Eclectic Thrifty Chic

My Review of City Chic Quilted Faux Leather Evening Bag in Black

2011-02-25T18:39:00.001-08:00

Features:

Constructed of faux leather
Simple, timeless, undeniably elegant design from France features grommets in gold-tone and faux quilted leather
Zip closure keeps contents secure, offering the prettiest in hands-free design
Faux leather with sol...

Pretty and Soft

By sassydevilbbw from Calhoun,GA on 2/25/2011

The bag is just about perfect.. It's pretty to look at and very soft. It feels like lambskin leather. It's a decent size for an evening bag also, large enough for essentials and small enough not to be in the way.. My one gripe is that the straps, being chain, are very heavy. I think this is because it's a double chain, not just a single one. I think that if it were a single chain it would have been perfect.

(legalese)

Doing the Boogie Dance!

2011-02-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

I got a job!!!! More importantly, I got a good paying job! lol It's with the company I worked for for almost 11 years, only this time it's in an office setting. I am so excited. I get to dress up for work! In my Security position I had to wear a uniform I hated. I am beyond excited!

Modern Furniture..

2011-01-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

What do you think? Do you like modern furniture? I am generally attracted to vintage-inspired furniture or things with a rounded shape.. I like circles :) But I ran across this chair at and I am loving it.

While it's not traditionally vintage-inspired, it DOES remind me of the old slipper chairs. I LOVE those.. Normally I like a chair with arms also, but these are wide seated and usually just downright comfy.. Also, I find them good when you have a room full of people. You can turn to whichever side you want to have a conversation without an arm in the way to keep you from turning. And the modern, bright pattern is fresh for a room that's mostly sort of "old fashioned".

I've been thinking about chairs for a while now. When I get moved I want to get a couple new ones. These will definitely stay in my mind.

50% Off Highest Priced Item at the Avenue (Plus Size Clothing)

2011-01-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies! I just scored a 50% off coupon code for The Avenue and I thought I would pass it along to you! It's good until June 30th, 2011, according to the website.. I know it works because I just used it. I scored these Cloudwalkers Pam Cuffed Booties for $7.50 plus shipping!!! It was a grand total of $13.48, and the money was a gift from my mother for my birthday.. What a deal, and they have great reviews.

The Avenue sells plus sizes up to a size (American) 30/32, and they sell Cloudwalker shoes and boots. Cloudwalkers are geared mainly toward wide widths and BBWs. Wearing them is like heaven.. really.. :)

So here's the code: JLE4473

Just enter it into the Promotional Code slot before you checkout!

Happy Shopping! :)

Also, if you Follow me on my other blog (fashion blog), I will be posting more codes for different places when I get them... My other blog is: http://shopaholicglamourgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/01/50-off-highest-priced-item-at-avenue.html

Dear Followers, don't leave me yet..

2011-01-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone.. I know I have been idle for quite some time on the home decor front. My house is no longer a happy place to create and decorate since my landlord won't do anything to repair her properly. I am just waiting to find a job to see where I need to move.. This is why I havent created anything new for my house.

I have been on a jewelry-making kick lately.. I will post about that here too (and on my other blog). It may not interest you as much, and for that I apologize. I am just at a point where I actually get to wear more things now. Before at my job I had a uniform-it was horrid. We also could not wear any jewelry at all. Now, even though I'm working for free til I find an actual job, I get to dress up every day.. It's started my jewelry making juices to flowing.

Also, right now I have a concussion. My hatchback lid on my car didnt click up so it fell down right on top of my head. Dizziness, disorientation, and lots of aching have ensued. Just what a girl needs right? But hopefully it will be better soon. Also hopefully I will get moved soon and get back to what I love.. Just please bear with me :)

My Handmade Vintage-Watch Bracelet..

2011-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. I finally made the bracelet I've been wanting to do for a long time. It's made from vintage watch faces.

Im starting to do jewelry crafts on my other blog, so PLEASE go check it out and follow me. I only have 4 followers lol.. :)

My handmade vintage watch bracelet..

I Took This Picture With My CELL! Christmas in Dixie..

2010-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

I got a new cell phone this week.. One of my Cmas gifts to my self (the other was a hat lol), even though it was free... I had to renew my contract to get it free, therefore it's a present lol. Anyway it takes REALLY nice pictures!

We have had snow, snow, and more snow here today. The flakes have been HUGE. I went to my mother's house for a little bit, but came home before dark so I could avoid any ice that might form on the roads.. We Georgia folk arent used to all this.

Anyway, while at my mother's house I took some pretty pictures but the one above is my favorite.. I love it. Just seeing the snow falling here through the trees reminds me of that Alabama song, "Christmas in Dixie"...

By now in New York City.
There's snow on the ground.
And out in California.
The sunshines' falling down.
And maybe down in Memphis, Graceland's all in lights.
And in Atlanta, Georgia, there's peace on earth tonight.

Christmas in Dixie, its snowing in the pines.
Merry Christmas from Dixie to everyone tonight.

Its windy in Chicago.
The kids are out of school.
There's magic in Motown.
The city's on the move.
In Jackson, Mississippi to Charlotte, Caroline.
And all across the Nation, its a peaceful Christmas time.

Christmas in Dixie, its snowing in the pines.
Merry Christmas from Dixie, to everyone tonight.
And from Fort Payne, Alabama..Merry Christmas tonight.
(And from Calhoun, Georgia.. Merry Christmas tonight..)

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very, merry Christmas! Please have a wonderful holiday and be safe!

My Other Blog...

2010-12-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. Just wanted to drop in and ask everyone to PLEASE follow my other blog. I'm wanting to get started with a life, shopping, fashion, bbw type blog.. A Day in the Life of a Shopaholic, Glamour Goddess

Thank you in advance :)

Once I get moved to a new place (and goodness I hope that's soon) I will get back to both blogs with ferver.

Target Clearance. WOW!

2010-11-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Well I went to Cartersville, GA today with my best friend and her daughter.. We stopped in at Target and WOW! They had trench coats for 75% off! So I branched out! I did it! I got a khaki one and one thats brown (kinda like a brown black mix) with burgundy and camel color accents.. for $13.50 each!!!!! for less than $29.00 I got TWO TRENCH COATS!!!!! I now have my friend Amber in Chattanooga on the lookout for a black one. They didnt have a black in my size in Cartersville! I am making good use of my Cmas money from my mother :)

I recommend you go check it out. they had a lot of cute things on clearance.. I hope you find a good deal like I did!!!!

What are you into this season?

2010-11-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

I guess this is a decorating AND fashion post.. I was just wondering what kinds of things everyone is into this year?

Right now I am in Full-on jewelry mode, and it's all about vintage for me. And vintage-inspired. I'm crushing on watches... I used to LOVE LOVE watches. Now that Ive had surgery on both my hands I find it harder to wear them because they bother my scars.. Oddly enough though, bracelets dont bother me.. So when I saw this bracelet on Victorian Trading Company that's made from watches I fell in love.. I've gathered up watch parts and I will post pics once I've made mine. I'm also all about watch parts, doilies, buttons (this one isnt a new thing either), and anything inspired by Anthropoligie's jewelry line. I cant afford their pieces, so Ill be making mine.

As far as clothing, I'm really liking dresses these days. I havent worn dresses in years really, but with the prospective new jobs, Id like to start wearing more dresses. Also, ive usually always stuck to black, red, purple, burgundy, and grey.. I need to branch out a little.. Right now I like the color Camel. I HATE brown. Ive always hated brown, but Camel seems a nice neutral brown.. And looks good with black..

Now as far as decorating, Im LOVING silver mercury glass. My mother bought me several pieces for Cmas this year.. There seems to be tons of it in stores around this time, and that suits me just fine.

So what things are you enjoying? :) Id love to hear.

If you dont wanna post on here you can email me at sassydevilbbw@yahoo.com and tell me :)

Missing in Action....

2010-11-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Whew... I havent been here in ages. I know I've been missing in action, but my life has been crazy. My once perfect house has turned evil on me. Actually it's my landlord who is evil, but I digress.

My air was basically out all summer. My landlord kept sending his "friends" to fix it and it never got fixed. Finally he called someone else and he fixed it the first time.... at the end of August.. Wow thanks! Because of this my house ran between 78 and 88 degrees and my power bills ran close to $350 a month. This is very bad news for someone on Unemployment.

THEN just as the air got fixed, the roof started leaking... on my bed. YAY! Its October, and for the record, it's STILL LEAKING! They are supposed to put a new roof on but Ive yet to see these phantom roofers.

While I was searching for more leaks I discovered that everything in both my hall closets was molded.. everything.. bedding, suitcase, leather jacket, every piece of winter clothing I own.. all my dressy coats... gone.. Because my landlord forgot to tell me there were water pipes and AC ducts behind the walls and I shouldnt use those closets.. Well he neglected to tell me this.. Plus what good is a closet you cant use right?

