality I have just come to accept...as much as I hate it and wish I could change it.

So let me pose a question for you:

Do you compromise your beliefs in order to be "liked" or to fit in? I'm not going to lie to you, some people will love you for being strong, but others won't. That's o.k., though. I'd rather be liked for being honest than for being a fake or ashamed of my Lord Jesus. You don't have to rub your beliefs in everyone's face to be honest. Just tell the truth when asked why you do what you do. Set an example with your actions more than your words, but if He leads you to speak, do so boldly, but kindly and not abrasively. Be more worried about offending God than others. I mean, seriously...can people just drop a lightening bolt out of the sky and zap you (not saying he will...but not saying he won't either!). Be STRONG and in the end be able to say as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

If you're still reading this, then I wish I could give you a hug!  Thank you! May God bless all you who read my blog and love me for desire to be uncompromised and honest as I plod through the world of design! If we don't share common beliefs, then I'm just truly honored you put up with me:)

"Sun and Clouds"
B.E. Interiors Photography