Mid Century Modern Nightstand

I hope you had a great weekend! Today, I'm sharing one of our latest thrift store makeovers. The other weekend we found a Mengel nightstand at a second hand store for just $15. It isn't in perfect condition, but it is very solid and well built.

This isn't a dramatic transformation, but they don't always have to be! We decided to keep the original wood (and accept the flaws ..) and paint the "stone-look" laminate top.

Top knobs were existing (I just took the pic after I removed them)

For the top, I sanded it with my orbital sander (80 grit then 120 grit) .. if you've sanded laminate you know that it doesn't typically sand well (at all!) So I used my favorite primer, Kilz Adhesion Primer - it's formulated  to stick to glossy surfaces. (I always sand before (even on wood) just so it's extra durable) It goes on super smooth, sticks well, covers well, and it's easy to sand smooth. The texture kinda feels like chalk paint.

I taped off the nightstand, below the top, and applied two coats of the bonding primer, lightly sanding with a fine 3M sanding block between coats and wiped off all dust with a micro fiber cloth (this will help get a smooth finish). Then I applied two coats of Rustoleum Glossy Oil based white paint (see my tips for using oil based paint here)

To refresh the wood, I used Restore A Finish. I liked it and would definitely use it again! (though I will say it's not as dramatic as the image on the front shows! It is much more subtle)

You can see below, (left is where it was applied) that it subtly fills in crevices where the stain has faded.

That's it! We were originally going to use this nightstand in our TN rental, but since we only have one .. and we couldn't find a second that would compliment it, we're using these (they've just been painted!!)

The bottom flips up and slides in for storage underneath.

Remember those lamps that I posted about a few weeks ago? I went back to Ross and they were still there, on sale for $17 each!

Large clamshell was thrifted for $3!

Oh You print is from Pottery Barn, Turkish towel and teal pillow are from Marshalls, and Black and White pillow is Marrimekko from Crate and Barrel (a few years ago). Leather Tote DIY, here

I'm working on finishing up our TN bedroom for the New Year, so LOTS of new projects and DIYS soon!

I'm taking some time off for Christmas, I'll be back around the New Year! I hope that you have a great holiday, spent with loved ones!! Merry Christmas!! :)

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Friday Five | 12.19.14

Hey!! I hope you're having an amazing week! Here's a few of my favorites from the past week!

Please pin from original source provided below the photo, thanks! 

Love these bright, fun, pillow picks from Society 6 via The Vault Files!

The Vault Files

Interesting info on the value of a kitchen remodel via Cabinets To Go, to see the full image, click HERE. We're planning a complete kitchen remodel in our home in the next year or so - doing most (all?) the work ourselves will definitely help keep the cost down! 

cabinets to go

I'm loving this free printable via C.R.A.F.T

craft

Gorgeous bathroom - those floors!! (and master suite addition) on Elements of Style this week! 

elements of style

Most stores are still offering free shipping to arrive before Christmas, so if you still need a few gifts, you're not too late! Here are a few of my favorites for under $50. 

1. Rifle Paper mini notebooks love the small size, perfect for tossing in your bag! // 2. Horned Animal Hooks The black is great and love the shape and size! // 3. Monogram candle Only a few letters left (maybe you'll get lucky and find yours!) // 4. Pom Pom Stripe throw Reminds me of something you'd find at Anthro, love the colors and texture! // 5. Monogram hand towel set Wouldn't this make the perfect gift?! Even with the monogram, it says it will still arrive in time for Christmas! 

And some favorites for over $100! 

 1. Target Threshold Tufted Bench love this bench and the price! // 2. Gold Flatware Take your table setting up a notch! // 3. West Elm Key Pouf love the pattern and it's on sale! // 4. Tory Burch Shoulder Tote Love the color, thin strap and tassels! // 5. Gucci Oversize Sunglasses Great shape and love the contrasting arm color! 

I'll be taking some time off for Christmas next week, but make sure to stop by Monday for a new thrift store rehab before and after! See you Monday!! 

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Easy DIY Buffalo Check Christmas Stockings | Tutorial

Today, I'm sharing a DIY tutorial for the large buffalo check stocking that I made for The Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge.

To get inspired, I flipped through my Holiday Pinterest board and was inspired by The Makerista's amazing mantel. I had purchased this fabric from Ikea for the space, but wasn't sure how I was going to use it .. so this was the perfect spot!

Want to make your own? It's super easy and only costs a few dollars each!

- 1 yard of fabric (I only made two, but you could probably get 3 to 4 out of a yard)
- Sewing machine (you could also use permanent fabric adhesive, just make sure to keep the line super straight for crisp edges)
- Pom Pom fringe

1. Trace an existing stocking onto your fabric

2. Cut it out.

3. Trace your stocking (two sides per stocking) I traced this one instead of the original so they would be as exact as possible. 

4. Finish the top edge. Iron it 1/2" and fold that over on itself so the edge is finished secure by sewing or permanent adhesive.  (Also iron the entire stocking at this point if it needs it)

5. Sew around the outside of the stocking (right side in), leaving the top open. *Note: The direction of the finished top doesn't matter if your adding trim, but if you don't, make sure the folded edge is on the outside when sewing.

6. Turn the stocking right side out and add trim with permanent fabric adhesive. To finish it, I glued a small tab on the top right of the stocking to hang it up.

That's it!

SO easy!! I hope you'll give it a try!

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DIY Leather Tote + Tassel | Giveaway

Today I'm sharing another DIY Christmas gift idea - a leather tote! Thanks so much to The Leather Hide Store for providing the leather! I don't share a lot of non home decor related projects, but today, I'd like to introduce you to my second love - handbags. Over the years, I've developed a collection (second only to my chair collection, David just counted and we have around 28 .. yikes! Time to finish projects, figure out what we're keeping and sell the rest!)

