Home Decor – Page 7 – Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys

5 Minute Vintage Crock Succulent Arrangement

Published on July 29, 2015July 30, 2015 by Jenna1 Comment

We have an odd little nook in our Master Bedroom between the dresser and the closet door that just wasn’t living up to its full potential. I‘ve tried a few things in this spot but nothing seemed to fit quite right. Then I noticed several of my favorite blogs using plants in large baskets or vintage crocks. LIGHTBULB! I’d already been on the hunt for a large crock after someone beat me to one on the local buy/sell page so I knew that was the option I’d choose.

After losing out on one on the local buy/sell page, I spotted this beauty at an antique shop for 20% off because of a crack on the back, making the final price around $60. Since no one would see the back once it was in place that didn’t bother me at all. See you can’t even tell it has a crack can you?!

Once I had it home I searched for an indoor plant that would do well with minimal maintenance and low light since the dresser blocks the light from the sliding door in this spot. Unfortunately, everything I liked didn’t fit those criteria so the crock sat empty for a week or so. Then I spotted some large faux succulents at Michaels while browsing the other day and immediately knew they were the perfect option, so I picked out four stems along with one that would cascade down the front of the crock.

I dug out a Styrofoam block I’d had forever and started arranging the stems by sticking them down into it. I started with the two larger stems, placing them on alternating corners of the block.

Next, I added the other two stems and the cascading piece to create this arrangement.

I filled the bottom of the crock with a small box and some packing filler to create a ledge for the Styrofoam block to sit on.

Then I just plopped the arrangement on top and turned it this way and that until I liked how everything lined up.

I could have left it just like this, but seeing the little bit of extra space on the sides of the arrangement would have eventually driven me crazy so I added a bit of moss I had on hand to finish it off.

I’m downright giddy with how it turned out – and the fact that I don’t have to water or prune it and that I know for certain it’s not hazardous for our fur babies just sweetens the feeling.

So there you have it. The easiest 5 minute arrangement ever. I’d love to hear what you think of our new faux greenery, so leave a comment below!

Shared on Knick of Time’s Vintage Inspiration Party #199!

Thrifitng Karma

Published on July 27, 2015 by Jenna1 Comment

As I was driving past the thrift shop around the corner from my office the other day, something said I should stop in and just take a look. I’m a firm believer in trusting my gut so I pulled for a quick peek. I’m glad I did because it yielded a pretty bevy of treasures! I got all of this for just $46. Apparently my gut can sense awesome thrifty deals from a mile away. 🙂

I plan to use some of the pieces as is, like the plant in the small crock and the cloche, but I’ve already got a few ideas for DIY makeovers on other pieces such as that blue bunny sign. I may also update a piece or two for resale at the holiday bazaar I’ve booked just after Thanksgiving, but if they find a ‘spot to belong’ in my home before then I won’t be upset about it.

Have you found any great bargains while thrifting recently? I’d love to hear about them, so share them in a comment below!

A Simple Change

Published on July 16, 2015July 16, 2015 by Jenna1 Comment

Ever since we finished our farmhouse desk and industrial shelves in the office I noticed that my craft cart wasn’t quite coordinating with the new look so I decided to switch out the knobs for something more vintage or industrial. I searched online for a while and found some really cool options like these railroad spike heads and these numbered numbered pulls, but the $8-9 a knob price tags were a bit more than I wanted to spend on this project. So I did what any bargainista would do – I used spray paint!

A few quick coats of my trusty ORB spray paint and I had some industrialesque knobs for FREE! It made quite a difference when I reinstalled them.

They add a bit of dimension to the piece now, where before it felt kind of flat. It makes me fall in love with this great piece of furniture all over again.

I’m considering tweaking a few other things in this corner to work a bit better and add a bit more industrial style but I’m enjoying how well it coordinates with the rest of the room now – and didn’t cost a dime!

Linked to The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse, The Everyday Home, Confessions of a Plate Addict, and White Lace Cottage.

