Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas everyone, wishing you a blessed holiday season.

Shabby Chic Sign - Christmas Inspiration - JOY Sign

I was so pleased with my shabby chic Eat sign that I decided to duplicate my idea to add some color and Christmas cheer to my living room. Since I had three pieces of scrap wood left over, I decided to use the word JOY. I used the same method as with the EAT sign.

My daughter came to visit and said "Joy to the world, there's color in the living room." So thanks to this simple project Christmas cheer now abounds in my house.

Linking to:
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Meet Me Monday @ You Are Talking too Much
Monday Link Party @ Craft-O-Maniac
Turquoise Lovin #18 @ Sweet Little Gals
Wow us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Whatever Goes Wednesday  @ Someday Crafts
Wanna Party @ Chatty Chics
Mod Mix Monday @ Mod Vintage Life
Fall into Fall #44 @ DIY by Design
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Shabby Signs - Kitchen Inspiration - Eat Sign

 

My daughter told me I didn't have enough color in my kitchen and that was after I had painted the walls a lovely light blue--that she swears is gray. Anyway, I have seen  several blogs featuring EAT signs and it seemed an easy way to add some color. I decided I wanted a shabbier version than the ones I had seen.

I had some left over scrap boards that would be perfect for this project. I painted each board off white. As you can see from the picture above, I played around with the paint to get three varying shades of blue-green colors for the background. Instead of measuring a rectangle for the color I decided to free hand it which was quicker, easier and made for a better shabby chic sign. Next, I stenciled a letters in white on the colored background. Once I was satisfied with the size and shape, I trimmed off the excess board from the bottom and painted the bottom edge. Lastly, I lightly sanded over the surface for a distressed look and waxed it with clear wax, then added glaze.

This eat sign was a fun and easy project and onIy took about 30 minutes (excluding drying time).
This shabby sign adds an additional splash of color to my galley kitchen and makes me smile whenever I see it. Best of all they cost me a whopping $0 since I already had all the supplies. I'm not sure it will be enough color for my daughter but it's a start. What do you think of my EAT sign?

Linked to:
Polly Wants A Crafter
Terrific Under Ten Tuesdays @ At Home with K
Trash to Treasure Tuesdays @ Kammys Korner
Tuesday Treasures @My Uncommom Slice of Suburbia
Tuesday To Do @The Blackberry Vine
Tales Of A Trophy Wife
Thursday Blog Link Party @Somewhat Simple
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Another Dollar Tree Tray Transformation

I have had this fall themed tray for several years, I loved it when I first got it but my love affair with it has definitely waned. I love the detailing around the frame but wanted something on the front other than leaves and acorns. The fall color scheme really doesn't fit my shabby chic decor.

I loved the way the last tray turned out so I decided to repeat it. I painted the frame my favorite Eucalyptus Green,  then lightly sanded it to reveal the highlights and antiqued it. Isn't the detailing gorgeous?

The last step was decoupaging the same scrapbook paper as the other tray. I think I like this one even better. The handles really add a lot. What do you think?

Linked to:

Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life
Nifty ThriftyTuesday @ Costal Charm
Turquoise Loving 16 @ Sweet Little Gals
Trash To Treasure Tuesday @ Kammy's Korner
Terrific Under Ten Tuesday @ At Home With K

Estate Sale Weekend Finds

 I've been trying to avoid yard sales because I have to many unfinished to do projects. However  on my way to the Library, what did I spy but an Estate Sale sign. I just couldn't pass that up.

It turned out to be mostly Christmas items, but I did manage to find a few interesting items for only $1 each. I really liked the shape and height of the above pictured shelf and you know I am always looking for unique storage pieces, so of course I snatched it up.

I am also a huge fan of metal wall hangings and I loved the textured finishes on these. With a little paint, these will make beautiful shabby pieces.

The next piece I grabbed was this traditional looking Grecian style planter. I'm not a fan of the gold, but love the shape and the detailing. I see more paint in my future.

Seeing these topiaries really got me in the Christmas spirit. I didn't really need any of them, but I think after a little paint and antiquing, they will really add something special to my holiday decor. The trees are already silver and sparkly, so I might actually leave them as they are (gasp).

All in all, not a bad haul for a few dollars. I can't wait to spruce these items up and see how they turn out. I'll keep you posted.