 




Making your own tote is simpler than you may think! Since the material is a little thicker than normal fabric, you have to sew a little slower, but overall, it's actually pretty easy!

Want to make your own? Here's how:

First, pick out your leather, I'd definitely recommend samples first, so you know exactly what the color looks like. The Leather Hide Store has a large selection in the remnant section, so I started there.

1. Draw your template on a piece of paper with a ruler and pencil. (I tape a few pieces of 11x17 printer paper together). Cut it out, fold and confirm the scale and dimensions are to your liking. (Inside lines on drawing above represent the sew line, 1/2" seam allowance (3-1/2" sections fold on top of 6" section to form the bottom)).

2. Either trace your template or redraw on the backside of your leather with a pencil. Measure twice and cut once!! I used Lemon Meringue leather.

3. Cut out your pattern.

4. For both top sections, I used pinking shears for a zig zag line. Ours were pretty dull, David helped me cut it out (I'd definitely recommend ones that are sharp!)

5. Once you've cut out your shape, cut a 45 in the innermost center section, .5" in (there are 4 total) I also notched the outer corners in the center section (there are 4 total), so that there would be less material when sewing.

6. Start sewing your bag. Grab the 2 outermost corners on the right (or left, wherever you'd like to start) (right side inside) and hold together - sew straight down the side (15 1/2")

7. Next, sew the bottom. Grab the end - pull the two 45s out so that the end is flat.

8. Smooth the leather, line it up and sew across the end. Repeat on the other end.

Flip the bag so the right side is out and start on the straps!

8. Cut 1-1/2" wide x 29" long pieces of leather (x2) for the straps. 3" at each end will be used to attach the strap to the bag. Next, cut 23" piece of 3/8" cording or smooth rope.

9. Wrap the cording (leaving 3" of leather at each end) in the leather and sew as closely to the edge of the rope with the zipper foot.

10. Trim the excess leather close to the line previously sewn.

11. Measure and mark your strap placement (mark with low tack tape - to avoid pulling up the leather)

12. Sew a box around the strap and an x across the middle for added durability. Carefully, remove the tape.

Finally, work on a tassel! If you don't want to tackle sewing your own bag - this is the perfect way to personalize your existing bag in just a few minutes!

13. Cut a piece of leather (mine is 9" wide x 5" tall)  - using an xacto knife and metal ruler with cork backing, cut thin strips (I eyeballed it) scissors would work as well (leave about 1" at the top uncut)

*Note: I added a thin piece of cardboard, tag board at the bottom of the bag to keep it from looking too slouchy.

14. On the backside of the leather, place glue along the top - (I used Aleene's Turbo Tacky - it dries super fast) - Tightly roll it up.

 

15. Add two piece of thin leather strips in the center for the ties (add extra glue there).

16. If desired, add a trim around the top, securing with glue.

I wanted my tote to be large enough to be used for weekend trips, but small enough to carry around everyday.

Wouldn't this make the perfect Christmas gift?

Orange concrete wall was taken in front of a fountain that has been turned off for winter. Love the color! 

A special thanks to David for taking these photos!!

Also, The Leather Hide Store is also giving away a $50 credit to one reader! Enter on the widget below! Open to US & Canada only, giveaway will be open for 1 week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Good Luck!
 
This post is in collaboration with The Leather Hide Store - I was provided with materials for this project, all thoughts and content are 100% my own. 

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Links from the week

Hey!! I'm stopping by for a rare Saturday post - since I missed sharing my finds from the week with you yesterday!

Please pin from original source provided below the photo, thanks! 

sarah m. dorsey designs

Looking for Ghost chair replicas at a good price? This site was recommended by The Hunted Interior, so I gave it a try! I ordered a few months ago (sorry I meant to take photos earlier!!) and purchased two from the imperfect section (I think they were only $30 something each!?) unfortunately, I can't find that section now (but if you do find it, the imperfections weren't too bad .. so I say go for it!) Normal price, $64.99 is still a steal!! (Shipping was around $30)

Love these ideas for space planning a long, narrow living room from The Makerista!

the makerista

YUM! Don't these look amazing! Maybe perfect for Christmas morning? Orange Glazed Sweet Rolls from Averie Cooks

averie cooks

Love this stamped fabric tutorial from Almost Makes Perfect!!

almost makes perfect

For today's find, I'm sharing a "what's on my list" gift guide!

 

1. Tory Burch leather tote classic, goes with everything! // 2. Nate Berkus wing bowl perfect on a nightstand to hold jewelry or on an entry table for keys! // 3. Pier 1 hanging chair  this one looks very similar to my favorite Serena & Lily hanging chair, but it's about half the price! (and it's currently on sale!) I'd love to have one of these in my Maryland office! // 4. Watercolor pillow Love the colors and patterns! Such a great statement pillow! // 5. Canvas dipped monogrammed tote, Gold + monogram - All for about $50, that's pretty great!! // 6. Nate Berkus black and white rug Love the pattern, so good for in front of a sink or entry! // 7. Scalloped pendant I've been thinking about lighting a lot recently .. strongly considering this one (especially because it's on sale!) // 8. Torres wool kilim rug - I almost bought this last weekend during West Elm's rug sale, but didn't have the perfect spot, so I passed. Once I find the perfect spot, it will be in my cart! p.s. 20% off $150 or more with code JINGLE20 at West Elm

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!! :) See you Monday for a DIY gift idea!!

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