And during all of this I am beating the pavement trying to get a job. No such luck. Every interview Ive been called for has been in Tennessee, not even in Georgia.. Plus ive gone through several interviews just to be not hired in the end. Im very frustrated. Ive done everything right. My resume is good, Ive taken the Georgia Work Keys exam and made two Platinums and a Gold, Ive got more resumes out there than a picnic has ants.. I just dont know what else to do. I even signed up for the Georgia Works training program, but dont have anyone training me yet. Apparantly you have to have experience to get the jobs. I guess they dont know the meaning of a training program.. So yeah! VERY frustrated..

Add into this that I'm bi-polar and didnt have any of my meds because I lost my insurance (Who can afford $700 a month for one pill?) and you've got the makings of a VERY crazy few months..

I need to move because my perfect house has turned out to be falling apart and my landlord wont fix it.. But who can move without a job? Just call me "Out of Luck"..

I finished my Diningroom Chairs! A Peek into the Dining Room

2010-07-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

I searched and searched for months (since January) for the perfect dining chairs to go with my table. I had no luck for months, then one day I found them! I talked the owner, David, of the Calhoun Antique Mall into selling them to me instead of putting them into the auction.. They are perfect.. Antique and in GREAT shape, very sturdy, have GREAT legs, AND have fleur de lis on them!!! Given my fleur de lis obsession I dont think they could be more perfect, all I had to do was cover them.. I got 6 chairs from the early 1900's for $125! (this before my lovely layoff).. I found some awesome fabric at Hobby Lobby to cover them with. It's a super thick, tone on tone, black woven fabric with a sort of damask pattern stitched on.. It was about $17 a yard I think but I had a 40% off coupon so I got a deal! I got two yards and headed home.... and did nothing... for weeks... The fabric was so thick that I knew it would be tough to do alone, so when my friend Kay volunteered to help I said "Heck yeah!".. It took 3 installments but we finished them this morning! I love how they turned out and how they look with the table. Here's a before and after:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

LIGHTENED BOTTOM VIEW TO SHOW PATTERN:

SIDE BY SIDE: BEFORE AND AFTER

And here's how they look with the table.. I just wanted to give you a peek. I will post better diningroom pics once I have everything done and where I want it :) I put 4 of the chairs with the table and put the other two by the window in the corners with pillows in them..

Goodwill Chaos..

2010-07-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

They opened a new Goodwill near me, in Cartersville,GA. My friend Kay and I went down there for the opening. We got there at about 9am and it was so crowded that we could barely find a place to park! It got worse once we got inside the store..

It was complete MADNESS in there! People were everywhere! There were so many people that you could not walk..Everyone pushing, shoving.. It was terrible.. And they had no room to put all the furniture. They were bringing out pieces, waiting til they had sold, then replacing them from their stores in the back.

The first thing I picked up I broke! It was a beautiful jar. My favorite thing in the entire store. But just as I picked it up a lady knocked into me and it went flying. It broke all over my foot and it cut my hand. Goodwill workers converged on me immediately to make sure I was ok.. Blood everywhere from a tiny, tiny cut.. LOL it was horrible..

Then I finally made my way to the book section.. There was this man and woman with two FULL carts blocking the entire row. They were taking some sort of scanner and scanning the books to see what they were worth online! Well, they must have thought they OWNED that row, because the woman in the duo literally SHOVED me into an elderly woman.. intentionally.. Now my temper has cooled a lot but I got mad.. I rammed her with my shoulder lol She went flying back and needless to say, when she looked up and saw the look on MY face, she went the other way.. What is WRONG with people nowadays?

I did end up finding one good thing. I love it.. When I was carrying it around, people kept commenting on how pretty it was. I got a silver plated cake stand!!!! Not sure exactly what Im going to do with it yet, but isnt it great?

I am in the process of working on my dining chairs right now-covering them. Only two done so far, but me and Kay are working on them again in the morning. The fabric is horrible to work with, but gorgeous. I'm almost finished with my dining room. It has really come together. Once I get it all fixed ill post pics.. Dining chair pics to come soon!

I'm Back!

2010-06-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back.. Very anti-climactic, I know. I have been MIA because I got laid off.. They had said it would be several weeks before we got laid off, but then called that same week on Wednesday and said "OK well, tomorrow is your last day.. you're going to be laid off." That's right.. One days notice. Nice huh? Anyway, I didnt have the net at home but I'm back up and running now.. My old trusty laptop hadnt been fired up in a year but it's working just fine. So yes, I'm back..

In the time I was gone a lot has happened. I found the perfect dining chairs for my set.. I had a yard sale and sold everything but about 3 things.. go me! lol And now I am moping around my house because I am bored and I have no money and no job.. Ahhhh, Isnt life grand? Anywayyyyyy, I've got resumes and applications in everywhere. I am trying to stay positive, though when I get bored that is not easy to do.

So here's my goals for myself while I have no job:

1. Clean and arrange my house (this is easier said than done since I have two bad hands and cant move things well.. I HAVE, however, discovered that putting something on a rug and sliding it works halfway well lol

2. Finish un-done craft projects.. this is including covering aforementioned dining chairs and paining everything that's ben left unpainted.

3. Do not wallow in self-pity.. Maybe this should be #1.. Admittedly, Ive been wallowing.. No job, no money, no friends in town.. No! Must not wallow...

4. Think about what I want to be when I grow up.. This one has eluded me for years.

5. Catch up on reading.. I havent read a book in ages.. I need to sit my bum down and read something good.. My friend April brought me the "Olympians" series.

6. Remember these goals and actually DO them..

7. Have another yard sale to clear out more clutter.

Does anyone else have anymore suggestions for anti-boredom? Because I'm open! lol

I missed everyone and I'm sure I missed lots of good blogs.. Maybe I should make that #8..

8. Catch up on blogs that I missed while away and post pics of my projects when I finish.

Some of my New (to me) Furniture....

2010-05-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely behind about posting.. And today at work it's been relatively slow SO I'm going to catch up a bit.. Recently I've picked up some new, yet well-worn-in, furniture pieces.. Because of this my house is filled almost to capacity. I MUST have a yard sale soon! Some of the pieces I've gotten are a roll-top desk, antique buffet, clawfoot side tables, and a new coffee table.. Now the coffee table isnt really supposed to BE a coffee table.. It's too tall.. BUT I love it.. It was literally Love at First Sight.. I did not hesitate to get it at all.. It was $29, and it is absolutely one of my favorite pieces EVER!

I dont have pics of the clawfoot tables yet. Im going to re-do those so Im waiting on that.. But Ive got pics of the rest :)

Dont pay attention to the mess.im moving everything around! :)

I love the buffet and all it's old scratches.. The one thing I do NOT love is the smoke smell.. it's awful. I had to wipe it down with pure white vinegar.. But inside the drawers.. well.. there are no words.. I have wiped them out with vinegar... it helped a bit.. then I sprayed them down with vinegar and lemon juice.. it helped a bit.. but the smell is still there.. it's driving me insane because I want to use it!!! I think Im going to have to just rip the velvet lining out of the one drawer and spray them all again with vinegar and lemon juice.. Maybe that will help.. I assure you that candleabra has all red candles now lol

The desk rolls really well and i love the little cubbies inside it.. It will work great with my laptop!

And finally.. My awesome, fabulous, new coffee table.. *sigh* Yes, it's true love.. I love the curves and the legs and unique details.. Pay no attention to the rug or the mess lol

I'm going to that yard sale next weekend and I cannot wait! Im hoping to find bargains galore.. Ive got a whole LIST of things Im looking for lol.. it's sad really.. But topping the list is dining chairs, a rug for my livingroom, mirrors, anything with peacocks, and a cool looking chest of drawers for my bedroom. Wish me luck and few trips in my car lol!

90 Mile Dixie Highway Yard Sale (Georgia)

2010-05-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

I got a second to pop on at work and figured I would send out a note about an upcoming,glorious event here in Georgia-the 90 Mile Dixie highway yard sale.. It's June 4-6 this year and follows highway 41 (Dixie Highway) here in Georgia.. It's always been great fun.. If you live near Georgia you should come on out!! My friend Kim is flying down this year from Seattle and she will be here for the Yard Sale!!!! (she hasnt been here since 2001)..YAY..

An Update. Not Around As Much...

2010-05-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hey there. I havent been around as much lately.. They moved me from night shft to day shift. They finally did away with night shift. I am not sure how long day shift will even last. Maybe two weeks, maybe two months..

I applied for a customer Service job at my company and Ive already had my working assessment and my interview. I should know whether or not I get the job by next week.. But if I do get it, there wont be a lot of extra time.. I will work 12 noon til 9 pm and I will have a 45 minute commute each way.

