Weekend in Photos

Our weekend was filled with sun and sawdust :) If you follow me on instagram, you might of seen a few of these.

Sun because it was super pretty out! We spent some time at the beach, playing fetch with Annabelle and relaxing/reading. She loves fetch but not getting in the water ... sometimes we'll throw the ball out a little too far and then carry her out there (it helps keep her cool, so I guess it's ok). Like I said yesterday, she rolled in bird poop, so she did have one mandatory swim. (and a bath at home of course :)

And sawdust because we found two massive sheets of MDF at Habitat Restore for $7 (updates on what we're working on soon!) 

We couldn't borrow a truck (I miss having one!) so the helpful people at Habitat Restore helped us rough cut it so it would fit in the car!

Sunday we found a table saw at a garage sale for $15. Score! The base was broken, so David patched it with some glue and wood, now it's solid as a rock. We're moving this summer, we can give it away or sell it, no big deal. 

We had breakfast at one of our favorite places. Annabelle loves it too, I'll give you one guess why :) 

David and Annabelle had a serious conversation on the sofa. Probably about not rolling in bird poop :) 

And as you saw yesterday,  I worked on adding trim the coral sham! 

We have two exciting projects planned involving the table saw, so I'm excited to share details as we have them! Stay tuned.

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The Easy Way to Apply Greek Key Trim

I adore Caitlin Wilson's pillows! They are all perfection! Here is my version of the Coral Deco Pillow.

My twill tape arrived in the mail Saturday (all 72 yards of it! The best thing I could find at the time ...) It sounds plasticy, but it's actually cotton so it adheres well.

That evening I got straight to work! After finishing my last greek key project, I realized that there must be some way to fold the tape so you can do it consistently, without cutting each piece individually. At first I thought it would just give weird edges, but by folding it twice for one corner you are able to get square edges and 45 angles for the folds. Sometimes you don't get everything on the first (or second) try! :)

Here's how I did it for my 20"x20" pillow sham. First I made a sham using this method. I ironed it flat and laid out a painters tape guide line as shown in the diagram below (left image). 

I created a border around the pillow using painters tape. I inset it a little and it ended up at about 1" from the edge of the sham. The keys were 3.5"x3.5", and I made the inner painter's tape 1.25" thick (the distance of two of my 5/8" twill tape).

You can start anywhere, but you want to start the ribbon with a straight edge (slightly inset from where the tape will join it at the end, so that it gets covered) and then head either counter clockwise or clockwise. I found counter clockwise to be easiest for me.

Below I created a few picture diagrams to show you exactly how I did the fold. The directions pick up after you have laid down the first straight part and you need to make the first corner.

1. The ribbon will be perpendicular to the direction that you want to go. 

2. Fold the ribbon straight back on itself. I also pressed with an iron at this point so it would be creased, but it's not necessary.

3. I put a little permanent adhesive for fabrics at the crease to help hold it down. 

4. Then I folded the piece back over on itself (like step 2) and then folded it up at a 45 angle. I played with it till it was straight (once you do a few you get the hang of it!) 

5. I ripped of the corner of my no sew adhesive (I like heat n' bond) to make a 45 degree angle. 

6. I placed the no sew adhesive along the track and ripped it at the end. 

7. Then I ironed till it was secure. You want to make sure that you don't iron too long because the adhesive will melt away, check after a few seconds, you want the adhesive to be melted, but still tacky, place it down and it will fully adhere once it dries. I'd also recommend placing a piece of plain white paper underneath the iron (no print otherwise it ends up on your fabric or iron) to help protect the fabric. **note: before applying your no sew adhesive, make sure to test it on a scrap piece of ribbon and fabric to make sure that it doesn't show through.

To finish, where the ribbon meets the end, cut it straight across and fold at a 45 degree angle and adhere with no sew adhesive. 

I also went back and stuck a little no sew adhesive under the corners that were loose and secured with the iron.

I love how it brings in white, since all of the other pillows have white in them, it makes them more cohesive.

Meanwhile, this was going on at the other end...

How can you say no to that face? :) Except when she rolls in bird poo at the beach (yep happened this weekend and yes she did go for a mandatory swim which she hates!) 

It took about 30 minutes to layout the tape, but a lot of that was figuring about how to do it, so now it would probably take about 15 minutes. and about 1 hour to apply the twill tape. 

So total time spent ~ 1.25 - 1.5 hours 

Total cost: 

Heat n' Bond now sew adhesive $2 (joanns or walmart)

Twill Tape: $10 but I only used about 3.5-4 yards, so about $2

If anyone needs white 5/8" twill tape, let me know, I have plenty. ha! .50/yard and probably $1 shipping (unless you need a lot). 

