Shabby Chic Target

I adore Rachel Ashwell, the pioneer of Shabby Chic decor. Did you know that Target carries a line, Simpily Shabby Chic, designed by Rachel? Here are a few items that caught my eye.

A darling little cotton ball jar...or a little something pretty for your desk.
Target (Sold only in stores)



Need some bling in your bathroom? Pretty rhinestone shower curtain rings will do the trick.
Target (Sold only in stores)



Love the legs and tri-fold mirror. I would probably add a layer of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for a more distressed finish.
Target, $109.99



 

I recently saw this bedding in a model home and it is simpily amazing!
Simply Shabby Chic at Target, $69.99-89.99

Linking up to: French Country Cottage , My Romantic Home, Shabby Creek Cottage,  

College Basketball Wreath

I'm afraid it's almost that time of year again. You become a sleep deprived zombie, show up to work late, lose your voice from yelling and good friends become enemies. I'm talking about March Madness. I thought I should make it more obvious to my neighbors that I'm a Tarheel fan...

I made this wreath out of a metal coat hanger and several white plastic bags cut into strips. 

I painted the letters blue and used the end of a new pencil eraser to make the white  polka-dots. 
So which team alters your personality during March??

Linking up to: The Girl Creative, Craft-O-Maniac, My Romantic Home Shabby Creek Cottage, Savvy Southern Style, Todays Creative Blog 

No-Sew Pillows

Today I made a no-sew pillow with fabric I purchased from Ikea.  I keep seeing funky pillows on Pinterest that people have made so I decided to go for it...

Here's how:

Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric. I suggest leaving 3/4 inch of extra fabric around the border. You can also use the old pillow case as a pattern. 

Step 2: Place one piece of fabric pattern face up. Line the border with Stitch Witchery (I  purchased a roll from Walmart). Leave an opening on one end. Place the second piece of fabric face down. 

Step 3: Set your iron to high heat steam. Place a damp cloth over the Stitch Witchery.  Hold the iron on a section for 15-20 seconds. Repeat until you've ironed the entire border. You should have one opening.
**Please be careful with this step. The cloth becomes extremely hot**

Ste 4: Once the fabric has cooled down, turn the pillow case right side out.  Stuff the pillow insert or batting into the opening. 

Step 5: Using straight pins, fold over the edges of the opening and pin in small strips of Stitch Witchery . Iron with the damp cloth. After the fabric has cooled, remove the pins.



And there you have it, an easy way to update a pillow!


Linking up to: It All Started With Paint , Chic on a Shoestring Decorating , Young House Love , Home Stories A to Z Cozy Home Scenes The Scott's Crib, Funky Junk Interiors , Embracing Change , Elizabeth & Co., Coastal Charm Cozy Home Scenes, I Heart Nap Time, Tatertots and Jello, Serenity Now, French Country Cottage , My Romantic Home  Shabby Creek Cottage , Savvy Southern Style , Faded Charm , Todays Creative Blog, Vintage Mauve,C.R.A.F.T, Skip To My Lou, Mad In Crafts , Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative

More Ikea Finds

I've had quite a few views on my Ikea Finds post, so I thought I would share a few others things that I found on my trip. 

Bud vases, $0.79

Globe candles, $3.99 each

Lanterns for the back deck, $7.99 each 

Linking up to: My Romantic Home

Shabby Chic Window

Maybe it was the salt I threw over my shoulder, the fortune cookie I didn't understand or the heads up penny I found; whatever it was, I sure did luck out at the flea market! I bought this window for two dollars. I repeat, two dollars! In shock, I looked at the vendor and said "shut the front door" "Sold". She shared with me that the window came out of an old general store in West Virginia. I just love getting the story behind pieces that I buy. Make sure you always ask for the details!

I redid this dresser, which was a garage sale find. It also came with a lingerie chest and  night stand. 

Linking up to: The Scott's Crib , French Country Cottage , Shabby Creek Cottage, Faded Charm , Miss Mustard Seed, Serenity Now, My Romantic Home, Tater Tots and Jello, Craft-O-Maniac, CRAFT

Bathroom Hutch

For over a week now, I have been working here and there on a bathroom hutch that I swiped for 8 bucks at a garage sale. I removed the glass and plan to put in chicken wire...but not just yet. I painted the cabinet and I hate it. I was going for a white-chippy-painted -a-ton-of-times look. This is what I ended up with...

So I'm back to the drawing board. I could keep stressing distressing, add a few more layers of paint or just slap on a coat of Duck Egg Blue and call it a wrap. Thoughts are welcomed. 


Stay tuned....