I am hoping that I can find a better job somewhere else, even if it means leaving a company where I have ten years seniority. The company I work for has really just stopped valuing people and is basically cutthroat these days.. Wish me luck!

My New/Old Bedside Tables.. From White to Black..

2010-04-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for bedside tables that will fit several bills at once for months..

1. I must love them..
2. They must have great details..
3. They must be matching..
4. The must be able to FIT beside my bed..

The last one is a toughie.. In my room, there's really only one good wall suitable for a nice headboard and finding thin enough tables to fit, without sacrificing the second table, was proving difficult.. I had been looking since December..

I had this image in my mind of what I wanted and when I dig my heels in, I usually don't let go til I get what I want.. I had looked at everything thrift and antique store around, with no luck, until two weeks ago..

I was cruising at the Antique Mall in Adairsville and spotted two matching end tables.. Nice details? Check... Right color? Nope.. but that's an easy fix.. Would they fit? Yes they would! AND the handles even had flourished versions of fleur de lis on them!! The price tag? $100 for the pair.. I walked away...

During that entire week though I couldnt stop thinking about those tables.. I fantasized about how they would looking.. I longed, I pined... I got a day of overtime at work.. I decided to go get them..

When I got there I was terrified that they would be gone.. So as I walked in I was on edge.. But guess what? They were there!!!!! and guess what else?? The seller had dropped the price to $80 for the pair!!! Joy, rapture, and happy dancing ensued.. Those babies were MINE MINE MINE!!!

I paid for them, loaded them up, and headed to Home Depot for my paint.. I bought 2 cans of Krylon Fusion Satin Black and a Gloss Enamel Sealant..

The next day I painted them... I got almost done and had to go for more paint but it was worth it!! Here's the pics!!! What do you think? I love them and they fit great!!!! Ill post pics of my entire bedroom once it's all settled like I want it.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I'm Linked To:

An Awesome Clock Giveaway!~

2010-04-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

There's a fabulous clock giveaway going on over at The Stories of A to Z.. It's a choice of a beadboard clock or a HUGE red clock both custom made by Staci from Craftify it..

Go on over to The stories of A to Z and get yourself into the drawing.. Who wouldnt want either one of those fab clocks?

What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?

2010-04-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

Well, it is finally coming down to it.. One of two things is about to happen..

1. In a few weeks I will be laid off from work

OR

2. In a few months I will be laid off from work

I have survived layoffs several times now, but there's no way to survive when your entire department for the county is getting laid off.. What I don't know is when. I don't know if I will be a part of the first group to get laid off in a few weeks or the second group in a few months.

I'm hoping I can at least survive for a few more months.. Maybe I can find my way through.. I've been at this job for over 10 years now.. I'm good at it.. I'm dependable. But none of that matters to a company where they care more about lint on carpet than about people..

But this could be a blessing in disguise. I hate it here.. I have for years.. I stay because the economy got bad and I was afraid to go anywhere else.. But now, being forced out, maybe I will actually find something that I like.. Which leads me to the all-important question of the day, er... week?...year?.. century?

What do I want to be when I grow up?

I know what I WANTED to be.. When I was so young and idealistic.. But I am not young OR idealistic anymore.. And now, given who I am today, What do I want to be?

The simple answer is that I just want to be happy..

I am relatively happy now.. With myself, at least. No, I dont like my job, but again, I'm good at it and Im proud of that. I have things in my life that keep me happy.. I have better people in my life now.. Yes, I am single, but I dont see that as a reason to be unhappy.. When I find the right person I will just know.. and then Ill be more happy..

Im rambling I know.. But does anyone know how we figure out what we want to do? or be? I mean yes, we can make a list of the things we like and that we do well.. and that's all well and good in theory, but how do we KNOW what will keep us happy?
If anyone has figured out even a way to start please let me know..

A Little Bit of Bling!

2010-04-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

I bought these cute and fancy little frames at Michael's a month or so ago for $1.00 each. I FINALLY got around to painting them. I chose Krylon's Banner Red! They were yellow and Silvery before.. They didnt have glass in them though. They just had plastic.. It was glued into the round one and I had to tear it all up to get it out.. Oh well, but I figured Id either get some glass somewhere (or maybe small mirrors hehe) or do something else to it.

Yesterday while I was poking through drawers in my craft room I found a little bit of bling.. It had previously been one of those purse hangers that you hang on the edge of a table, but my friend's purse was so heavy that it broke hers.. She gave the pretty, top part to me.. What can I say? It's shiny.. rhinestones and some lacquer lol.. I pulled it out and laid it down for a while on my craft table..

Later in the day I was poking through my jewelry box.. Since Ive had several surgeries on both my hands, it is nearly impossible for me to wear rings anymore.. Unless they are just HUGE I'm out of luck (my hands swell).. I pulled out one of the costume jewelry rings that Id bought at Torrid and started eyeing it.. An Idea started to come together.. What else could a shiny red frame need more than a bit of bling, right?

Items Needed for this project:
small frames
thin cardboard (I save the backs from notepads and stuff from work and use them in crafting)
scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Bling (My former purse holder and my huge ring)

My small frames only had the "backs" of the frames in them, no inserts, so I took some of that extra thin cardboard and made inserts to decoupage my paper to. I still had the little plastic front from the square frame so I could use it as a stencil but the one from the round frame was pretty torn up.. Luckily I had a bunch of round things on my desk that were ardoun the same size as I needed. I think I used the bottom of a candleholder for my pattern for the round one.

Once I had the inserts cut out I chose my paper. I decided to go with two different kinds of paper for more interest. I used my inserts as patterns and cut out my paper shapes. Then I decoupaged them on to my inserts.. I put them aside and let them dry.. While they were drying I removed the "ring" part from my big ring.

Once they were dry I put the inserts in the frames.. They already looked a lot better. Then I hot glued the Big ring and the Purse Bling into the middles of the frames... Now they are a nice little addition to the shelves on my built-ins! :)

I'm Linked To:

Make it for Monday! Go Check out my Monogram Iron Piece featured in her favorites!

And a brand spankin new Linky Party at Punkin Seed Productions! Go check it out ladies.

More wreaths.. Burlap, fabric, flowers, and frames

2010-04-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

I saw on one of the blogs here (I can't remember whose, I'm sorry) where someone used one of those cute barn-like frames from the dollar tree for a wreath. I was looking for Easter gifts to make for my friends and family so I thought something like that would be great..

I made my friend Kay one for the inside of her house.. She likes Burlap and burgundy and all things country..

Items needed for this project:
Grapevine wreath
burlap
2 colors or prints of fabric
Beads in a coordinating color (or buttons or just something for the middle of the flowers)
Barn-like frame
printed off words, name, whatever you want to put in your frame
Ribbon for bow
Doily (stiffened)
Needle and thread
Paint for frame (mine was black before I painted it)
Hot Glue gun

I painted the frame a rusty-burgundy color and then sealed it with matte spray sealant.. Then I took a cream colored small doily from the dollar tree and used one part glue and one part water to stiffen it.. I dried it over a plastic bowl to shape it. I let both those dry over night..The doily came out looking similar to a flower..

First I printed out my words, in this case it was the last name of my friends, then added it to the frame. I removed the stand from the back of the frame then hot glued it to the grapevine wreath. I made a regular ole bow out of burgundy and gold ribbon and glued that on just under the frame. Then I glued my doily to the center of the bow..

I cut out different sizes of circles in the burlap and fabric.. I made the burlap circles largest, the burgundy a bit smaller, and then the printed fabric I did a bit differently. I didnt use regular scissors. I used wavy edge scissors for those.. Then I sewed the circles together in the middle. Once that was done I added my beads.. Luck had it that I had some burgundy beads shaped like flowers. I glued those to the center of the fabric flowers. Then I glued my burlap and fabric flowers into the wreath, adding one to the inside of the doily also.

I think it turned out great! And even better, my friend Kay loved it!

Next I did an outside spring wreath for my mother.. Everything on this wreath came from the dollar tree~! My mother loves blue. I found some cute blue and purple flowers at the Dollar tree that I thought would work nicely.

Items needed for this project:
Hard wreath
Ribbon for bow
Silk flowers
Barn-like Frame
Words for inside frame
Glue gun

I figured I would use silk flowers for this since it was going outside. I also found a big hard wreath at the dollar tree. I figured that would be better too since it was going outside.

I painted my frame cream color. Then I added my mother's name to the frame. This was the first thing I glued to my wreath.Then I made a regular old bow out of purple ribbon. I glued it just below the frame and added a flower to the middle of the bow. Then I just glued on flowers til I got it looking the way I wanted. I added a bit of bowdabra bow wire to the top for hanging it.

I'm Linking to:
Make it for Monday! Go Check out my Monogrammed Iron Piece! She put it as one of her favorites from last week's party :)

A Brand New Link Party at Punkin Seed Productions!!!! Go Check it out Ladies!!

