Whitewashing Made Simple: How-To in 5 Easy Steps

Here is a quick Whitewashing Tutorial for clay pots in 5 easy steps!

Materials:

Terra Cotta clay pots

white water based paint

1 medium paint brush

1 paint palette or plastic plate

1 cup of water

1 sheet of 80-100 grit sandpaper

1 tack cloth

1.) Pour a little of the paint on a palette or plate and fill a glass large enough for you to dip you paintbrush into with water. 

2.) Dip a paintbrush in a glass of water and do not shake off the excess water – blend as much water as possible with a little of the paint. The more water mixed with the paint – the more translucent the ‘wash’ will be. The paint is perfect for whitewashing if it is very runny and watered down. This is the consistency that you are trying to build.

3.) Brush the watered down paint onto the pot. It will dry very quickly – so don’t be too worried if the paint is blotchy. The flaws in it will actually only add spark to the distressing.

4.) One the pot is completely covered with paint and dry – sand the pot with multipurpose sand paper (80-100 grit). You can leave as much paint on as you wish or sand more of it away for more of a distressed look. 

5.) Use a tack cloth to remove any dust

Enjoy!

Happy New Year and Cheers to a New DIY Project: Pottery Barn Inspired Glass Apothecary Jars

Happy New Year! Let's dive right in!

I have been looking all over for glass apothecary jars that don't cost an arm and a leg. Sure you can find the hard plastic ones at retailers like target for not too much, but the elegant glass jars run $30-$70 bucks each at higher end retailers like Pottery Barn.

And while I absolutely love me some Pottery Barn, I refused to drop $30+ bucks each for the jars to hold my cotton balls and q-tips. 

So, I decided to research and be a little creative. I made a trip to the dollar tree, a stop by my favorite craft store, and dropped a whopping $20 to create my little lovelies that might give Pottery Barn a run for their money. Let me show you how you can do it in 5 easy steps!

Materials:

• A few inexpensive glass vases (I purchased mine at Michaels for $3.99 each. Dollar Tree also has a great selection.)
• A few dollar store candlestick holders
• A few drawer knobs or lamp finials (Hobby Lobby has a huge variety of drawer knobs at great prices. Lowes has a great selection of finials.)
• A few dollar store small glass bowls (They sell them in a 4 pack at dollar tree. Also, make sure to get bowls with a diameter or opening across the top of them that is SMALLER than the diameter of the opening of your vase so that the bowl can fit INSIDE the top of the vase.)
• A tube of E6000 craft glue

(Decorative drawer pulls - Hobby Lobby $3.99-$5.99)

(Basic, clear drawer pulls- Walmart $3.47)

(The vase selection at my local Dollar Tree- $1.00 a pop)

5 Easy Steps:

1. Wash and dry your vases, bowls, and candlesticks.

2. To make the actual jars: Using your E6000, line the rim of the slender part of the candlestick holder and adhere it to the bottom of your vase. Carefully hold it in place 2-3 minutes so that it is set in place. Then, do the same thing with the remaining candlesticks and vases. Leave them to dry 30-45 minutes without touching them. E6000 is FANTASTIC!! Nothing that it touches is going anywhere- promise!

3. To make the lids: Using your E6000 once more, glue the drawer knobs to the bottoms of the bowls. As you did with the vases and candlesticks, carefully hold it in place 2-3 minutes so that the knobs are set in place. I love metals, so I found trendy metal drawer pulls at Hobby Lobby. You can also use simple clear ones to match the jars or throw in a pop of color too. Its up to you. Leave the bowls to dry just as you did the vases for 30-45 minutes.

4. Once 30-45 minutes have passed, gently check to see if they are securely adhered before you move them or use them. As I said earlier, E6000 is the best, so don't worry about your jars falling apart.

5. When they are all dry, fill them up with your cotton swabs, q-tips, or whatever else your little heart desires, and let them spice up those vanity tops!

