My first Painting Project!

I am always looking for budget friendly wasy to make my home beautiful. I have been wanting to learn how to paint (specifically with oil paints) for a while. I have a lot of acrylic paints already so I decided to try using acrylics first. I checked out several books by Donna Dewberry and practiced on water color paper this weekend. It didn't take me long to get the hang of it. Her instructions are pretty easy to follow and I really think you can take your mistakes and give it your own special style.

It was fun and easy to make! This is one of those Christmas pop-corn tins which I spray painted black and had been using as a trash can. I recently started decoupaging it with Victorian postcards but I stopped because I didn't like the effect. So the flower you are seeing is on the only side that had room. I wish I hadn't decoupaged it after all, but I didn't think I could paint anything half decent. Anyway, this is a cute way to repurpose something and make it special. I really liked the way it turned out. I think I will paint all those trays from Goodwill instead of decoupaging them. Have a great weekend!

Headboard Make-Over

I bought this headboard at a thrift store for $5. Originally, it was a dingy yellow and had a floral pattern engraved at the top center. It was very 1960's! I used wood putty to fill out the floral pattern, let it dry and sanded it. The I painted it a chalky greyish blue (flat) color and glued the wood carving detail. Finally, I applied Rub N' Buff with my finger. It was a very easy project and I really liked the way it turned out!

1 Yard Fabric? Easy Window Valance!

This window valance requires less than 1 yard of fabric and minimal sewing. This is a great way to use beautiful and maybe costly fabric in small amounts. First, measure the length of the rod, measure the return of the curtain rod and add one inch per side for seam allowance. After you hem the bottom of the curtain, measure about 10-13 inches from each side and gather up from the hem up to whatever length you wish. The gathers should be accordian style. After that simply hand sew the gathers and the valance is done!

There are many variations on this type of curtain. This one is stationary--meaning you cannot draw it down--but that is why it so easy to make. You can add ribbon vertically from the gathers or also add a tassel trim along the hem for a more luxe look. I made this simple valance for my bathroom. I may add some bells and whistles later-but for now it works! I took a lot longer thinking about doing it then actually making it.

Affordable Plate Hangers

Here is a great Martha Stewart tip for making your own decorative plate hangers. These are cheaper than the storebought ones, and you can whip up them up in a few minutes for any size plates. You will need 18gauge wire--I used jewelery wire purchased at FiremountainGems.com and wire cutters (floral section or jewelery section of Wal-Mart).

First cut two wires the length of the diameter of your plate. Fold one wire in a V at the half-way point and form a loop with the other at the halfway point. Take the wire ends from the loop and twist them around themselves abut 2 to 3 times. Hook the V into the loop and wrap the wire ends around the top and bottom of plate. Make a little hook at the end of each for a more decorative look. You will hang the plate by the loop. After a little practice these are very easy to make!

Wedding DIY: Flower Girl Basket!

I have been busy lately working on some projects for my wedding this coming Spring. I am very excited and happy to be marrying the love of my life, Brian. Since I am a crafter at heart, I must admit that I am also very excited to inject some personality into my wedding with lots of DIY crafting projects! I 'm so excited at the possibilities!

I decided to begin with the easiest wedding project--the flower girl basket. This is a budget friendly project. I bought the basket, the ribbon and the flowers at the dollar tree. I began by hot gluing the ribbon to the handle.

I then hot glued the satin ribbon horizontally all around the basket. Make sure to use the glue sparingly in this part so that the ribbon drapes more freely--I learned this the hard way. Then I attached green leaves and artificial roses where the handle grips the basket. The final touch was the addition of the ribbon with tails. I think it looks quite cute, especially for the price. The only thing I would have done different is maybe spray paint the inside white before I started the project. Keep tuning back for more budget friendly wedding projects! My next project will be the ring pillow.

Chandelier Sconce

This is a cute project idea for an easy chandelier style sconce. I got this sconce at a thrift store for about a $1. You will need a wall sconce (preferably one with several arms), acrylic paint, clear plastic beads, 20 gauge jewelery wire, wire cutter and needle nose pliers.

I painted this one with a combination of burnt umber and antique gold. The beads and jewelery wire can be fount at Michael's or Hobby Lobby--or any craft store. Try using black paint and black beads for a dramatic statement! Or paint it turquoise and use pearls instead of beads for a sweet look! Instant Glamour!

Decoupage a Serving Tray

I had been wanting a victorian style painted tole tray for my bathroom for a while. I decided to make my own. I bought this serving tray at Goodwill for a dollar, painted it black with acrylic paints and decoupaged a rose I cut out of a gift bag. I glued the rose on the tray and after that dried I gave the entire thing a coat of Mod Podge Matte Finish.

I think it turned out pretty good for only having cost a couple of bucks! I love the rose on black thing, and it takes up a decent amount of room on an empty wall. I liked how it turned out so much that I am now going to make more of these to fill empty wall spaces around my house! I am a new home owner with lots of empty wall space to fill! Beautiful and oh so romantic!

Welcome to my Blog!

My name is Emmy and welcome to my blog! I enjoy making crafts, sewing, decorating, gardening and cooking. I have some great tips for budget friendly ways to decorate your home. I favor sophisticated French Country and English Cottage Style. Come back and visit soon for my first project idea with pictures!