Decorative Shelves & Shutters

Shutters add a rustic, homey touch to an area, and the kitchen is a great place to start that warm feeling when you are at home. They are a wonderful focal point that draws the eye to an area. Last week I shared my Kitchen Shelves project with you, if you missed that post it can be seen here. As promised this is an update to share the shutters that were added to finish the project. 

Remember where it all started? The mirror? The little frames? The "What was I thinking"? Yeah, not one of my best attempts of beautifying the house. But hey! We can bounce back and change aspects of our surroundings to make it really pretty.

Kitchen Shelves

Adding shelves to an area can make a big difference, with so little effort. It's such a simple tweak with a big impact. Adding shelves for actual storage is a great option when you're short on storage space. I was fortunate enough to have ample storage space, but not enough decorating surface space. 

For so long had I wanted simple shelves in the kitchen. A little spot to decorate for the different seasons, or just in general to decorate. Finally last spring I fought the apprehension and did it. A trip to Hobby Lobby, armed with a 40% off coupon, which was not needed because the shelves were on sale for 50% off (Sweet!!!!) and back home with 2 unfinished wooden shelves, 34 inches wide, for a whopping total of  $13.99 + tax. This was my only out of pocket cost, as everything else I had on hand. Love it when that happens.

Wooden Signs

I love the warmth that wooden signs add to a room. There's just something about wood that seems to conjure up the feelings of comfort, relaxation, and a sense of ease.

Wooden signs can be purchased in lots of places. You are limited to what is in the store, however adorable they are. But sometimes you just have to make it yourself. Which is exactly what happened a couple of years ago for Christmas.

Open House Tips and Tricks

It's been 2 years since the last time there was a High School Open House on my agenda. Thank goodness. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work. Well.....if you're very wealthy and can afford a party planner to do all of the planning, work, and decorating for you, not to mention the catering part of the process to boot....then it's just money. Right? Riiiiigggghhhhht. Most people don't have that kind of disposable income to hire everything out. So out of fantasy land and back to reality, you'll do most of the work yourself. Planning, making decorations, actual decorating, cleaning, and probably some of the cooking. I can't actually help you physically do any of those items (sorry), but I am here to give you a round up of a few of my favorite ideas to help get you on the fast track to your Open House Day. Simple. Easy. Affordable.

If you have the space, consider having an Open House/Graduation Party right at home. Maybe a friend has a large screen tent your could borrow, unless you have one in storage. Tents can be rented as well, but it can be costly.

Open House 2011

Use inexpensive items and customize them by adding decorative elements in the color of your theme.

Vanilla Extract Update

After three months of sitting, steeping, melding, and getting better with each day that passes......Homemade Vanilla Extract! Let's take a look. 

A few months ago I started a batch of Homemade Vanilla Extract to give away as gifts this Christmas season. What an easy gift to put together. This is where it started. You can see the beans and vodka all nice and fresh in the bottles on the first day.

Frosted Pinecones

Don't you just love pinecones?!! They are so versatile and can truly be used for more than one season. Love them!!

Free End Table Makeover

Don't  you love when you find a great bargain, or better yet, a freebie that just can't be beat? Especially when it allows you to be a bit creative.

This little, old end table was sitting on the curb in front of a house, and the young lady said she was getting rid of it, and it was free.

Christmas Stocking Hanger Makeover

It's not easy finding the perfect decorations.

Always in search of the perfect Christmas stockings and Christmas stocking holders, last year a compromise was made. I managed to find (or change) Christmas stocking holders to tide me over until I find what's perfect for me.

Decorating for Christmas is a fun, and expressive way to beautify your home. In the quest for the perfect look to suit our own style, we look; explore magazines, websites, catalogs, anything we can get our hands on.

Clever Christmas Tree Extras Storage

It seems that every year talk of Christmas, television ads, sales, and decorations come earlier. So this post should be no surprise to you. Christmas organization!!

But to be honest, I do start thinking of the Holiday Season early in an effort to be organized and have more time to enjoy the festivities with friends and family. Shopping early is something I do every year. Although it is spread out over a few months. It's just more enjoyable to me that way. With that in mind, I am here to put a little bug in your ear that it's really closer than it seems.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Is there anything more delicious smelling than Vanilla Extract? Hmmm that is a very good question, my friend. Not many smells make me want to eat right now. Okay popcorn and bacon, but that's a whole different story. I'm talking of baking, and Christmas gifts. Homemade Vanilla Extract as Christmas Gifts.

Thought that would get your attention. This is so easy to make that it shouldn't even be considered "making" the gift.

Banner Themed Card Box

Card boxes are for many different occasions; weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and......of course, graduations.

Grad Cap Cardholder Tutorial

Graduation season is almost here. So....finally, the Graduation Cap Cardholder Tutorial is complete. Yippee!! Right?! Not a lot of pomp and circumstance today, no pun intended, but just the basics.

Jute Wrapped Cans

When you want a quick pick-me-up in an area, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, jute or sisal wrapped....anything....anything, works well. It's a great way to add something new, interesting, and texture to a space. I wanted to try this last summer, and they turned out nicely.

Note Card Sets

What a very practical and fun gift. Note card sets say so much.

DIY Treat Bags

(Instructions at the bottom.)

Ahhhhh. I do love a good treat bag. They are adorable, convenient, practical, and a blank slate waiting to be decorated however one desires. Personalizing treat bags is great way to add a special AND decorative touch to any occasion.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail....

It's been a little strange decorating for Holidays recently. All of the children are grown. I'm sure in their own way, they still appreciate that the house is festive, when they visit. However, my decorating has dwindled quite a lot. Everything is much more subdued and neutral. I love it!! It's very calming and soothing. So this year, the Easter decorations got a neutral overhaul also.

Farm Fresh Basket

Spring has sprung. The grass is rize. I wonder where......oh phooey! Way to early for this little saying.

The snow is melting. It's sunny as heck. I can actually see my deck!

Missing In (Craft) Action

I know it's been a long time. Missing in action is what has happened. The "action" of every day life completely took over.

End of School Year Teacher Gifts

The school year has ended. Time really seems to fly when the family is so busy and going in different directions. Maybe this summer will be a time of relaxation and new beginnings.

Coordinating Thank You Notes

Thank you notes seem to have dropped off by the way side. That hand written note expressing one's appreciation for something often seems to be replaced by an e-mail, text, or phone call. That is if it's remembered at all. Hand written notes are so personal, and such a nice touch.