Wreath for my Front Door... Plus....

2010-03-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I am a little "different" sometimes.. Sometimes I just dont want to be like everyone else.. And that's where the vision for my front door wreath started.. With my being different and having a feather obsession..

I drew ideas out over and over and changed my mind so many times that it makes me dizzy just thinking about it. But when I finally took a look at what I had and loved it all took shape..

Then I went looking for something to hang it on.. I KNEW I wanted an iron piece, even if I had to make something.. I got lucky! I found this over-the-door iron wreath holder at Hobby Lobby for $14.99 PLUS half off.. Pretty good for $7.50.. After I got the wreath holder it just all came together.. So different and SO me!

First, I gathered all my materials..

Black spray paint (gloss)
Silver spray glitter
Monogram E (metal one)
Red Spray paint (gloss)
Black ostrich feathers (I used two large ones)
Red ribbon
2 antique silver buttons
Silver damask-like christmas ornament (I chose one with a crystal on the end)
AND Hot glue gun and gluesticks

First I spray painted my wreath black and my monogram "E" red... After the wreath dried I sprayed it with the silver glitter.. After everything was dry I went to work assembling and I plugged in my glue gun.

First I tied my two feathers together with a bit of bow wire (the soft kind used in bowdabras), but anything will do, even a rubber band because it will be covered. Then I tied my bow and slipped the feathers into it, making sure the bow wire was covered..

THEN I took a look at my "E". It had two holes drilled in the side for wiring but I didnt need them so I used antiqued silver buttons to cover the holes and add interest. I hot glued the buttons to the "E" then glued the "E" to the enter of the wreath.. Then I glued my feathers and bow on.. Once everything was secure I took my ornament and looped it over the feathers so it would dangle and could be used again later if I should choose to. I then glued a hanger to the back and once it was all dry I hung it on the door.. viola!~ Im really happy with how it turned out.. :)

And while I was wreath-making I ended up making one for my mother.. I had previously gathered up flowers that matched an arrangement she had done in her house, So I put them all together and made a wreath for her. I took it to her yesterday and she loved it!

I'm linked to:

Newest Treasures...

2010-03-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

I am completely behind on posting my newest treasures.. I've got quite a few new things to show.. I found some really cute things at the thrift stores, ROSS, AND on 90% off clearance at Hobby Lobby.

I got a bag of shower curtain rings for my bathroom from Providence Ministries for $1.99.. They are gold, but that works with my bathroom scheme.. And they are fancy enough too! I hadnt found any that I liked and just ran into these while killing time before work one day.. I think they will work perfectly with my new burgundy shower curtain. The second image was lightened so you could see the details.

I LOVE these three bottles! I'm not quite sure what they're for but they look vintage.. I got them from the antique auction for $7.00.. The pics do not do them justice..

I found this pitcher at ROSS for $4.99 I think. It had a damask symbol on the front AND bling!

And the last two things I got at the HobbyLobby clearance.. 90% off!!!!!!! The key with it's crown top will find its perfect home over the windows in my kitchen.. It cost me $2.50.. And the damask ball topiary was a steal!!! It was broken BUT it broke clean.. So with a little super glue and some black touchup paint, it looks fabulous..You cant even tell that it was broken! And for $2.50 it will be great in my diningroom or kitchen!

I'm linked to:
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Ballard Inspired this time...

2010-03-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

I love iron pieces.. When I saw the monogrammed iron over the door piece from Ballard designs, I knew I wanted one.. The price tag? 129.99 for the small and 199.99 for the large.. I don't know about you, but there's no way I'd pay that. Not when I can make my own..

Admittedly, mine doesnt look as good, but it's more personal because I made it and it's in my silver color instead of the bronze/gold. (I intend to try again with a different iron piece next time)

I wanted to put mine outside initially but changed my mind.. As I was looking around my house for a door to put it over, I was having a bit of difficulty. Most of my doorways in my house are arched, with little room left above them.. That's when it hit me that I could add it to my "HOME" and coat rack wall.. I already had that awesome distressed looking HOME sign from Pier1 (I paid 19.99 on clearance but it was worth it) on that wall, and under that I had a wall mounted coat rack that was in the shape of an iron key that I got from Hobby Lobby for $7.50. But I felt like it was missing something..Now, I love it!!!!

Here's Ballards:

And here's Mine:

I started out with just a plain metal piece from Hobby Lobby.. I got mine when they were having half off metalware so it was $7.50.. I got the wood oval at the dollar tree, and the "E" was about $1.50 at Hobby Lobby.. I had the paint and the Epoxy on hand.

First I painted my pieces.. the iron piece was about an espresso color. I basically just dry brushed more black acrylic paint onto it.. The painted my oval piece black.. For my E I wanted it to be a bit different.. I first painted the E with silver acrylic paint, then immediately followed with black, so that my black wasnt a "hard" vibrant black. Then once that dried I dry brushed the silver over the black.. I finished it off with just a few hints of red dry brushed on (they're very faint and dont even show up in the pic). Then I sealed my pieces with spray sealant and then glued my pieces together using epoxy.. Easy as pie!

I'm Linked to:

and

More Imitations.. Rococo Noir and Pottery Barn again..

2010-03-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Even though my arm hurts still, I have been doing some crafting.. I just get too bored at home, awake all night on my days off, to NOT do some crafting.. So I started with some things that Ive been wanting to get done..

For a long while now, a couple years at least, I have LOVED these Rococo Noir by Rosanna candlestick holders..

I got the matching large cake stand two Halloween ago and have loved the collection ever since.. But the candlestick holders cost about $50 a pair so I opted to look for a similar style and make my own. I found some in the Hobby Lobby Clearance for about $3.50 each that had a VERY similar shape and appearance. They just needed a little paint!!

here's what they looked like before.. a kind of bronzey color...

And here they are with a fresh coat of glossy black (my fave ahhh..).. I think they look really good.

Then I saw these Pottery barn mirrors and, even though I dont care much for white, I liked the style.

I figured Id give it a try with some $2.99 IKEA mirrors..

I used red mirrors and did the painting in black..

The mirrors were already red so I took some plain ivory soap and in the spots where I wanted the peeling paint I wiped the soap on the mirror. Then I painted black over all the mirror. Once it was dry I took fine grit sandpaper and sanded the areas where Id put the soap. Then I sealed it with spray sealant.

They turned out ok but Im not sure if I like them or not.

I'm linked to:

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

and
Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge

My Version of Pottery Barn's Bowl Mirrors....

2010-03-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

I think we all see many things on the pottery barn site or in the catalog that we love.. And it is no secret that I love mirrors.. I was browsing the PB catalog and I saw the bowl mirrors and I KNEW I had to make my own! They were lovely but they were also about $180 for 3 small ones.. No way jose.. I love them but I know I can make them just as good for cheap..

I started my search, looking High and Low at as many thrift stores as I could find.. Before I started looking for the bowls I could find them anywhere, but after I wanted some they were nowhere to be found. I finally ran up on some in a thrift store in Rome, GA for cheap... Then I found 3 more small pillar holders that were also nice and thought Id add those to the mix to make mine a bit different.

Here's the ones from Pottery barn:

And here's my version..

The ones on the left are made from light brown, deep, wooden bowls.

The ones on the right are made from Bill Blass Pillar Holders. They were originally gold. They have this really cute little almost-hobnail decor around the edges. I originally got them to go somewhere else but decided they looked good with the other mirrors and added a little variety.

I started off by giving them a coat of primer. Then I painted them all matte black and sealed them with spray gloss. Once everything was dry I epoxed the mirrors into the bottoms and let them set over night. I added hooks to the back with super glue so I could hang them on the wall. I think they turned out great!

I ended up paying 3.00 for the big bowl, 50 cents each for the small two, 99 cents each for the 3 pillar holders, around 50 cents each for the strong hooks on the back, the black paint and epoxy I had on hand. I got the craft mirrors on sale for half off at Hobby Lobby so the large one was about $1.88, about $2.98 for 2 packs of the non-beveled small ones, and about $1.75 for the pack of 2 small beveled. So for a total of around $17 I got 6 nice, pottery barn style mirrors for the wall just as you come into my house. I think they certainly make a good statement!!!

I'm linked to:

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge

and

I Need More Help Ladies... Ruffles

2010-03-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not emailing each of you about your ideas, but I get on at work only and I've not figured out how I can do it yet! LOL So please forgive me.. On some things, I'm a simpleton.

But you ladies had awesome ideas. I am in the process of trying a few things out.. Now I need your help again! I am moving on to curtains..

I have fallen in love with ruffles.. well.. I always had an on again/off again romance with them, but I really am loving them right now. They are so dreamy and romantic.. I want ruffled curtains in my bedroom!