So is this easier? Do yo think it's worth the time?

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By the way, anyone notice that my nails are painted? I hardly ever paint my nails, but found a product recommendation at A. Liz Adventures to make it last forever!! Check out April's second tip here. Now I'll be painting them more often! Thanks April!

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My go to project + lounge wear

Last week when I shared some of behind the scenes moments during Creating with the Stars, I forgot to mention the most important part ... what I wore! Ok, not really the most important part, but I appreciate when I hear about what people like, so hopefully you do too!

* This isn't a sponsored post, I just like sharing a few of my tried and true favorites! :) 

My all time favorite t-shirt is this one. It is cut just right so it isn't too baggy or tight, and the material is soft and thin. Oh and it's pretty long, I hate shorter shirts that you have to constantly pull down. If you don't own one, you must try it! 

For the bottom, my all time favorite legging, Marika's Balance collection. If you don't own this legging, you MUST go get a pair. They are SUPER comfortable and the quality is great. I know what you're thinking ... how can a legging be more comfortable, trust me ... you just have to try it. I purchase mine from TJ Maxx/Marshalls for about $15. They are definitely my go to lounge/project wear!

So what's your favorite lounge or project wear? Do you own either of my favorites? 


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If haven't already, make sure to enter for a chance to win my Schumacher Zimba inspired stencil!

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then and now

Tuesday I shared a few changes in the living room after cwts, and today I thought I'd share how the bedrooms have changed. I'll be needing to update our home tour page soon, because a lot has changed!

We switched up the charcoal upholstered headboard with a bright coral upholstered headboard. I'm loving the bright pop of color! We also added a grasscloth and nailhead feature wall behind the bed.

To the left of the bed we switched up the draperies and added the mint fabric on the chair. The desk was in the guest room for a few months, so I really need a second "then" shot, but imagine the fabric wrapped table there too (I never really got a good picture).

We decided to move the charcoal headboard into the guest room (we'll be selling the teal headboard). I put the room together with mostly things I already had, and will probably do a little more tweaking, but at least now we can see the bed (this was the dumping ground for cwts) and David's parents who are coming next week, won't have to crawl through to find the bed :) 

One of our former nightstands is in the guest room across from the bed and next to the closet. The other one is in my closet. I also reorganized my tiny closet, which is packed full!!

 We are still changing a few things and I'll be sure to share pics when I have them :)
 

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Humpday Giveaway | DIY Schumacher Zimba inspired stencil

Want to make your own DIY Schumacher Zimba inspired drapery panels?? Well here's your chance! I'm finished the draperies in the living room + office, so I'll be giving it away to one of my readers!

I'm also working on creating a PDF of 8.5x11 sheets with the shapes and numbers (to tape together) for everyone to download in case you would like to try it! I should have it done by next week when the winner is announced!

The giveaway will be open til next Wednesday. Use the widget below to enter! (I copied the widget from last time and forgot to edit the text for the comment section, instead, where would you use the Zimba inspired stencil?)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! :)  

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10 minute pillow shams for the Living Room

Sorry for the late post today, things have been crazy recently!

Last week I shared a few fabrics that I ordered from fabric.com. The coral was a little pinker than I was anticipating, but I loved it and David didn't hate it, so I decided to go with it!

Yesterday I finished making a few new pillow shams for the living room. I decided to try Jenny's 10 minute simple envelope sham and it was the perfect!

fabrics L to R 1. 2. 3. (in blue, no longer on website) 4. 5. 

I followed Jenny's instructions and I added a few tips of my own.

1. I measured the width of the existing sham and added .5" on the two long sides for seam allowance. I placed the existing sham on the end of the fabric and folded it over once, I then added about 4-6" for overlap at the end. (a 20"x20" pillow should be about 20"x46")

2. I folded the short end over .5" and ironed, 3. folded over once more to cover all raw edges. 

Repeat on other short side. 

4. I sewed the two short sides where I created the hem. 5. I then folded the fabric (right side in) I placed the sham to the side and adjusted the fabric until it was the same length and pinned in place.

5. I sewed the two open ends 6. and finally snipped the corners so that they would stick out easily. I then turned it right side out and pushed the corners out. These were so fast to make!

I also added small black pom pom trim the outside of one sham, using this tutorial. Since the tutorial above only sews two sides (the other two don't have seams) you need a front piece and two back pieces so that you can sew the pom pom trim to all four sides.

