One Dollar Wednesday...a weathered Valentine

I was so excited when I found these heart "cut-outs" at my local Dollar Store. They have all the colors of my home in them, so I knew I would want to incorporate them into my Valentine decor.



I went to my hubby's scrap wood pile, and pulled a piece of lovely weathered plywood.
I measured around my hearts, and marked where I wanted to cut.



Then I pulled out the POWER TOOL! This was a little intimidating for me, but it cut like a charm.



I sent the pieces out to Spray Paint Place for a quick coat. I didn't prime them, because I really wanted to keep a weathered look.


Time for some Mod Podge magic....


Before I top-coated this one with Mod Podge, I decided to stamp the word "love" onto it.


I topped it off with Mod Podge, and a couple hours later, I was able to add these pieces to the hutch in my entry.



Here are a couple close-ups. I just love how the turned out!!!

Tidy Tips: Protecting Your Sofa

Having a toddler is doing major damage to my sofa.  I finally decided to be brave and throw the cushion covers into the washing machine on the cold, extra delicate cycle.  I let them hang dry and it took all the spots out, HOORAY!  The only problem was that nakie baby in the background, we didn't want him ruining the cushion in the interim of the washing and hang drying process.  My husband had a brilliant idea.......

He grabbed one of our extra crib sheets and it fit perfectly over the cushions.  I loved the idea so much, I almost want one on there all the time, LOL!  The sheet is from IKEA and it measures 52"x28".  As for the spots on the sofa that I can't throw in the washer, I saw this post on Pinterest, great idea!

One Dollar Wednesday... it's all about FAMILY

I have said it before, and I'll say it again... I have a plethora of picture frames. Yes, they are random as can be. Different colors, different shapes, and different styles. For today's project, I'm focusing on some that I picked up recently at the dollar store/thrift stores.

See~~random...



but, a quick trip out to Spray Paint Place, and they're starting to look a bit more uniform!


I selected some fun scrapbook paper (from my VAST COLLECTION), and proceeded to print out the word FAMILY. Each letter, on it's own piece of paper, and in it's own FONT.


I framed them up lickety split...


and laid them out on the floor, as I wanted them on the wall.


Here's the final product...adding a little color to this quiet corner of my kitchen!

One Dollar Wednesday...after Christmas sales!

Wow~~it's great to be back after a LONG break! I think my last post was in April or May...wowzers. I had a wonderful Winter Break. I loved having my kiddos home with me.(I think 2 weeks is PERFECT...ask me again in the summer, when we can't spend any time outside, and I'll have a different answer for you.)

I have been busy trying to get all my Christmas stuff boxed up, but the "After Christmas" sales, keep pulling me away from my housework. See what I mean...This was taken just today :)


The problem is, I LOVE Christmas! I LOVE my Christmas decorations, and I hate boxing them away. I have made a wee bit of progress though, look at our bare tree... so sad!



Like I said, I have been enjoying the sales this month. I picked up 2 sets of this cute dinner wear for $1.00, which the kiddos can use through the end of the month. (Even though we don't get snow down here, this makes us feel a lil wintry)

Don't think I haven't indulged a bit for myself with Winter Clearance... I'm LOVING my new plush throw that I picked up for just $6.00. It has all the colors of my family room in it, and it's super cozy!


I love wrapping up in it while I'm reading this DARLING book... Vintage and Christmas two of my MOST favorite things~~Thanks Mom!


Have you gotten all of your Christmas boxed away? Any great sales still out there? Let me know, I love to hear from ya!

How to make a pool table out of cardboard

Image via Instructables

Children can get tired of toys pretty quickly--especially, dolls, which seem to need a never-ending kaleidoscope of accessories to remain interesting. It's prudent to begin making a few of these components yourself. You can craft an entire dollhouse yourself, but start with just a few objects then work your way up. Follow this guide to make a pool table that dolls and action figures alike would be proud to rack.

Using sharp scissors, cut two strips of poster board two inches wide and four inches long.

Working along the four-inch side, create a fold every inch. This will turn your flat sheets into two square columns. Secure with masking tape. These will be the legs of your pool table.

Cut another section of poster board into a three inch by six-inch piece. This rectangle will be your tabletop. Paint it green or apply green felt with craft glue.

With the tip of your scissors, carefully poke holes in each corner of the tabletop.

Cut out four one by one inch squares of nylon stocking. Flip the tabletop over and tape the stocking square over the holes in each corner. This will create the pool table "pockets."

Attach the tabletop to the legs with the stockings facing down.

With colored clay, roll out 15 balls of even size. They should be small enough to fit through the pocket holes. The balls should be baked at 275 degrees to harden. You could also paint marbles, but they will likely be too big to fit in the holes.

To create pool cues cut barbecue skewers into three-inch sections.

Glue three one-inch pieces of skewer into a triangle. This can be used to "rack" the balls.

Your billiard room set will be the envy of every doll in the playroom, rack 'em up!


Danielle, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys spoiling her niece with homemade goodies. Danielle is particularly fond of needlepoint, working with pipe cleaners and the smell of a fresh box of crayons. Read her work at eatbreatheblog.com

Tidy Tips: Sealing Envelopes

I know we have said it before, but this poor blog has been neglected.  In my defense, I am pregnant and have been SOOO sick.  That brings me to my next point.  Because I have been sick and tired I am just now sending out my Christmas cards.  At least they will get there before Christmas!  Another thing with being pregnant is weird smells and tastes are out of the question, so there is NO WAY I was going to lick all those envelopes to seal them.  I got a little creative instead.

 No, I am not going to do my make up while sealing envelopes and this glass of water is not for drinking.  You take the make up brush, dip it in the water, and use it to seal your envelopes.

 Voila!  A nicely sealed envelope with minty fresh breath!

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Crafts

This poor little blog has been neglected lately, sad but true. Since we were much more on top of things last year, I thought I would link up some of our Christmas posts from last year.

It is only December 3rd, so you still have time for an advent calendar!!

Here is a cute gingerbread one....

Or the classic paper chain.
If you are needing some decor, here is quick and easy Christmas framed art.
Faux gingerbread cookies.
And snowman spoons. All of these crafts are super inexpensive, most using dollar store supplies.
If you need some neighbor gift ideas here are a few. Sand art brownies.
Homemade candied almonds.
Or, Have a "grate" Christmas!
Hopefully we will have more ideas to show soon!