I have found MANY that I love the style of, only a few that I can afford, and NONE in my color.. That's right, None.. Zero, zip, zilch. So my little brain has started twitching and turning.. Can curtains be dyed easily? Do they hold color well usually? I really want black curtains.. I know that I overuse black lol but it IS my favorite.. Also, these are for my bedroom and I sleep during the day. Black curtains definitely help with that..

I have found ALL these that I love from urban outfitters, but they are a bit pricey AND the wrong color.. I'm just enclosing the links because Urban Outfitters pics arent "save" friendly.
Waterfall Curtains
Tuxedo Ruffle Curtains
Flounce Ruffle Curtains
But arent they fabulous?

So in my search I ran across these cute and inexpensive ones from Target!! Simple ruffled curtains
And also a ruffled shower curtain at Target that could work.. Pretty Shower Curtain

But would dyeing work? Or do any of you ladies know where I can get relatively-inexpensive black ones?

I could really use your advice on this because the only thing Ive ever dyed was already black, just faded. I really do need to re-learn to sew *sigh*

On another note, I was at Target today and WOW.. That Liberty of London line is FAB-U-LOUS.. I fell in love the the black and white teapot.. I had to keep repeating over and over in my head *curtains curtains* lol

ABC's of Me..

2010-03-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

I found this over at Mel from JunkinJunky's page and thought it was a great idea.. :)
Here's Me!

Age: 36

Bed Size: Queen

Chore you hate: Making the Bed

Dog’s name: I don't have one..

Essential “start the day” item: Diet Cherry Coke

Favourite colour: Black, red, and purple

Gold or Silver: silver

Height: 5'10"

Instruments you play: Piano, Clarinet, bass clarinet, and a few others

Job Title: Loss Prevention Officer

Kids: None-I'm unable to have any..

Living Arrangements: I live in a 2 bedroom, vintage rock house with fabulous arches, inside and out!

Mom’s Name: I have two moms.. yes I know this is weird.. Adoptive Mom-Nancy, Birth mom-Barb

Nickname: Pam, Pammie, Pammiepoo

Overnight hospital stays: A lot of them when I was a child..I was sickly..

Pet peeve: Beeping, Nextel phones where anyone can hear the entire conversation, being talked down to.

Quote from a movie: "There's no Place Like Home".. Aint it the truth?

Righty of Lefty: Righty

Siblings: One half sister

Time you wake up: 3pm.. I work nights.

Underwear: Yes, please lol

Veggie you dislike: Beets

Ways that make you late: I do not like being late...

X-rays you have had: As a danger-prone person, I am pretty sure everything I "own" has been X-rayed. But just last week, my left arm, my neck, and my left leg, due to my car accident.

Yummy food you make: Cashew chicken, Red beans and rice, Veggie and beef pasta

Zoo animals you like: Anything except monkeys.. I had a monkey grab my glasses off my face and break them once.. I was traumatized!

**On a side note, my arm is still killing me and I'm not sure what's wrong with it yet honestly.. I have to go to 6 weeks of physical therapy though. I hope that helps. I am going to try and do some crafting WITH the brace on anyway.. lol..I miss it!

I Have a Shameful Admission...

2010-02-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

I feel like I am betraying my beloved house as I type this, but I have to come to terms with this.. I hate my kitchen.. *sigh*.. I love everything about my house except the kitchen and the laundry area, but the kitchen is killing me. I have cooked two days in a row and I am already just "over it".

The kitchen itself is large. It has a lot of floor space and a TON of lower cabinets.. But it only has 4 upper cabinets total.. This is driving me bonkers. Having a bad back, i loathe bottom cabinets. I like to keep everything up in the top cabinets so I can get it when I need it, hurting or not. See my problem?

Now I have big plans to take a nice chest of drawers and make it into a rolling island, but until I find a good piece that I can work with AND afford, I am out of luck.

Also, as far as pleasing-looking kitchens go, mine is at the bottom of the barrel. I really dont like the look of it.. The stove is old (and it's a rental so I dont want to pay to replace it... yeah I know... I need to shut up then right?), the laminate countertops have some deep scratches, and it has linoleum!!! Not just any linoleum, no sir.. WHITE... solid white.. (sorry to you white loving ladies, but white is the bane of my existance)..

I do intend to change out the flooring, but any ideas what I could do for the stove and countertops?? Help me ladies... I'm begging..

No crafting for a bit....

2010-02-27T01:11:00.000-08:00

Well as my luck would have it, on the way home from the grocery store on Thursday, an idiot ran a red light and barrelled into me! Air bags deployed, car went sideways, head flew back, and somehow my arm was injured.. again.. This is the second car accident where my left arm has been hurt, though not as bad this time. They carted me off to the hospital and apparantly it's sprained and something is wrong with the nerves. It's bruised up badly, and I cant feel my pinky and the finger next to it.. BUT the worst thing is I think my baby car is totalled. I love my car *sigh* but Im afraid it's gone to Honda heaven. Now I am left with nothing but headaches (literally and figuratively).. They are giving me the run-around about a rental car so I am having to bum a ride to work.. It's very frustrating. Not to mention the pain.. So I guess I wont be crafting for a week or two.. or until we can get my hand/wrist/arm figured out..

Been Thrifting again! And another trip to the auction!

2010-02-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

Last week, Kayla stayed the entire week with me and we hit up several thrift stores in Rome, GA.. We ended up finding the most at the Re-store and at a little thrift store on Shorter Avenue.. Most of what I got was glass! Then, Saturday night my friends and I went to the monthly antique and collectibles auction here in Calhoun.. We had so much fun, as usual.. I just couldnt wait to show you my pretties!

When we were thrifting, I started to run into a lot of those cute little jars with the lids for really cheap.. I figured I could make them into small apothecary jars, so I got more glass candlesticks too as I found them. I paid from between 50 cents to $1.49 for each jar, but no more than that!

I had also been looking for a small decanter for mouthwash for my bathroom.. I found one of those cute glass salad dressing bottles for 50 cents and I think it works great.. Also a pretty little glass to go along with it for 35 cents..

At the auction on Saturday, I didn't buy a lot BUT what I bought was awesome! I only spent $62, including tax and fees, and I got a mini crystal chendelier for my bathroom, a picture/sconce, an open-back frame, and a set of coffee and end tables that need some TLC.

The chandelier is perfect for my bathroom. It is a small brass chandelier with crystals all over it. It's VERY heavy and has beautiful details. I ended up spending most of my money for it, at $40.

The coffee and end table set needed a lot of work BUT they had GREAT legs and I got the whole set for $10!

The frame is oval and a hideous color of green BUT it has GREAT details and is very heavy wood.. I got it for $3.

And last but not least, I got a really pretty picture of roses that has a sconce on it. The auctioneer went down to $1 and no one bid, so he asked if anyone wanted it for free!! Hello, me!!! I shot my number up fast. You cant beat free! I plan to change the gold to silver and put it in my bedroom since the other colors all match..I'd say it was a pretty good week!

I've been working with Epoxy and glass!

2010-02-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

Friday night I was in complete craft mode, even though my craft room is still a complete wreck! I had bought quite a bit of glassware and ten millino candleholders so I figured I would whip up a few things with them.. I ended up making a footed bowl (no pic), a footed candy dish, 2 hurricanes, 2 footed candle holders, a really cool cake stand, and another footed bowl for my mother (no pic)! Sorry that the pics arent great, but I hope you like what you see anyway.. I think my favorite is the cake stand!

A Small Thrifting Trip

2010-02-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today kayla and I went to the Re-Store in Cartersville again to check out what they had... I ended up getting a 16x20 frame for $4, two candlesticks, two little silver bowls? for 50 cents each, and a peacock earring holder for $2.00!!!!! I could not resist the peacock!! I had to have it,even if it IS a bright gold color.. It will be silver soon enough *hehe*. I don't think I will be using it as an earring holder either, but the little holes in it make it look like they're the peacock eyes! I love it! I only took pics of the little vintage silver bowl things and the peacock. Here's my thrifty treasures for today!

WOW! My Most Thrifty Treasure EVER!!!!!

2010-02-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

My best bud kay and I went to the Goodwill store in Marietta,GA on Friday and WOW did I ever find a deal.. I spotted the scarves (one of my new obsessions) so I went on over to check them out.. the first one I found that I loved turned out to be a YSL... That's right... a silk Yves Saint Laurent Scarf for $1.10!!!!!!~ First my mouth gaped open like I was a crazy person, then I ran over and scared Kay to death as I thrust the scarf into her face (I also had to explain to her what Yves Saint Laurent IS lol.. You must forgive her.. she's not into designer), and after all this was done I did the happy dance in the middle of Goodwill! lol Here's some pictures of my beeeeeautiful new designer scarf!

Silver Sunday.. My First Post!!

2010-02-14T01:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

I've been holding out some of my goodies for this one.. I got some new (old) things on my adventures the past few weeks..