Until Next Time,

XOXO

Old Tin Ceiling Tiles Turned Stylish Chalk Memo Boards and Signage

Old ceiling tiles are not the easiest thing to find these days. You can run across them from time to time at vintage markets and shows, or even around the garage of an older building or home. And if you do, hang on to them, or at least a few of them, so that you can convert some into something fun like this….

And in 5 steps of course! Let's go!

What you will need:

• A roll of painter's tape
• A tarp
• A glossy can of spray paint of your choice (I recommend Krylon or Rustoleum Brand with a built in primer.)
• A roll of a trendy ribbon
• A small can of chalkboard paint
• 1-2 mid size foam brushes
• Measuring Tape
• Drill (OPTIONAL)
• Hot glue gun or E6000
• Scissors

Step 1:

Start by taping off your tile, covering the center with the tape and leaving the frame or outer area of it open to be painted. After you have completely covered the center and there are absolutely no spaces or holes, you are ready to paint!

Step 2:

Lay your tile on your tarp face down. Spray paint the back of the tile. After that coat dries (approximately 20 minutes), spray it once more to guarantee total and even coverage. Let it remain face down and allow the paint to completely dry for at least 30-45 minutes. Test it with your finger tip after a half hour to make sure. Then, flip it over and carefully spray paint the untaped area of the frame with your paint color. As you did on the other side, let the first coat sit 20-25 minutes, then spray it once more. (NOTE: You do not have to paint your tile if you do not desire. Some folks like the vintage look and I am definitely one of those people. It is completely and totally up to you!)

Step 3: 

After you are certain that the paint is completely dry (Like 110% sure), remove the painters tape slowly and carefully from the center of the tile. Next, get that roll of painter's tape back out and place it around the edges of the unpainted area to ensure that your lines remain perfectly straight. Next, using your foam brush and your chalkboard paint, cover the area, slowly and carefully, as you do NOT want to get any chalkboard paint on the frame that you just painted so well. Let the first coat sit 20-25 minutes. Reapply a second coat and let it sit for the same amount of time. FInally, apply one last coat of chalkboard paint and let it dry 45 minutes to an hour to ensure that all coats get sealed and dried. 

Step 4: 

Once you are certain that the chalkboard paint is completely dry (This should take no less than a full hour or so), remove the painter's tape from around the area. 

Step 5: The Display 

At this point, your entire board should be dry. Now, you have the option to drill a few holes and string your ribbon through your tile if you desire to hang your board as shown in the photo above. Or, you can make a fancy bow out of your ribbon to simply adhere to the front. But, no matter which you choose, both are super cute ideas and both are sure to be stunners.

FOR THE HANGING OPTION:

Measure the length across the top of your tile in inches and divide that number by 3. Whatever number you get, measure from the edge of the left side to that number and then mark it with a pencil or pen. Do the same thing from the edge of the right side and mark it also. Then, using a small bit drill, gently drill a single hole through each of those markings. Whatever cute little ribbon you chose, string it right on through. 

FOR A TRADITIONAL DISPLAY OPTION (display on an easel):

Make a bow with your ribbon and use your hot glue gun to adhere it to the front of the frame of the tile. Or, who said you were married to bows? Do you have another clever and unique embellishment idea to use instead? Go for it! You can use things such as antique knick knacks, old fashioned jewelry, buttons, or scrapbook flowers or accessories- the options are vast. 

After you get your embellishment or bow secured on the front of your tile, you are DONE!! Go and give that little lovely as a funky and unique gift that they will be sure to love or find the perfect little spot to hang it or post it up!

Until next time,
XOXO
#PeaceLoveAhavaDesignsTX


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5 Once Out of Date Home Decor Trends that are Back with a Bang

 
Greetings!

I sat in a creative arts conference recently and was reminded of what I am about to share, as the premier speaker continued to pose this question to us:

Why spend forever trying to create something new, when you can make better or bring back to life, something that already has been?