An Update Underfoot

Published on June 27, 2015June 27, 2015 by JennaLeave a comment

When our old dining room wool rug develed a hole, I began the hunt for a replacement. I eventually decided to go neutral with a jute fiber rug and found this one at Target. Although they didn’t sell it at any of our local stores in the right size, I was able to order it online with free shipping and it was delivered right to our door!

I’m loving the texture of the new rug and it’s super soft underfoot. There are little hints of color in the cross fibers, which tie in well with the other colors in our decor.

Like any jute rug, it does develop loose ends from time to time, but I just tuck them back into the weave of the fibers. If that’s not possible, I just trim them down a bit so they aren’t noticeable.

I also found a matching runner for the laundry room, something I’ve been hunting for – for a very long time! Luna wasn’t very impressed, since it didn’t involve more food in her dish.

I also replaced the rug in the Family room with an indoor/outdoor rug I found at Lowes for $70. Because it has a tighter weave than the rug we had here before, it doesn’t seem to collect as much dirt, which is an improvement for my allergies. Apparently Tequila approves of this change because she often chooses this spot to nap during the day! So I guess that means it’s a keeper. 🙂

Quick DIY Wall Art

Published on June 11, 2015July 13, 2015 by Jenna1 Comment

Today I want to share a quick DIY sign I recently created. I’ve had this Uppercase Living vinyl for some time now, as in more than 3 years because it was purchased for the house we planned to rent in FL when we thought we were being transferred there. Anyway, I loved the phrase so I kept it with the intention of using it at some point. Unfortunately, I’d ordered it in “oat” which was just a shade lighter than our current wall color so I knew it wouldn’t show well if I applied it directly to the wall. I’d considered using a scrap board as a background like I did for the Laundry Room sign, but just hadn’t gotten around to it. Then I spotted this pallet board at Michaels and inspiration struck, especially since I had a coupon for 40% off!

The construction was pretty basic, several boards secured on the back with cross pieces and a twine hanger at the top. There were several color options – unfinished, white washed and this stained color, which I was immediately drawn to and knew would contrast nicely with the color of the vinyl. With my coupon it cost me around $10.

I was pretty sure it was just the right size for the vinyl, so when I got it home I tested it out and it fit perfectly!

I followed the instructions that came with the vinyl and applied it to the board. I could have called it done then, but I wanted to give it a bit more character so I decided to rough it up a bit with the sander.

Although I did a very light pass on the entire piece there were a few spots that got a little too roughed up due to how they sat on the joints of the wood.

I was slightly distraught about it, but decided to try to find a solution rather than give up on the project.

I started small with the leaf that that was damaged to build my confidence. I used an exacto blade to trim small pieces of damaged vinyl away, reshaping the leaf as needed to work around the missing pieces. I think it worked pretty well.

I did the same on the lettering with decent results. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than the rough edges I started with.

I took a step back to get some perspective and realized that neither spot was very noticeable from a distance. Luckily, our guests don’t typically inspect my décor up close, so it passes muster. I love that the sanding gives it a rustic feel, which also plays into being a little imperfect.

And here it is in our bedroom above the TV. At that height no one will notice my little ‘patched’ areas and it also disguises my other little goof on this project. I’m not saying what that goof was because I want to see if anyone else notices it or if I’m just being too much of a perfectionist! If you think you know what it is, leave a comment below! 🙂

Goin’ Pickin’

Published on June 4, 2015July 13, 2015 by JennaLeave a comment

Last weekend I attended a special sale of antiques and vintage finds brought back by the Alaska Picker on their recent trip to the lower 48. They previewed most of what would be available on their Facebook event page in the weeks prior to the sale to get everyone excited. For overly organized peeps like me it was the perfect way to develop a game plan. There were a couple of items I was interested in, but my main goal was to snag one of the Dr. Pepper wood crates they’d found in a large batch of various soft drink crates. There were only three available so when I arrived on site before the sale started I staked a claim to a spot where I could bee-line for one.