I got these little silver heart earring stands as Valentine gifts.. I thought they were precious and for 50 cents each I couldn't pass them up! Both were just alike.

I got this heart and rose earring holder at the same little booth in a place called Heart's Desire here in Calhoun.. It says $1.50 on it but everything was half off, so for 75 cents I got this great little earring hold. It has a mirror in the top heart!!

I found two of these really small candle sconces at the Salvation army last week for 29 cents each!

I got this pretty little silver tray at the Salvation Army the same day for $1.99.. It's tarnished to perfection.

Here's the beautiful little dish my friend Kay bought me at Goodwill this week! I just love all the fancy little details around it.

I also found these next two pretty trays at Goodwill for a decent deal..

FREE.. Is there anything better?

2010-02-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend Kay has been extremely good to me this week.. She went thrift and antique shopping with me in the snow, AND She brought me goodies!!! She also bought me this really lovely silver dish at Goodwill. I will post it in my Silver Sunday post.And I got a mirror and a cool old security key (we both do security) for FREE!!
Wont this mirror be pretty once it's painted black?

I think my key is pretty perfect as-is!

And we can't forget the snow pics from our trip!!!! We went to Marietta and it was a lot worse there than it was here in Calhoun..

Handmade Wine Coasters!!!

2010-02-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

My friends April and Kevin have a wine theme going in their diningroom, to which I am a major contributor at this point lol. So for Valentine's Day I made April some homemade wine coasters.

First off I went looking for wine pictures! I found a large wine calender at the Dollar Tree.. Cheap and nice images=score.. I pulled out the 6 images I liked best and took them to Office Depot for color copies that were just a bit smaller than 4x4..

Next I went to Lowes and got the plain white 4x4 tiles like they use to tile the bathroom.. They are really cheap. I think I paid about 20 cents each for them. The nice man at Lowes who helped me that day with my big list seemed to be in awe of the things I was buying LOL and he kept asking questions about what I was making.. But I digress... Here is what my little white tile looked like before I started.

Anyhoo, I went home and cut out my images... then I got out my mod podge and my Triple thick and went to work.. I put the mod podge on the tiles and on the back of the image and then smoothed the images onto my tiles.. After that I took my triple thick and put generous amounts on top of my paper images and on the sides of the tiles to seal them. I let them dry overnight and viola!!!

I only took pics of my favorite 3 images (I know, I know, I'm a slacker).. I think the one of the corks is my favorite!!

The triple thick costs about $5.99 for a small jar but you could probably make 5 or 6 sets of coasters our of it.. The Mod Podge I had on hand.. The printing coast me a couple dollars.. So estimating, I got a set of 6 coasters for about $5. A ll in all this is a very inexpensive way to customize your own coasters. By the way, April LOVED hers! YAY!

Drab to Fab... Another Great Blog and a Giveaway!!

2010-02-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

The amazingly talented ladies over at Drab to Fab are having a giveaway!!! Be sure to go on over and check out their amazing blog and get yourself entered into the drawing.. You wont be sorry to have found their blog!

Tatertots and Jello: Cool blog and a giveaway

2010-02-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

The nice lady over at tatertots and jello is having a giveaway.. She also has a VERY cool blog.. There's always something neat and new to look at on her blog so go check her out.. Plus she is having this giveaway right now for a $50 gift card to Madison Reece Designs, which makes some awesome silver jewelry.. Go on over and join!

More Thrifty Goodness....

2010-02-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Visit Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous!~

Calhoun, where I live, has quite a few thrift stores considering it's such a small town.. We have Junk in the Trunk, Whittles, Yes We Can, Providence Ministries, The Vac, Heart's Desire, A new one that I can never remember the name of, Hankey Pankeys, and a couple that I havent even been to yet. We also have two antique malls. I go to the auction at one of them and get lots of cheapies there. Also just 7 miles down the road there's 3 more antique and thrift stores. So all in all it's a lot.. Anyhoo, in my trips around town this week I got those WONDERFUL vintage turquoise and silver dishes as well as many other treasures.. Here's some things I picked up on my rounds at the various stores.. (I also got another SUPER HEAVY vintage bundt cake pan for $2..not pictured)
This cool little glass guy was only 25 cents. Im not sure WHAT it is but I liked the shape and it looks good with my red rocks in it.
This little silver bird was 50 whole cents and only lends into my silver obsession.
This little guy cost me about 95 cents buthe was worth it..He's going to look great silver!
I loved the contrast between the aged look on the basket and the decorative iron details on the handle. AND it was only $1.50.
This cute little turquoise and silver cup was the only one I could find but he was only 25 cents so I thought I could make a candle out of him!
I have this thing for stainless steel and aluminum vases. I found two of these little dudes for $1.00 each..
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this shelf! The decorative details are amazing and it was only $1.00!! I love how the little feet curve back around to the wall.. It will look great after a nice paint job!
And last, but not least, another little saucer/plate. You cant see the design as well in this pic but it does not do it justice.. I got this little baby for $1.00..

Thrifting at Goodwill..

2010-02-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Visit Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous!~

On my thrifting adventure last week I ended up hitting the Goodwill in Kennesaw, GA.. We don't have one around here, unfortunately, but it is always worth the drive.. I usually get to hit several good stores while Im out and about down there.. Anyway here's some of my cool little treasures.. I also got a nice vintage Bundt cake pan for $2.49 that Im going to use for the kitchen wall (not pictured).. I think all together I spent about $7.50..

I found 4 of these really cool (and HUGE) silver curtain tieback thingys lol I am not sure if I will use them for tiebacks or as huge pretty knobs on the wall to hold some of my treasures, but for 55 cents each I had to get them.. Next is a closeup of one.
I LOVE this smiley little skull bank! I have a great place for him on one of my shelves. He adds a little bit of whimsy and my rocker side of my personality into my decor.
And finally this awesome little decorative silver soap dispenser for my kitchen. I love the sort of damask design on it.

My First Trip to a Re-Store..

2010-02-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Visit Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous!~

After hearing the ladies online here talking about Re-Store for Habitat for Humanity, I got online and began to look for one in my area. I found a couple within close driving distance. On my thrifting adventure last weekend I found quite a few treasures at Re-Store.. Initially, I found some things to be a bit expensive for a thrift store, but once I looked deeper I found some bargains.. PLUS they were having a 50% off everything sale! Total score!~ I ended up with a BIG bag full for about $6.50!!!! here's some of my goodies...

This little frame ended up costing me about 50 cents I believe and will be great with some new paint!
I thought that given the wide top on this candle holder it would be great as the base for a cake stand (for about 38 cents)..
These two little hobnail candleholders were originally bought to be a base of something else, but after another thrifty purchase today I think I have another place for them. I gave 75 cents for the pair.
I thought this pretty little crystal cup, with its unusual shape, would look good as a candle.. AND it only cost about 13 cents.
I got two of these silver trimmed champagne glasses for $1.50 for the pair. I thought they would look cute on my mantle with a tealight and some buttons in them. AND they feed my silver obsession.
This heavy frame ended up costing me about $1.25 and will be great painted with a nice picture in it.
And another little 13 cent cup to make a candle out of..
And finally, a silver trimmed saucer/plate. It cost about 50 cents and has a nice smooth surface. I may do a monogram.. hmm..

All in all I think I got a really good haul for my first time in!

Amazing Vintage Turquoise Dishes..

2010-02-04T00:56:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit Coloradolady's Blog for Vintage Thingies Thursday!~

Also visit Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home!~

On one of my thrifting expeditions this week I ran into the most amazingly beautiful set of dishes.. They're turquoise! Before recent days Ive only had fleeting love for this color, mostly in jewelry, but since moving into my new house I have come to love it.. (The walls in the livingroom and diningroom of my house are turquoise, and it has grown on me! )

Anyhoo, back to my story.. I saw these dishes and began an immediate love affair with the cups.. Mind you, the whole set is beautiful, but the cups are what won my heart.. And they were trimmed in silver..Ahh,love.. I walked away from them... The set was $15.. But THEN I learned that everything in the store was an additional 25% off! I had to get them..

It is a set of 6, but a couple pieces here and there are stained or cracked.. BUT they are sound enough that I can get a set of 4 out of it and use the rest for something else.. I love them!!

NOTE: A few people were asking about the name of these. The plates say Taylor-Smith-Taylor- style: Versatile, made in the USA, 1-62-2 I think the pattern is called Blue Lace.

A Few of my Auction Goodies!

2010-01-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting pics of a few of my auction goodies that I got on my birthday.. I will try to post the rest of them sometime this week, along with allll the goodies I got on my thrifting adventure. here are a few of them..

I originally bought this mirror with intentions of repainting it. But after I have had it for a while I cannot bear to paint over it! I am going to add it to the antique gold decor of my bathroom! I LOVE those marvelous details!