There is nothing new under the sun, period. Everything that we have now has been done before, we just get to indulge in new and improved versions of it. History repeats itself indeed, and while we know it does so obviously in facets such as fashion and fashion trends, the same also applies when it comes to home decor and design. From such styles as shabby chic to vintage redesigned, they are simply decor trends brought back from the past! 

While there are great trends that circle back through time and we fall in love with them all over again, there are others from the past that we would be ok with never spiraling back through time. Think 80s and 90s home decor......wicker.......wallpaper....velvet....an overabundance of atrocious pastels.....

But, I am going to let you in on a little secret- some of those very home design trends are starting to reemerge, morphed into must have staples this season! Even wallpaper! 

#1)  Wallpaper is not still in 1992

When I think of wallpaper,  I still get flashbacks similar to this:

How did we do it back then? Well, wallpaper definitely doesn't have to look this atrocious anymore! One of the hottest trends this season in home decor is what we call Tempaper- or temporary wallpaper. This easy to assemble and disassemble, removable wallpaper comes is a variety of great colors and patterns and is perfect for an accent wall or those random walls that need a little livening up! If you have a room painted a color already and you don't want to repaint, yet you need to do something different, accent a wall with a little tempaper! Talk about a touch of spice!

Photos courtesy of the very trendy, Design Public at Designpublic.com.

This photo courtesy of the very awesome Etsy shop- Accent Wall Customs. Check them out and shop them at www.etsy.com/shop/AccentWallCustoms

#2) Wicker is no longer a thing of the past

Wicker is back and better than ever! 


Say farewell to tragedies like this one.....

And say hello to wicker miracles like these from my personal favorite decor gurus- Pier One. 

Wicker never looked so good! And its not just for the outdoors anymore either.

#3) Velvet never dies!

This once 60s and 70s staple has very much stepped back on the scene! Velvet sofas add a hint of trend while incorporating a beautiful vintage classic touch to that room or space. 

What once was......

Has been made new again! Check out this beautiful velvet design by Urban Outfitters- The Ana Velvet Sofa

Here is another beauty available on Hayneedle.com- The Armen Velvet Sofa

And this little lovely… 

(Photo Courtesy of Curbly.com)

#4) ATTENTION: Mint and pastel pink are in the building! 

Remember when………...

There were plush comforters and pink cabinetry…..

You had the signature mint curtain amidst the floral mint and pink couches in at least one room….

Or how could we ever forget the pastel pink walls and sofas….the Weekend at Bernie's feel….

Those were the days………NOT!


Mint and pink don't have to be this way. Mint has become one of the greatest colors to pair up with many neutrals such as navy or grey. It's not too bold, but adds the perfect touch of elegance and color to almost anything paired with it. One of my absolute favorite color buddies for mint is navy.


Check out this interior design from www.elementsofstyleblog.com.

These are beautiful designs by interior designer Cathy Green. See more of her fabulous work at cathygreeninteriors.com

Pair up your hues of rose with a few of these fun color combinations via Shelterness.com!

Photo courtesy of Orange Door Home Blogspot

And last but not least…..

#5) Mixing and matching various patterns and prints is NOT tacky!

I am so glad that this one is back in style!! There is no such thing anymore of mixing and matching prints and patterns incorrectly. I always suggest selecting a fabulous neutral or main color that will be the "canvas" of your room. Then, select the colors that you really want featured or "painted" on your room. Then, find decor and accent pieces in those colors or in similar hues, and of various prints and patterns, and mix and match them. A room where every single piece of everything in it matches is boring and out of date. Break the rules, mix and match! Live a little! You could even try being really adventurous and throwing in an unexpected hue or two, too!

Southern Living in their collector's edition style guide for 2014 displayed this concept best! Here are a few of their fabulous examples!

So, what other out of date styles can you spice up and bring back? 


Until next time,