Monday, August 29, 2022

Make It Monday Foraged Fall Front Door Decor

Make It Monday Foraged Fall Front Door Decor
Who is ready for fall? It is my favorite season and it is in the air. Never mind that it is still going to be close to 100 degrees this week, it was 45 degrees this morning. The air has a crispness that I love and I am ready to start some fall decorating. I am starting with my front porch and I am calling this early fall decor. No pumpkins until October for me, but fall colors are a yes! 

I will be sharing fall projects for my front porch throughout the week. Today, I am showing you how to make some easy, fall front door hangings or "wreaths". I went on a walk up the road to find some wild, natural items that are the perfect colors.
Make It Monday Foraged Fall Front Door Decor
Foraged material, some curly branches from my curly willow, and some jute and I had two new front door decorative hangings perfect for early fall. I like using natural materials. Not only is the price right, but they can be moved to the compost pile at the end of the season. Nothing to store and dust off next year.
Make It Monday Foraged Fall Front Door Decor
Keep reading to see how you can make something similar.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Thrifty Thursday Bar Cart Makeover

Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover

Today's thrift store makeover is a simple one that starts with a wicker and bamboo bar cart.
Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover

The black paint was chipping and the rattan wrapped on the legs was coming off in a few places, but the bones were good and sturdy and the price was right so she came home with me. A little hot glue fix, a good cleaning, and some paint and the bar cart is beautiful again and ready for a new home.

Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover
I used warm, soapy water to clean the cart and then hot glued the rattan wrap. You will often find this wrap is loose on thrift store pieces like this. It is typically and easy fix. 
Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover
At first I was going to repaint the cart black, but decided she wanted a fresh color, green! This is Wise Owl's One Hour Enamel and you can get it from my friend, Tina, HERE. I painted two coats to get it in all of the nooks and crannies. I thought the green would be really nice with the upcoming holidays and the cart will be adorable seasonal touches--orange pumpkins, red ornaments, pink tulips, and yellow sunflowers. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from the link I provide, I may receive a small compensation.
Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover
I then decided to take it to the next level by giving it the Midas touch with some gold Rub-n-Buff. I love this stuff because it gives a fantastic, aged, worn look and a little goes a long way. You can get it in all kinds of metallic colors HERE. I applied it with a small, straight edge brush.
Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover
I have this cart displayed next to my bar. It would be fun with some specialty drink fixings on it for a get together and could be wheeled around to guests. 
Thrifted Bar Cart Makeover
This cart would also work as a tea, coffee, or cocoa cart. It could be used as a craft cart, a plant or garden cart, or as extra space in the kitchen holding a microwave and cookbooks. The thrift store tip for today is to remember paint is transformational. It can update pieces that have good bones and freshen furniture pieces to create a current and modern look.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Make It Monday Simple Elegant Wreath

I didn't intend to take a week+ off, but I hosted an 85th birthday party for my mom which meant a lot of prep, cleaning, yardwork, etc. has been happening. It was a lovely, busy, fun weekend. My mom is an inspiration to me--she gets her 10,000 steps in a day, floated the river on an innertube with us, is writing a home finance program and app, and has the energy of a much younger woman. It was a pleasure and joy to celebrate her.
I am back today with another Christmas project. If you missed my post a few weeks ago, I explained that as a crafter and a seller, it is time to start Christmas making. Today I am sharing an easy, simple, elegant wreath made from round frames from the thrift store. 
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I always look for frames at the thrift stores. I like wood ones that are $2 or less. Some of these wood round ones are decorate plate frames. 
This Post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from my link I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I used oval frames too. Other supplies needed include good, high quality, pine boughs. I prefer the ones that feel rubbery and typically buy some post Christmas. I purchased two sets (20 bells) of bells to use on these wreaths. You can get the bells HERE. You will need gold paint or gold Rub-N-Buff (buy HERE). Jute or ribbon and floral wire are also needed.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I used Gold Leaf Rub-n-Buff on the frames.  I like the distressed look you get with Rub-n-Buff. if you want a Solid Gold (who watched that show?) look, use a gold spray paint.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
Next, I pulled individual stems off of the bough and wired them to the frame. I tend to add one more branch on the lower part from the middle to give it a little more weight. I do not want the two sections from the middle to be exactly the same.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I used a slip knot to join to of the bells. They come tied with the jute which was a nice bonus.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I then tied three or four jute strands together, looping them through the bell slipknot. 
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
Finally, I tied and/or wired the bells and jute ties to the frame in the middle section of the greenery.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I like that these simple, rustic, elegant wreaths can be hung with the greenery in different locations.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I made five in a bout an hour and for less than $5 each. 
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas
I plan on making at least five more and might change them up with different types of greenery or by hanging small ornaments or different bells. I like how the natural, boho feel that they have.
How to Make a Simple Elegant Wreath for Christmas

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Thrifty Thursday Vintage Vignette

Thrift Store Decor Vintage Vignette
Today I am sharing a simple, vintage vignette put together with some recent, fabulous thrift store finds. The main items that are featured in this vignette are a McCoy Water Lily Vase,
McCoy Water Lily Vase
and a vintage, Asian painting of irises (?).
Thrift Store Decor Vintage Vignette
A few other thrifted items and I pulled together a sweet vignette with a fall feel.
Thrift Store Decor Vintage Vignette
Keep reading to see how I styed this and for tips on creating vignettes in your home.

Monday, August 1, 2022

Make It Monday Simple Christmas Ornaments

Make It Monday Simple Christmas Ornaments

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...oh wait, no it's not, it is 100 degrees out! BUT, in maker world, Christmas creating has begun. If you are someone who sells your creations, you know that Christmas is your biggest season. You also probably have spent some late night, last minute time working on Christmas decorations to sell. I have decided to start NOW and will craft for Christmas one day a week until November--that is 13 weeks, 13 days of creating. 

Make It Monday Simple Christmas Ornaments
Today's first project is a simple ornament that started with curtain rings from the thrift store and little trees that I bought after Christmas last year. (This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from the link provided I may earn a small commission.) Craft stores like Michaels are getting their Christmas stuff out so you can find some there or order them HERE. If you want to buy new, wood curtain rings, you can get them HERE.
Make It Monday Simple Christmas Ornaments
Keep reading to get all of the details on this easy DIY.