This gold shelf was bought in a lot.. I got this shelf and a vintage brass HUGE magazine stand for $2. The color is not great but the details are awesome!! It will look GREAT after a nice paint job.

I got two of these chandeliers, just alike, for $1.00!! Of course the brass is hideous, but after a nice overhaul it will look great I think. Ive already bought some parts to spruce it up!

This is the lovely little table that my friends, April and Kevin, got me at the auction! These pics do NOT do it justice at all. The details are amazing and I plan to find it a nice spot in my bedroom.

Cathedral? Mirror

2010-01-30T15:47:00.000-08:00

I know! Another mirror.. But this one wasnt mine lol. My friend Kay over at Country Sunshine (Check her out, she's new!) found this mirror one day when we were yard saleing and asked me to paint it for her.. I wish I had taken a BEFORE pic! It was solid white when she got it.. Her style is country casual meets Shabby Chic.. She wanted this mirror to go beside the picture of her and her hubby on their wedding day, since it looks like a church window..

Basically I popped the back off the mirror, took the mirror out, and spray painted a light coat of flat black over the white.. Then I took a fine grit sandpaper and sanded down the areas I wanted to look distressed.. I sealed it with a spray Matte sealant then popped the mirror back in. I put the back on again and secured it with a little glue and viola! She loved it!!

A Helping Hand AND a Giveaway!!

2010-01-27T01:44:00.000-08:00

The lovely lady over at One Gal's Trash is trying to reach 500 followers by her 50th birthday on March 1st! Let's go help her out! She has a really lovely blog that I think you ladies would really enjoy. PLUS she is giving away 4 real skeleton keys to 4 different followers on March 1st.. They are lovely! You can find her giveaway Right here!~ So go help this sweet lady out and get yourself into that drawing at the same time! Thanks ladies!!

What I want NOW....

2010-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ive seen so many things that I want for my house.. BUT these are at the top of the (non-mirror) list..

I LOVE this sign.. Ive thought of making my own but honestly I really want this one LOL I love it.

These are too cute.. I want some similar or these.. I think I can make some though as long as I find the parts. But these will look great as magnets or as push pins for a bulletin board..

I want to make something similar to this for my bathroom.. At my last place I bought some letters with the word BATH and I think they would be cute in a set-up like this..

I saw this at Ballard and I knew I had to have one. (My friend Kay even wants one now too!) BUT the $130 price tag is a lot too much for me SO I am going to try and make my own. I will post pics once it is done.. Admittedly, I haven't been one for the monogramming trend but I really find this very classy.

For the past few years I haven't been one for artwork in my bedroom. I have mostly been going with mirrors and shelves and knickknacks, but when I saw these I loved them! Mirrors AND artwork.. Again, I can't justify the huge pricetag but I may try to make something similar.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least, are these amazing candlestick holders from Rosanna's Rococo Noir collection.. I have been lusting for these for about a year and a half now. I've almost bought them a few times but about $50 for two candlestick holders was too much for me.. BUT the other day as I was browsing in the clearance section at Hobby Lobby I found some candlesticks with a VERY similar shape/style and of course I had to get them! That project coming soon!!

With all of the projects that I want to do soon, I will either go broke or never leave my house because I wont have time for anything but crafting lol.. But it will be FUNFUNFUN!~

Similar for A LOT less!

2010-01-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

Before I started blogging I had never heard of Ballard designs! I know that some of you are probably thinking that I must be mistaken, but it's very true.. BUT after seeing all the things all the bloggers had recreated from there I started frequenting their site and even requested a catalog..

Given my mirror obsession, I immediately feel in love withthis mirror. It would look Ab-Fab over my mantle!! However, given the price and my thrifty ways, there's no way I would ever buy it.. Anyway, days later I was looking on the IKEA site and I found this mirror. Dont they look very similar?? And given the price different (over $100 versus $29.99), I MAY have to go with the Ikea mirror.. I dont know though.. They are both beautiful.. Oh the dilemma..

Shaded Mirror

2010-01-24T23:54:00.001-08:00

I got this mirror at an antique/thrift mall.. I dont really remember how much I paid for it. I got it about a year and a half ago, and it basically just hung in an empty spot on my wall, as-is, because I wasnt sure what I wanted to do with it.. When I moved to Calhoun back in the summer I decided I wanted it to be burgundy, but once I painted it I wasnt happy with it as a solid color.. I decided to use my favorite painting technique, shading.. I posted a tutorial for shading here if you want to check that out.. Anyway, here's the Before and the After (note the lovely little blue painter's tape lol)..
BEFORE:

AFTER

NOTE: I got a bit of the clear coat on the mirror, but it came off easily with nail polish remover...

I fixed the Comment Section! And did a Blog Background Update

2010-01-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

I have fixed the Comment section.. I had no idea that it didn't work.. It took me forever to figure it out, but I think I've got it! Thank you so much to Christina at Signs of Obsession for pointing this out to me!

While I was doing that, I just went ahead and updated my background, added some blinkies and buttons, and did just a bit of tweaking.. I hope you like the new profile and will leave me lots of new comments now that it works! lol

Some Pictures of Rooms that I Love...

2010-01-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time looking online and at magazines (I have a magazine problem.. lol). I found these beautiful rooms over at Country Living.. All of these rooms have things that I love in them.. Mirrors, of course, are a common theme among them.

This one has two things that I crave- mirrors and crystals. I absolutely LOVE this huge mirror as a headboard.. It adds such depth and glamour to the room.. I also love the chandelier!

This room comes from one of my favorite issues of Country Living and is a lot more shabby chic. What I love about it are the ornate details (White is definitely not my color)- The canopy, the amazing headboard, the pearls, the mirror over the desk..It's very chic.

Again, overlooking the white, I love the mirror and the mirrored details on the armoire, All the little fancy details on the furniture, and an amazing chandelier~!

In this one I love how the mantle is layered with mirrors and vases, and I love all the detailing on the mantle!!

Happy Early Birthday to Me!~ lol

2010-01-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

Well, this Saturday is my birthday.. yes, I am getting older.. I guess I don't mind it as long as I don't look my age! (And if I do, please dont ruin my fantasy life lol).. Anyhoo, my mother always spoils me.. This year she has outdone herself!! She got me just what I wanted- an early 1900s double clawfoot kitchen table!!

I saw this little beauty online at Rethunk Junk, a cool site run by a local woman who redoes furniture and such.. I lusted over it.. I pined for it.. I longed and wished and finally mentioned it to my mother in passing.. That was all it took.. 3 days later there was a check in my mailbox for the table!!! (Did I mention that my mother is awesome and spoils me rotten?) Now I have this lovely table for my new house AND I get the fun of picking out and re-doing "project" chairs for it YAY!

And in typical Pam fashion, I also bought myself a birthday gift.. er... uh.. gifts.. Yes, I am shameless.. I finally bought myself a headboard! and a mirror *coughs* yes... another mirror.. I just cant help myself.. It was too beautiful to pass up and such a bargain at $27!

All in all I think it's been a Happy Early Birthday for me!

My Style Quiz..

2010-01-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

According to the Quiz I took at Home Goods.com my decorating style is:

Pam, you are a Glamorous Eclectic

You have wide-ranging interests and influences and so appreciate a mix of whatever you deem fantastic. You would be bored to tears using a matching suite of furniture or could never stand a home that seemed cookie-cutter. You fearlessly embrace luxury, beauty and fun. Velvet, silver, graphic patterns, even wallpaper; you understand the old-Hollywood, movie star sense of theatrical extravagance. You do not understand the minimalist idea of less is more. For you, more is more, so long as it is chic and exciting.
You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

Id say they hit the nail on the head!!!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it... HEY, Wait a Minute!!!

2010-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's snowing!!!!!!~ Yes, it sure is- snowing in Georgia.. Did I mention that I HATE snow? I am the Queen of Clumsy.. I have trouble walking on DRY ground so having snow and ice is practically a death sentence! Mind you, I wouldn't mind it if I didn't have to be out in it, but, alas, I have to work.. Rain, Snow, Major disasters.. I still have to be at work. This means that when I get off work at 6 am I will be driving on ice *sigh* Yes, death sentence sounds just about right.. Still, it is very pretty.. Here's a lovely pic of our Corporate building's courtyard at work.

Beautiful isnt it? Now I just hope that the pretty snow and ice are gone by Saturday so that I can go to IKEA with my friends lol. I've never been to an IKEA store before and I am so excited to go!!!

Happy New Year!~

2010-01-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!~ I hope that this year is one of your best.. Please check back on my blog soon for more projects. I've just gotten moved, and I am now getting everything settled. Hopefully I will have it all done and get back to projects ASAP..

Happy Holidays from Pam at Eclectic Thrifty Chic!~

2009-12-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday season.. Try to enjoy all the time you can with your family and friends.. Oh, and don't forget to go out and search for those after-holiday bargains!!!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!~

My Thrifty ~Find~ for December...