Linking up to: My Romantic Home, The Shabby Nest, French Country Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed, Serenity Now

Potential Sofa

Thoughts on this sofa?? I'm not too big on Ikea furniture but I am quite fond off this particular piece. The floral slipcover is on clearance at the store, which makes it even more affordable. In person the flowers are a little more pink and there are some nice gray and blue accents. Is it too early 90's?? 

Slipcover: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80047602/#/40105444

Linking up to: My Romantic Home

Potato and Corn Chowder

We are finally getting a taste of winter tonight! I hear sleet bouncing off the window as I type. With it being chilly and all, I decided to make a pot of Potato and Corn Chowder. This is a must try recipe! 

2 tablespoons of olive oil, grapeseed oil or safflower oil
1 small onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced 
6-8 small red potatoes, cut into medium size pieces
2 cups frozen sweet corn
4 cups vegetable broth
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 cups original unsweetened almond milk (you could also use milk or cream)
     Sometimes I use 1 cup of almond milk and 1 cup of Silk soy creamer
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

In a large heavy bottom saucepan, heat the oil and saute the onion and celery for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the potatoes, corn, broth, thyme and almond milk. Simmer for 25 minutes or until potatoes are soft. 


In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Add mixture to your soup and stir. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Add cayenne, salt and pepper to taste. Remove thyme stems. 


Enjoy! 

Ikea Finds

Yesterday, I drove to the Charlotte area to visit Ikea. Based on the sea of cars when I pulled up, I wasn't the only one in the mood to shop. This was my third time visiting Ikea, so I know the drill and how to move through the store somewhat faster. I think I've even found a few illegal short cuts to take...


Here are a few of my finds...

Tea Rose Table Runner, $7.99

Set of 3 tin canisters for craft supplies, $5.99

Picture frame, $3.99. Set of 5 scenic poster cards, $5.99 

Decorative pitcher, $12.99 

Pillow inserts, $3.99 each. Yard of fabric, $7.99

Previously made Ikea pillows. I will make a few more with the new fabric.


Even though most of Ikea is a little too modern for me, I always find a few Shabby Chic inspired goods. 


Linking up to: Fingerprints On The Fridge , French Country Cottage , The Shabby Nest , Shabby Creek Cottage, My Romantic Home and Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Craft-O-Maniac

True Love=Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Paint. I love it. Nothing makes me happier than to be working on a piece of furniture. Well, except red wine. Family too. But seriously, this girl loves to paint. However, available painting days are hard to come by right now. It's like North Carolina knows I want to paint, so the daily highs hover in the upper 50's just to tease me. Well, I was fed up and set up shop in a vented bedroom to paint an old sewing table that I stole kindly took off the street so the trash man wouldn't have to. If you remember from my previous post, I purchased Annie Sloan Chalk paint last week from a stockist in Mebane, NC and this table was going to be my guinea pig! 

Whats unique about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is you don't have to primer or even sand the piece before painting. In this case, I had already done so. Since then, I've started working on a bathroom hutch and the paint went right on with no prepping. Can I get an Amen! What a time saver... 


I have to say, I was a little nervous after the first coat went on. The paint was thick, brush strokes were everywhere and the color seemed inconsistent. Have no worries! The brush strokes disappeared and the color evened out as it dried. I put on a second coat and waxed the piece a few days later with Annie Sloan Clear Wax. My advice= a little wax goes a long way! This stuff is like butter and spreads like it too. Unfortunately, my stockist was sold out of the Annie Sloan Brushes so I resorted to using a clean cloth rag to apply the wax. This seemed to work fine but I would still like to give one of the uber-expensive brushes a whirl. 

After waxing, I distressed the table. Sounds backwards but given how dusty chalk paint is, you distress after the first coat of wax. I then applied a second coat and a touch of Annie Sloan Dark Wax in the distressed areas. I will admit, the dark wax was and still is intimidating to me. Once it's on, it's on. I read somewhere that you can actually use the clear wax to buff out excess dark wax. 


All in all, I LOVE this paint. The result is an imperfect but perfect smooth matte finish. It may be awhile before I use latex paint again! 

Annie Sloan Paris Grey

Linking up to: Chic on a Shoetring Decorating , The Scott's Crib,  Primitive & Proper Savvy Southern Style, Faded Charm , Homemaker on a Dime, I'm Topsy Turvy, My Romantic Home, Serenity Now, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The Shabby Nest, French Country Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed, Tatertots and Jello, Skip To My Lou, Vintage Mauve

Margaret Rose China Set

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought I would share something lovely with you... 

