Most years my Christmas decor goes up in an afternoon, but this year (with two toddlers, travel, a business, and did I mention I'm directing, acting, and singing in our church Christmas play...?) it's taking me a while to get it all out. And it's not done, yet! I just wanted to share some of what I've done. This gorgeous Santa is from Germany and is also a music box. I put him on my mantle, so … [Read more...]
Lilia’s Bread Box
12/2 2009
I am a little embarrassed to say that I just finished the custom painted bread box that was the giveaway for reaching my 100 follower milestone. That's right. Give me a little bit of a break, here. It was custom painted and I had to work with Lilia to paint it how she wanted it. I also have two toddlers, a house, a husband, church commitments, clients, and I painted and moved our shop. That is the … [Read more...]
How to Revive a Wreath…Clear!
12/1 2009
Did you pull your wreath out of storage this year and realize it looks sad, tired and pathetic? I did. With about 10 minutes, some florist wire, glass ornaments, and some ribbon, you can bring it back to life. (Did anyone get my ER reference in the title?) Here's how the wreath looked when I pulled it out of storage. Pine cones were missing, some berries had "burst", and it was so dull you could … [Read more...]
Lou Lynn’s Tray
11/30 2009
It's finally done! This is the tray I offered as the giveaway prize for my very first Furniture Feature Friday. The winner was Lou Lynn from the Life of Lou Lou and her fabulous chair makeover. This is what the tray looked like before. It was a thrift store find and actually was in really nice condition. It could have been left "as is" and I gave Lou Lynn that option. She chose to have me custom … [Read more...]
Good Advice, a Globe, and a Box
11/29 2009
Don't forget to enter the Frog Tape Giveaway! It runs through Monday night at midnight, so go and leave a comment.I'm sure everyone has "that" place in their house (or a few) that they just don't know what to do with. You can arrange and rearrange and never quite get it right. My family room fire place mantle is one of those places. I have had an antique medicine cabinet there, two different … [Read more...]
BJ & PB Inspired Candle Holder
11/28 2009
Everyone can relax...I survived shopping on Black Friday. The worst places were Kohl's & Toys R Us, but everywhere else I walked right up to a register. The silly thing is, I waited in a line wrapped halfway around Kohl's to get 50% off a pack of play dough and Shake 'n Go Mater. The sales clerk said, "You waited in that line for this?!" "Yes. Yes, I did." I found some great toys for my boys and … [Read more...]
I Missed My Birthday!
11/27 2009
I just realized tonight that I totally missed the 1 year birthday of my business, Mustard Seed Creations! On November 12, 2008, I registered my business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. This is a huge thing and I can't believe I let it pass without a special dinner or at least a cake. This year, I sold my first piece of furniture, had my first client, painted … [Read more...]
What I Appreciate About the Blog World
11/27 2009
Don't forget to enter my Frog Tape giveaway that is running through November 30!Wednesday I had the opportunity to spend about an hour in B&N; Books looking through the Home Decor section for books I might want to add to my inspiration library. (I then go home and buy them used on Amazon...) Anyway, as I was looking through the books, something hit me. These are not very realistic. I want to look … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving & Sneak Peaks
11/25 2009
I am currently in Raleigh, North Carolina with family for the holidays. Although I am a homebody, it is always relaxing for me to get away. My home is my work, plus I work out of my home, so I really have to get away to "get away." I must admit, though, it was hard to leave all of my projects and not be home for the day after Thanksgiving to put up the decorations and tree, but I really did need … [Read more...]
Free Me Up
11/25 2009
Check out my Frog Tape Giveaway! It's going on through November 30, so make sure you leave a comment.I LOVE free stuff and have received some great things lately. Before you call PETA, I did not knock some baby birds out of their home to steal this nest. The woman who owns my shop had it for sale in a basket. I loved it so much, I decided to buy it and she just gave it to me. I had some blown out … [Read more...]
Is the Cricut all it’s cut up to be?
11/24 2009
I was traveling south of the Mason-Dixon line today to visit family in Raleigh, NC. I took some pictures and worked on some posts before I left (and they have WIFI and I brought my laptop), so my blog and readers will not be neglected. Don't forget to enter the Frog Tape giveaway in the post below!I've mentioned using my Cricut in a few past posts and had some questions about what it is and how it … [Read more...]
My Favorites & a Winner
11/23 2009
You girls are good. That's all I'm sayin'. There was some great stuff to look through this week and I am getting so inspired through hosting Furniture Feature Friday. Thanks again to Caroline for sponsoring last Friday and providing such a great giveaway. On to my favorites!White Cupboard by Marianne from Songbird. What can I say? This is just a pretty piece of furniture. I love the glass door, … [Read more...]
Inspired Ribbon Storage
11/22 2009
One of my new readers left me a comment on the post about my office that shared a ribbon storage idea. She thought I might like it. She was right and I was inspired to store my ribbons the same way. This clever idea was found at Inspired Apertrey Ink, a beautiful stamping and scrapbook site. ~ Photo from Inspired's website ~I had the spools of ribbon...I had vintage clothespins that have been … [Read more...]