When the air raid siren sounded to mark the beginning of the sale I jumped into action and was the first to grab one. A woman behind me quickly claimed the other one visible in the stack next to the one I’d pulled mine from. I never did see the third one.

Once I had my treasure clenched in my hands, I browsed around a bit and spotted this fun folding chair for just $22. I wasn’t sure where I’d use it in the house, but knew it would be a fun prop for my photography sessions so I added that to my haul.

Before I made my way inside to pay I also spotted some funky little metal drawers. I thought they’d look great in the office holding the hub’s odds and ends. And at $6/each they didn’t break the budget, so they came home too.

In the end I only spent $85 – not bad with all that was available! I did pace myself a bit since I will be attending the massive Funky Junk Sister’s Junk Salvation Vintage Market in Puyallup, WA later this month when we visit family nearby. And I know I’ll be making a large purchase at the Alaska Picker’s sale this fall, when they bring back an old windmill they found on this trip as a special request from me, but didn’t have room for! I plan to hang it as art on a large bare wall in the guest room, just like I’ve seen done on my favorite HGTV show, Fixer Upper! You can be sure I’ll share both my haul from the Junk Salvation Market and the windmill wall art once they happen! 🙂

The Beginnings of a Gallery Wall

Published on May 26, 2015 by JennaLeave a comment

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed the weekend and did something special to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy. We tackled several projects over the long weekend and have plenty of complaining muscles to prove it! We were so busy that I didn’t even have time to edit the photos yet, but I plan to get to that tonight so I can start sharing them tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s a little project I did last week. Remember back in January when we hung our massive new TV on the wall and I mentioned I planned to do a gallery wall around it? Well I finally did.

Although I originally had a layout all figured out it didn’t fit quite the way I anticipated, so I rolled with it and just hung things in a similar pattern. I could have done the Pinterest trick of cutting out templates for each piece to test it all before I committed, but I wasn’t feeling patient enough for all that. And it seems to have turned out ok without the extra effort. I’m enjoying the Pottery Barn look it gives the Family Room and the fact that most of the pieces hold a special memory for the hubs and I is even better.

On the right is a pencil sketch of me with my horse done by a friend and a wooden arrow pointing to a photo of the hub’s mom and dad in Italy on their last trip together. I love that that the arrow points to their photo as if it’s pointing it out. Can you believe I found it on a daily deal website, stained and ready to hang, for just $12? Talk about a great bargain! And the wood tones fit perfectly with the rest of the pieces in the gallery.

Here’s a full shot of the pencil sketch. It’s nice to have it out on display again after it’s been packed away for so long.

Next to the sketch is a metal star I picked up a while back, but can’t remember where and Sangria’s paw print plaque. I added a small saw-tooth hanger on the back with heavy duty industrial glue and let it cure overnight to make sure it had a good seal.

The left side includes a framed postcard from our trip to Tucson for a friend’s wedding, where we saw the world’s largest rose bush alongside a photo of my kitty before Luna, Kitty Meow. Below that is a watercolor portrait of the hub’s previous dog, Kenai as a puppy. I had it commissioned as a gift shortly after we were married by the same artist friend who did the sketch of me and my horse . Next to that is a Bruce Nelson print, which was the first artwork the hubs and I bought together after getting married. And a lovely rusty metal D rounds out this section.

Here’s a close-up of the watercolor portrait, which was done from a photo the hubs loved.

And here’s a good look at that metal D. I was totally giddy when I found this gem at a local antique trunk show for just $20! The rusty patina adds so much character and ties into the other browns in the other pieces.

It’s still a work in progress, as I plan to continue adding to the collection by making a wood slice chalkboard sign with some of my favorite song lyrics and an industrial looking 907. Eventually, it will probably take up the whole wall, but for now, having room to grow is just fine. 🙂

A Minion Pedestal

Published on May 21, 2015 by Jenna2 Comments

Remember a while back we had our family minionized? Well now that the desk is complete it was time they found a permanent home where they could be on display. I also wanted them to have a little platform to sit on, so when I saw a small unfinished wood plaque in the dollar bin at Michaels that was just the right size, I snagged it. I did the same finish on the pedestal as I did on the dog bowl stands, starting with a coat of stain, then some grey paint and a light sanding for a bit of distressing. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and modern.