2009-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon my friends were coming up from Cartersville to help do a few things around my new house... It was their first trip there so I was basically killing some time in town waiting for them to get there.. The new house, having no furniture yet, was NOT a good place to hang around.. And the porch is wonderful and has places to sit,but not in the rain... So Kayla and I went to the Antique mall over on Red Bud rd here in Calhoun to look around a bit and found my thrifty deal for the month! (also found out some interesting info, but I will pass that along later)..

We were walking through the booths and not a lot was catching my eye when all of a sudden a fleur de lis popped out at me from behind a mountain of other things.. (I have fleur de lis radar, for those of you who dont know lol).. I dug through the stuff to find this awesome. if slightly rusting, iron fireplace surround buried behind a mountain of junk... It wasn't huge but the fireplaces in my place arent huge either.. It has GREAT details (and a fleur de lis) and when I looked at the price I fell in love! It was only $12~~~!

Since I was moving, I did go back and forth about it a bit.. Only $12 but still, I'm moving.. But only $12.. And awesome.. and would probably fit great! So with a bit of nudging from kayla, and a promise that I could return it if it didnt fit, I got it and took it to my new home.. And guess what.. It's a PERFECT fit.. to the very INCH! It was just meant to be :) And with a little love from me, it's going to be fabulous!! So without further adieu, here's my lovely fireplace surround!!

My Thrifty Fabulous Find for November..

2009-12-14T23:14:00.000-08:00

Last month I was going Thrifting and antiquing in Cartersville, Kennesaw, and Marietta with high hopes for a new mirror. I have a mirror obsession. It may be a sickness really, but I digress.. Knowing that I was going in search of bargains, my sweet, lovely mother gave me $40 to spend on myself! She does this quite a bit. She's just like me and loves buying things for people and giving them things.. So I take my money and head off on my adventure..

When I pull up to the parking lot at the Classy Flea on Roswell Rd in Marietta I immediately notice this HUGE black mirror outside on the sidewalk where they usually have the bargains.. Still, I can't imagine that I can afford that mirror. Mirrors THAT size usually cost more than I can spare.. When I got up to the mirror I noticed the beautiful elaborate details on the corners (which is something I adore) and then I notice the price.. $50.. what? $50? I looked at it for a while to make sure my eyes weren't betraying me.. It even said "large black mirror $50".. Still... I kept staring... THEN I started looking the mirror over for the problem.. I couldnt find one.. It even had a beveled mirror! I went inside and up to the counter, sure that when I told them what I wanted they would say it was a mistake.. But nope.. it was right.. They even loaded it into my car!!!!! I was hoping that it fit because I didnt want them to have time to realize they might have made a mistake or something.. lol... So here it is in all its glory.. My $50 fabulous mirror..

Moving....

2009-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Well after this weekend I will be moving for the next week or so.. That means a halt on any projects. Plus Christmas decorating is probably completely out of the question.. But I will be in the house that I want and love and everything will be better (see my personal blog for details).. Be back soon!~

1 Year Magazine Subscriptions for $5!

2009-12-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pass along that this week amazon.com has Country Living, Cosmo, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Bazaar, Veranda, and House Beautiful magazine subscriptions this week (1 year) for $5!!!!!

Painting Thrift Store Frames...

2009-12-01T23:55:00.000-08:00

A friend and I were at Goodwill in Marietta GA and found some cute little frames with fancy detailing that were really inexpensive (I think I got them for $1 each), but really bad in color.. The round rose frame was white but it was really dingy looking, and the 3 1/2 x 5 was an ugly flesh color with black detailing.. But the detailing was just sort of sporatic, kind of half done...Anyway, I took these home and redid them in my standard bedroom colors of burgundy and black..

Needed for this project (both frames): Black spray paint, burgundy acrylic paint, black acrylic paint, paint brushes.

The white rose frame was a resin material so I basically just removed the glass and painted over it with burgundy acrylic paint. I did two coats to make sure I got the kind of dark burgundy that I like (since it was going over white), then I let it dry.

After it was dry I took a stiff paint brush and black paint and did the same dry brushing technique that I used on the 4x4 frame a couple of blogs prior to this except this time I left a bit more paint on my brush to get a nice firm black color on the roses. I love how it turned out...

The ornate corner 3 1/2 x 5 frame was a bit different. The type of material the frame was made of was a bit... rubbery? for lack of a better word, and not very porous, so I used black matte spray paint on it after removing the glass..This took almost no time and it only had to have one coat to get great coverage.

After I let it dry, I took it inside and got out my burgundy acrylic paint again. I got another stiff brush and, again, used the dry brushing technique to paint the inside detailed edging and the ornate corners of the frame.

After I was done with both I took them both outside and gave them a light dusting of gloss sealant to give them an extra bit of pick-me-up.

Total cost to re-do both frames (since I already had the paint) was just $2 for the frames themselves.

Vanity chair re-do...

2009-12-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

When I purchased my antique vanity it didn't have a stool or a chair with it so I immediately went looking for one. It gave me a reason to do more shopping hehe.. Anyway, I found this cute little chair at a Thrift and antique mall for $10 but it needed a little TLC..

It was shaky, the seat needed to be covered, and the paint on the caning on the back was a little discolored. Other than that it was nice AND the same color as my vanity.. score.. So I got it and took it home.. It didn't take a lot of effort to make that chair look great again...

Needed for this project: Chair, heavy duty stapler, enough fabric to cover the chair seat, black acrylic paint, craft paint brush, and polyurethane paint sealer, handheld drill, flat head screwdriver.

The first thing I did was take the seat off the chair. I had to use my drill to get some of the screws out because they were rusted in.. After that I went through and tighened all the screws up on the chair so it wouldnt be so shaky, making sure that I didn't tighten them so tight that it busted the wood.

Then I took my seat and removed the seat cover. It was a vinyl type material so I didnt want to cover over it. I wanted the chair to be more comfortable. I used my flat head screwdriver to remove the staples that didnt want to pull off easily.

Once the cover was off I used it as a template for my new fabric.. I cut the new fabric to size and set it aside. (NOTE: I did not use upholstery fabric for this. I used a lighter weight cotton fabric that was very inexpensive. And because I used just about 1/4 yard it only cost me less than $2 to cover the seat of this chair)

I checked my seat to see if the cushioning was still thick enough. The batting inside the chair was still nice and fluffed so I did not add any extra. I lined my fabric up on the chair's bottom and wrapped the ends under, kind of like wrapping a gift, making sure everything stayed smooth on the top of the seat and in the corners, then stapled it in place as I went.

Once my chair bottom was covered I used my drill to screw it back into place, again being careful not to get it so tight as to break the wood. Once the chair's bottom was in, and after all the tightening, the chair was nice and sturdy..

Next I took my black paint and my small craft paint brush and painted the caned area of the chair that was discolored, making sure to be very careful not to touch the sides of the chair that were not being painted. I did not sand this because of the type of material it was. It was more porous and did not need to be sanded to hold the paint. After I let the paint dry, I then painted on a light coat of sealant..
Once it was dry then my chair was all ready for use with my vanity.

Total cost, including chair, around $13.50..

Re-paint of a resin picture frame...

2009-12-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

I had been looking for a 4x4 frame for a picture of my mother and me but had no luck finding one. One day I ran across one at Hobby Lobby for half off, but it was the wrong colors. It was a rust color trimmed in gold. Since I like to paint I figured that I could make it fit into my burgundy and black color scheme pretty easily.

Needed for this project: Burgundy acrylic paint, black acrylic paint, sandpaper, and paint brushes, spray sealant (I used matte) .

I removed the glass and lightly sanded the paint on the frame..Then I painted the entire thing burgundy and let it dry completely..

I took my black paint and a shading brush and used a dry brush technique to get the black onto the raised detailed edges.

Once the paint was dry, I took the frame outside ( or you can take it to a well ventilated area) and sprayed it all over with spray sealant. I then let this dry. After that all I had to do was cut my picture down to size, re-add the glass and my picture, and I was all done.

Here's the frame after I added a pic of me and mi madre!! (Note to self: Learn to take better pics)

HOW TO:
To dry brush, get a dab of paint on your stiff brush then brush most of the paint off onto a piece of paper or similar until you have just enough to acheive your desired effect... Too Much paint on the brush can have a negative effect so it's better to start out with less paint.. you can always add a bit more.

Note: Dry brush all the detailing until you have the look that you want then let it dry. It won't take as long to dry from the dry brushing as it did from the painting.

Wow! My first blog...

2009-12-01T01:23:00.000-08:00

Well I decided that since I am always doing crafty things that I would create a blog and show them.. Maybe some other people can get some use out of what I have done or have to say. I hope so! My first few blogs will be from older projects and will likely not have all the proper things that a blog should (like befores and afters or something like that), but I hope you enjoy them anyway. Check later for updates.