PB Inspired Nursery Mural Revealed
11/21 2009
Well, I finally have an explanation for why I've been feeling poorly for about a month. I have a sinus infection and bronchitis! So, I'm now on the antibiotics & codeine and should be feeling much better in a couple of days. I was in the spray booth today, anyway, and have a lot of fun things in the works. But first, I have been promising pictures of the Pottery Barn inspired mural that I … [Read more...]
Furniture Feature Friday Link Party & Giveaway
11/19 2009
Welcome to my Furniture Feature Friday link party, feature and giveaway! I know I blow the horn of my sponsor every week, but how can I not? This week will not break that trend. For those of you who haven't met her, I'd like to introduce you to Caroline from Caroline Joy Home. I often get compliments for my sewing and slipcovers, but I am really just pretending to be someone like Caroline. This … [Read more...]
Shoe Forms & Trim
11/19 2009
I am excited to share that I am the guest blogger for Thrifty Thursday over at Tales from Bloggeritaville . Make sure you go check it out and link up any thrifty finds.Last week, I made the 45 minute trek out to Goodwill & Hobby Lobby to see what I could find. I didn't find anything that was super exciting at Goodwill, but I did purchase these vintage shoe forms for $1.97 each. I mean, who donates … [Read more...]
Mod Podge Table
11/18 2009
OK, I'm hooked on Mod Podge. I used it for the very first time on my shelf makeover and decided to try it on a table. Why not?I purchased this table at a yard sale for...I think $2.00. I bought 3 tables that all looked very similar, so I forgot which one I bought where. This is a before picture of one of the similar tables. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the one I'm featuring in this … [Read more...]
Make A Wish
11/17 2009
I mentioned in my last post that I bought $50.00 worth of vintage German glass glitter. I received it in the mail yesterday and was so excited to try it out. These pictures really do not do this glitter justice...Comparing it to the banner I did a few weeks ago with spray glitter...well, it really doesn't even compare. The spray glitter is only shiny and flat. The vintage German glass glitter … [Read more...]
An Organized Office & Back to Work
11/16 2009
*big sigh* My office is finally organized. It's not done (will it ever be?), but it's organized. For the weeks prior to our shop move, my office (and dining room) became a dumping ground, holding area, and a waiting place. It was a space you tip-toe into, grab what you need, leave and close the door. See my neglected shelf under the work table? And how am I going to get work done on a surface that … [Read more...]
My Favorites & A Winner
11/15 2009
You all know the drill...it's so hard to pick my favorites and a winner! Even with a smaller group this week, it was hard. There are so many wonderful projects.My first favorite is the Buffet Turned Vanity by Roeshel from the DIY Show Off. I am really in love this. Not only is the buffet gorgeous, but I love the ribbon ties, the bead board, the mirror! You have to check it out to see the before … [Read more...]
Decorating with ABCs & 123s
11/15 2009
Decorating with letters is a hot thing right now, but it's not a new thing. Think of antique samplers, baby quilts, hand painted signs, and monograms. As I was looking around my house today, I realized I have several antique pieces where letters are the feature. I'm not usually a huge fan of pewter, but I love this alphabet mug. My mom has the plate that matches. I purchased this alphabet plate … [Read more...]
Painting a Harlequin Pattern
11/14 2009
For the back room of our shop, we decided to go with a pink and brown fanciful harlequin pattern. This is actually a simple (though tedious) wall treatment and such a fun one for a little girl's bedroom. (Hang with me on the pictures, here. They were taken in flourescent lighting, ick.) So, I'm going to share how I did this. The boring part of this project is the measuring. Who knew I would have … [Read more...]
Small Shelf Makeover
11/14 2009
I wish I had a true before picture of this shelf. I found this at a thrift store several months ago for about $4.00. It was a dated, dark brown with terrible paneling as the back that was broken in several places. My hubby replaced the back with a thin plywood and I primed and painted it in a bright white. This shelf was then neglected for a few months. I have moved it from place to place in my … [Read more...]
Furniture Feature Friday Link Party & Giveaway
11/12 2009
The sponsor of this weeks Furniture Feature Friday is Norma from Petit Debutant. If you have not checked out her blog or Etsy store, you must (link up first) and then go right over for a visit. She has lovely photography that is backed up by great ideas and inspiration that you can use throughout your home. I fell in love with this thrifty and gorgeous fall wreath she made. I love the monogram!She … [Read more...]
Slipcovered Ottoman
11/11 2009
I love ottomans. They are so versatile. They can be a foot stool, coffee table, side table, and you can slide them under another table to pull out when you need some extra seating. They are the ultimate multi-taskers when it comes to furniture and they are easy to slipcover. I purchased this one at a yard sale for $4.00. The upholstery was a little tired, but it was in otherwise good condition. I … [Read more...]