They live on my side of the desk, between my “inbox” and my supply caddy. From across the room you don’t notice them much, but up close they just make you smile. And now that they are out in the main living area rather than our bedroom, guests can see them and enjoy them as well, which makes me even happier. 🙂

Cabinet Top Décor – The Final Lineup

Published on March 24, 2015 by Jenna1 Comment

Some time back I shared a little update on my cabinet top décor and mentioned I still wasn’t crazy about it as a whole so I’d live with it for a while. I did just that and have finally found the perfect lineup. The previous arrangement seemed a bit crowded, so I removed the green glass jar, which now holds a candle in my holiday décor arrangements.

Next I swapped out the pitcher for a smaller wooden basket, which better fits the plant and gives more variety in height.

Then I rearranged the area above the fridge to add my bargain yellow vase, which gives just enough color to that end of the space. I did leave a spot for Luna to sit if she chooses (I figured that was a better option than her trying to rearrange and possibly breaking something), but I haven’t seen her up there since I changed things up.

The shorter space on the other cabinets remained the same, but here’s an updated picture showing the glass peppers I added last time.

So there’s the final lineup – at least for the foreseeable future. 🙂 What do you think?

My Fancy New Candles

Published on March 20, 2015March 19, 2015 by JennaLeave a comment

I love candles. They create instant ambience, making a room feel cozy and romantic. But they can also be dangerous. Especially in the hands of someone like me who tends to forget about them. Long ago the decision was made that real flame candles aren’t allowed in our home because I’d left them burning overnight or unattended too many times and it was a safety issue.

I switched to using wax melts with lighted warmers, which doubled as nightlights around our house. It was a good compromise, but I still missed the flickering glow of candles in my décor so I purchased both votive and pillar sized flameless candles. Although they were safe and filled the need, it just wasn’t the same as a real flame. But safety was the priority so I accepted the trade-off and moved on.

Then last year a family friend introduced me to Luminara at a dinner party while we were visiting Portland. Thanks to new patented technology, this company had created a real flame-effect candle! It was so convincing that I would have never guessed it wasn’t real if she hadn’t told me. They were seriously amazing. Click here to see how real they look!

As soon as we got home I researched them online and soon discovered they were also insanely expensive and not readily available at local retailers. So I continued using my ho-hum flameless candles – begrudgingly. That is until I spotted them in the Bed Bath & Beyond flyer recently! They were still a little pricey at $30-$35 each, but with a coupon I could get them for around $25 each which is a little more reasonable. I decided to buy one each pay period so I could spread out the cost (and use coupons for each) so it’s not a huge hit to my budget all at once. Kohls also carries them, but only online.

So far I’ve bought two and I’m so happy with them. Just look at the difference. Here’s my old flameless candle in my Valentine’s Day centerpiece and here’s the same centerpiece with the new Luminara candle for St. Patty’s Day.

I chose to use the built-in self-timer which comes on at the same time every day and turns off automatically 5 hours later. Now that’s safety and convenience! It’s so relaxing to come home and see flickering candles. And I can go to bed with them on without a care. It’s perfect. They also offer a remote which can be purchased separately. I’ll use that option when I replace the candles around the tub in our master bathroom since I won’t use or see those as much.

There is one downside to these new beauties. They are wider than my previous flameless candles, so they don’t fit in everything the old candles do. I’d originally planned to sell all my old candles once I replaced them, but I might have to keep a few for pieces like this that the Luminara pillars won’t fit. They do make a smaller votive size Luminara, but it isn’t available locally yet so I’m on the hunt to find an online retailer who not only has them but won’t charge twice the item price for shipping to Alaska. So if anyone needs an idea for my birthday – there you go! 🙂