1. + 2.  After cutting the front to size (.5 inch seam allowance on all sides) I sewed the pom pom trim around the outside 3. I cut out the back pieces with 4"-6" overlap and sewed around the outside. 

I love how fun and bright they are. Perfect for spring! I still need to add trim to the solid coral sham. I ordered some online (after not finding anything locally) so it should get here in the next few days :) 

The pillow on the chartreuse caning chair got a new cover with this fabric.

Annabelle loves her new seat!

You may have noticed that I moved the furniture around ... I plan to move (or sell) the sofa table and replace it with a taller open shelving, like Ikea's Vittsjo

I also love having the TV in the corner so is no longer a focal point. It fits perfectly here! 

Almost done! Just a few more things ...

Also on the list:

Tall open shelving

Rug in seating area

New ottoman/coffee table 

Stay tuned to see the trim on the solid coral pillow!

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Get the Look

Hi! I hope that you had a great weekend! We didn't get too much done on projects, the weather was SO nice that we spent a good bit of time outside! 

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While I was browsing my Pinterest boards, I noticed that the fabric from one of my most recent pins looked identical to a few fabrics that I just saw on fabric.com 

I'm pretty sure that these are the exact fabrics from the links below. I love the brightness of the room, but the contrast of the black and the bright colors keep it fun! I also love the old painted wood floors mixed with the modern accessories. 

billow coral, parquet black, swell orchid, parquet tangerine

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

Here are a few items that are similar to the ones in the space. Of course a lot of these items could be DIYed too. I love the idea of making a simple slip cover with contrasting trim for old storage cubes! Adding pom pom trim the the bottom of an upholstered/slipcovered footboard would be a great way to add a little texture!

What about you? Did you get any projects done this weekend? I'm hoping to make up some time and get a few projects done this week!

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How to Embellish Simple White Draperies for Less

Way back in January I started talking about replacing the draperies in our room, and yesterday I finally decided and finished! I was originally thinking that a 3" trim on Ikea Lenda drapery panels would be great. However, once I added up the total cost and realized that the trim would be more expensive than the panels itself, I decided to consider another route.

After I finished the DIY Zimba inspired draperies I realized that paint and a border stencil would be the perfect low cost (and time) solution. It only took $3 about and a few hours!! Read on to see how I did it!

I wanted something subtle that would repeat the chevron pattern already in the room.

So I created a 4" stencil in Illustrator and cut it on my Silhouette Cameo. Mixing fabric medium into latex paint, I stenciled along the edge. I then created an inner border using painters tape next to the edge and then a 1/4" away to make a stripe. I kept the paint fairly light so it wouldn't glob up in places. 

*Update: I just added this stencil to my Etsy shop!

I applied a small black pom pom trim to the backside of the panel with Fabri-Tac adhesive. It is similar to the consistency of hot glue, but you don't have the risk of burning your fingers (I did that once and I'll never do it again! SO painful) and I would guess much stronger. It's also washable! 

I ironed the hem and sewed it, but no sew adhesive would work too. I then created inner tab tops by folding the tabs to the back, sewing along the existing to stitches so it would blend in and then cut off the ends (making sure not to cut the front panel too!) This worked perfectly with my cafe rod!

and that was it! Each panel took about 1 to 1.5 hours to finish.

I missed having my writing desk in the room, so I moved it back! I love using it as a second desk!

I used the rest of the mint polka dot scarf  from the euro shams as the cushion cover. I just folded it under, but I plan to upholster it once I pick up some thick white fabric to go underneath. Since I won't be sitting in this chair a lot, the scarf will work ok, but I wouldn't recommend for a heavy use chair.

Isn't lavender the best? I picked a little fresh lavender a few days ago from a nearby bush and adore how it smells great and lasts forever! 

I love how draperies can really make a room! They can add drama and interest, like the Zimba draperies or bring the perfect touch of softness and repetition, like these draperies.

I also love the endless possibilities of paint and painters tape or stencils! You can do pretty much whatever you want at a super low cost! These panels took a tiny amount from a sample size and a quart for {4} Zimba panels.

Price Breakdown: 

Lenda panels $20

Pom Pom Trim: $3 (6 yards @ .50 with coupon) 

Paint, fabric medium and glue (already owned) 

Total: $23

Time Breakdown:

About 45 minutes per panel to paint and apply the trim an about 30 minutes to sew the top tabs and hem. 

Since I was going to spend more than that on trim, definitely a DIY success!!

and thanks Kate for your tip on bright interiors without blowing out windows!

Click to see how Kate did it!

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Also, did you know that this is "National Painting Week"?

Stop by to see a few great projects from some amazing bloggers!

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