Over the weekend my boyfriend and I traveled 45 minutes north to the small town of Mebane, NC. I was on a quest for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I'm now the proud owner of 3 cans (Duck Egg Blue, Paris Grey and Old White) and also both clear and dark wax. What I was not expecting to come home with was a 61 piece set of Royal Jackson 'Margaret Rose' china! As little snow flakes fluttered around, we dipped in and out of lovely antique shops and just happened to stumble upon this set from 1950. The china was once owned by an English couple who had an estate out west. When the wife passed away, the husband interviewed antique dealers and sold his entire estate to a woman in Mebane.  My boyfriend saw how I adored this china and took me back to purchase it about thirty minutes later (I didn't even ask for it, I swear). Once we got home, we did a little research and discovered that he purchased the set for about $600 less than it's common purchase price. I plan to use the set as everyday serving wear, while imagining the elaborate dinner parties the English couple probably hosted.  After all, life's too short not to use beautiful china! I hope your day is also filled with something lovely. xoxo

Linking up to: French Country Cottage , The Shabby Creek Cottage  and My Romantic Home

Shabby Chic Bedroom Chair

A few months ago, while I was at a multi-family garage sale, I came across a beautiful bedroom chair. 
For how much you may ask? 10 bucks. What a find!! I loved the already shabby chic feel and the wicker back. Some how I managed to wedge this fabulous find in the back of my Civic and off we went. Since then, it's made a home in my bedroom. Just last week I found 2 yards of a soft blue velvet fabric...clearance of course. The chair pad was in decent shape but I've been on the fence about having a new one cut. It's not really a choice any more....

So how did this happen? 

                                                              Guilty.

Linking up to: My Romantic Home, Serenity Now

Cup Cake Liner Topiaries

Need something to do while watching TV? This is a tedious craft but well worth it! I've seen it done different ways but here is how I go about making cup cake liner topiaries. 

What you will need:
Glue gun and several glue sticks
Foam ball
Cup cake liners (I used 75 liners on each ball)
Straight pins with a head

Steps:
1. Push a pin through the cup cake liner.

2. Scrunch the liner at the base and around the pin.

3. Put a small amount of hot glue on the ball and insert the pin. 

Continue step 3 until the entire ball is full or you can leave the bottom exposed. I knew I wanted to display mine on candle sticks, so I drew a line around the ball to use a stopping point. 

                                   Pretty....

Such diverse little topiaries they are! Lovely for holidays, birthdays, rustic weddings, baby showers....

                                                  Linking up to: Craft-O-Maniac, Homemaker On A Dime , The Sabby Creek Cottage, My Romantic Home, Serenity Now, Mad In Crafts, Superflous

Super Bowl Sunday

Let's face it, this unofficial holiday is more about the food than it is about the game (especially this year). So what are you making?? I decided to cook up some Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas. Yes it's a weird combo but they are delicious. The best part is, they can be assembled ahead of time. Interested? Check out Vegetarian Times for the award winning recipe. Enjoy!

Valentine's Table Runner

Super easy! I found this remnant of burlap at the local fabric store. I stenciled and painted on a few hearts and there you have it, a Valentine's table runner. Told ya I like Valentine's Day. xoxo

I decided not to cut this remnant. Check out
Craftaholics Anonymous for a few good tips on cutting burlap.

Linking up to: My Romantic Home

Picture Frame Chalk Board

Ever get tired of looking at the same ol' pictures on your walls? I'm not sure if I was necessarily tired of this one particular picture or if I was just itching to try the chalk board spray paint I recently purchased. Regardless, it was make-over time. I wasn't quite sure how to attempt this project but after some thought, I taped off the frame and sprayed 3 coats of paint on the glass. I let it sit for 24 hours and sprayed on another coat. Once dry, I pulled off the tape and did a few touch ups. There were a few spots along the frame where the spray paint didn't adhere, so I sprayed a little bit of paint in a cup and applied it with a q-tip. Next on the list was to paint and distress the frame, which I waited a couple of days to do. Carefully I taped off the chalk board and primed the frame. Once dry, I painted on two coats of blue craft paint, which I mixed myself. The following day I sanded the frame down, distressed it and then slapped on some crackle paint.  I'm glad I had the itch to try the spray chalk because it sure did turn out great!  

  
                                    Linking up to:

Craft-O-Maniac , The Shabby Creek Cottage, I'm Topsy Turvy, Homemaker on a Dime, Fingerprints On The Fridge

                                                                  

Shabby Chic Hearts

     $0.29 per wooden heart? I'll take 'em! I found an entire clearance bin of these at Michaels, plus I had a coupon. Quite convenient with Valentine's Day coming up. I decided to distress a few of these lil' guys by painting on multiple layers of craft paint and then sanding them down. Once I had them distressed to my liking, I used crackle paint and a glaze to give them an aged look. My daughter said they looked moldy. I chose to ignore her honesty.

How cute would this ornament be on a wine bottle! 

                                               

Don't these look like moldy  delicious cookies??