tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88167739257591176032024-03-13T00:38:53.922-04:00Northern NestSharing Simple & Affordable Ideas for Decorating and OrganizingLissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-6423121596306638162011-06-25T14:26:00.000-04:002011-06-25T14:26:47.293-04:00Summer Mantle & Mirror Redo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was time to revamp the mantle for summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRkZOH0OPTY/TgYiRQPMCaI/AAAAAAAAAOU/hFGa9CYoqCA/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRkZOH0OPTY/TgYiRQPMCaI/AAAAAAAAAOU/hFGa9CYoqCA/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started by spray painting this 39.99 Walmart mirror in ivory. I loved the shape and detail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kvtC395pIQ/TgYjKbld56I/AAAAAAAAAOY/Mp0tyW1hqFU/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kvtC395pIQ/TgYjKbld56I/AAAAAAAAAOY/Mp0tyW1hqFU/s320/IMG_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Added some peonies from the garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxFWeRx2Ns/TgYkfPNcdQI/AAAAAAAAAOc/cGtROOqZ7JY/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxFWeRx2Ns/TgYkfPNcdQI/AAAAAAAAAOc/cGtROOqZ7JY/s400/IMG_0216.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Added some summery outdoor lanterns, a few seashells and my wood carving of a woodcock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFk2MW7a7P4/TgYluiR-ecI/AAAAAAAAAOg/oQYFdM19RsY/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NQRLobYv9w/TgYn4mV8odI/AAAAAAAAAOk/-HsojwxLBSE/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NQRLobYv9w/TgYn4mV8odI/AAAAAAAAAOk/-HsojwxLBSE/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-23403437502117865532011-03-28T08:58:00.003-04:002011-03-28T09:53:19.602-04:00Placemat File Box<div style="text-align: center;">Ever since we lost our 3rd bedroom (which acted as our home office) to our son's nursery our mail and filing has been less than perfect...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tYR73ga6SLU/TYqDpxPzbrI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aMrBMve33HI/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tYR73ga6SLU/TYqDpxPzbrI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aMrBMve33HI/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Mail in tray on top of fridge</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carrying papers down to the filing cabinet downstairs is just not convenient on a daily basis. I needed a solution for filing our daily mail in a central location but that was still pretty and low cost. I started by purchasing a simple inexpensive letter size file box at staples. </div><span id="goog_1496475488"></span><span id="goog_1496475489"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v68gsM-mAkI/TYqCI8uO57I/AAAAAAAAAN4/lnxJKCQpwk8/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v68gsM-mAkI/TYqCI8uO57I/AAAAAAAAAN4/lnxJKCQpwk8/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I acheived the "pretty" by hot gluing two placemats to the file box which fit perfectly, I only had to cut a small strip off the bottom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wn40g-fnaFY/TYqC6rjoAcI/AAAAAAAAAN8/baZoRDY9gVU/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wn40g-fnaFY/TYqC6rjoAcI/AAAAAAAAAN8/baZoRDY9gVU/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were so many placemats to choose from at the dollar store, but I loved the texture of these cream coloured ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xndXDlavZT4/TYqDRFZHqGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/dV688cacUuc/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xndXDlavZT4/TYqDRFZHqGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/dV688cacUuc/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I am going to create the following labelled tabs so that our active files have a home.</div><ul><li><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">To Pay</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">To Act </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">To Read </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">To File</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Linking to <a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/03/sew-darn-crafty-partyweek-7.html">Sew Many Ways Sew Darn Crafty Party</a> & <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/03/week-9-challenge-purge-week.html">A Bowl Full of Lemons Week 9 Purge Challenge</a>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-42867897415380908512011-03-13T11:26:00.003-04:002011-03-16T10:56:15.288-04:00Bathroom Cupboard Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">My master bathroom cupboards were just not working for me, they were not terribly cluttered but they just did not look tidy as nothing was contained. A lot of people think being organized costs a lot of money and I can prove it does not with the little organization project I gave myself this weekend. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5MWrCWTiTpc/TXzN3_CpyDI/AAAAAAAAANY/-DWmLsMOoVI/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5MWrCWTiTpc/TXzN3_CpyDI/AAAAAAAAANY/-DWmLsMOoVI/s320/IMG_0029.jpg" width="168" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DPAAVZ07a8/TXzOrOAs_sI/AAAAAAAAANc/OS1xRvi753I/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DPAAVZ07a8/TXzOrOAs_sI/AAAAAAAAANc/OS1xRvi753I/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started by re-using some FREE solid cardboard boxes and recovering them with sticky paper I bought at the dollar store. Seriously take a look at your recycling, sometimes the best size boxes are overlooked because we don't think of ways to re-use them. I even found a print to cover them that matched the vanity colour!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FT3q7OfYpkI/TXzMMtkLj9I/AAAAAAAAANU/W_uXacjGa2U/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FT3q7OfYpkI/TXzMMtkLj9I/AAAAAAAAANU/W_uXacjGa2U/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added an additional shelf that wasn't being used in the vanity for additional storage and so that no space would be wasted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5MWrCWTiTpc/TXzN3_CpyDI/AAAAAAAAANY/-DWmLsMOoVI/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5MWrCWTiTpc/TXzN3_CpyDI/AAAAAAAAANY/-DWmLsMOoVI/s400/IMG_0029.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XxL2gGk4hZM/TXzS8BCbN7I/AAAAAAAAANk/Umjm6dbt-oE/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XxL2gGk4hZM/TXzS8BCbN7I/AAAAAAAAANk/Umjm6dbt-oE/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added black vinyl lettering using my silhouette. L.O.V.E my silhouette!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4qlyvoyExTE/TXzUMcRvWVI/AAAAAAAAANs/A2_tk8qPEoc/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4qlyvoyExTE/TXzUMcRvWVI/AAAAAAAAANs/A2_tk8qPEoc/s400/IMG_0069.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I re-used berry containers to create a "nail caddy" and to contain the things I use "everyday". The sticky paper covered the writing on them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPwYMODN4VI/TXzR6O4O6EI/AAAAAAAAANg/MOuX-3IRNHU/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPwYMODN4VI/TXzR6O4O6EI/AAAAAAAAANg/MOuX-3IRNHU/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On my husband's side of the vanity, I created two more storage boxes one for his belongings and another for extra products such a toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, body wash and Q-tips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DPAAVZ07a8/TXzOrOAs_sI/AAAAAAAAANc/OS1xRvi753I/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DPAAVZ07a8/TXzOrOAs_sI/AAAAAAAAANc/OS1xRvi753I/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XIsrWzU9tw4/TXzTK5YNwVI/AAAAAAAAANo/aGdVJr3ALR0/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XIsrWzU9tw4/TXzTK5YNwVI/AAAAAAAAANo/aGdVJr3ALR0/s320/IMG_0074.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also needed a better solution to containing my travel cases and travel sized products which were previously housed inside each travel case, this didn't work for me as different trips always call for different things. I was excited that this dollar store canvas tote fit perfectly inside a shelf in my vanity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PmelNgf2eks/TXzZNBIObZI/AAAAAAAAANw/b5-LJmmMjUQ/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PmelNgf2eks/TXzZNBIObZI/AAAAAAAAANw/b5-LJmmMjUQ/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used another dollar store plastic container to hold the travel products within the canvas tote. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gHri2m2rcRs/TXzZSku8KjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/TweihHC1buw/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gHri2m2rcRs/TXzZSku8KjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/TweihHC1buw/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Total cost of this bathroom cupboard makeover:</div><br />
<ul><li style="text-align: left;">Sticky paper: $1.00</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Canvas Tote: $1.00</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Plastic Storage Bin: $1.00</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">The joy I get when opening my pretty and organized cupboards....priceless :)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">Linking to <br />
<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/03/sew-darn-crafty-partyand-give-away.html">Sew Many Way's Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party</a><br />
<a href="http://www.organizewithsandy.com/2011/03/14/organizing-mission-monday-link-party-week-13/">http://www.organizewithsandy.com/2011/03/14/organizing-mission-monday-link-party-week-13/</a><br />
<a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=18650">http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=18650</a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-29867973168554040432011-03-04T08:39:00.001-05:002011-03-04T09:13:58.167-05:00Homemade Pot Scrubbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Confession: I have always saved my onion bags and no I am not a hoarder... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3JF97dDhM0/TWqNmFXwtZI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Y2K4Api9OeM/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3JF97dDhM0/TWqNmFXwtZI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Y2K4Api9OeM/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I make pot scrubbers with them an idea I stole from my Grandmother who has been doing this for as long as I can remember. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UknRqiWz3Uo/TWqNstXPmoI/AAAAAAAAAMo/84TK55d7R7A/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UknRqiWz3Uo/TWqNstXPmoI/AAAAAAAAAMo/84TK55d7R7A/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These little scrubbers work amazing on pots and pans or for scrubbing down the kitchen sink. They would also make a great little accessory for a housewarming gift bucket of natural cleaners.</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-66328029767968687042011-03-02T19:24:00.002-05:002011-03-13T11:28:38.282-04:00Purse Organization<div style="text-align: justify;">For an organized person I was quite embarrassed about the state of my papers in my purse. On an organized day my checkbook, kids health books, calendar and notebook would be all held together with an elastic. I kept my coupons in an envelope also with these items. My purse would always slowly fill with store receipts and bank statements from the debit machine until I went through and purged my purse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T0FIAh237dA/TW7dmw3TWDI/AAAAAAAAAMw/1s9rVCwdKao/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T0FIAh237dA/TW7dmw3TWDI/AAAAAAAAAMw/1s9rVCwdKao/s320/IMG_1454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I decided it was time for a little lunch hour organization project when I saw the perfect little organizer at the dollar store. I had seen these kind of organizers before for coupons but did not feel it was necessary to organize my coupons to that level. This was the perfect size!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L_QkrDRq_pQ/TW7dz0OPX_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/ojE3i8h83GU/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L_QkrDRq_pQ/TW7dz0OPX_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/ojE3i8h83GU/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I started by making a list of all the paper things I kept in my purse and purging all the unnecessary items such as expired coupons, receipts, business cards etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qWq6HXcGfsI/TW7eFI9BGFI/AAAAAAAAAM4/f0PYLLUDNc0/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qWq6HXcGfsI/TW7eFI9BGFI/AAAAAAAAAM4/f0PYLLUDNc0/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the list I came up with:<br />
<ul><li>Business cards</li>
<li>Bank statements</li>
<li>Calendar </li>
<li>Checkbooks</li>
<li>Canadian Tire $</li>
<li>Coupons</li>
<li>Health Card L</li>
<li>Health Card J</li>
<li>Important #'s</li>
<li>Loto</li>
<li>Notebook</li>
<li>Receipts</li>
<li>Stamps</li>
</ul>I had to cut the labels made with my label maker with scissors to fit them onto the little tabs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RY7TESAaT6E/TW7eNcYKEnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/p4mGTQd60BA/s1600/IMG_1458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RY7TESAaT6E/TW7eNcYKEnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/p4mGTQd60BA/s320/IMG_1458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am so thrilled with my little $1.00 purse organization project. This will also make my life easier when I am transferring purses.</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-36976336035523507502011-02-27T10:40:00.005-05:002011-02-28T15:12:46.846-05:00Bar Stool Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">I love a good before and after and this simple reupholstery project cost $15.00 and took one hour for two stools. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aKCGTOA_cTc/TWprG1XXpII/AAAAAAAAAMg/wtDbM6i64Z4/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aKCGTOA_cTc/TWprG1XXpII/AAAAAAAAAMg/wtDbM6i64Z4/s320/IMG_0005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can thank our three year old for the gruesome before photo complete with dirty hand smudges. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xGkW2-R_dCw/TWprB5yklbI/AAAAAAAAAMc/fxSp33bBTbc/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xGkW2-R_dCw/TWprB5yklbI/AAAAAAAAAMc/fxSp33bBTbc/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These inexpensive Walmart stools are now a little more chic.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Linking to the following parties:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/02/sew-darn-craftylinking-party-4.html">http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/02/sew-darn-craftylinking-party-4.html</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/02/playing-on-porch-welcome-to-110th.html">http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/02/playing-on-porch-welcome-to-110th.html</a><br />
<a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2011/02/motivate-me-monday-59.html">http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2011/02/motivate-me-monday-59.html</a></div></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-38235919709152923662011-02-22T13:26:00.002-05:002011-03-13T11:29:14.359-04:00Magazine Holder Update<div style="text-align: justify;">My magazine holders in my work office are a great way for me to organize my various brochures, newsletters, booklets on various different topics on my bookshelf--however they were sooo ugly. The holes in them didn't hide the papers very well. I purged each holder and created new subjects for the information I did not have a category for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUb5S6G_BnI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Z1CpNPivP2Q/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUb5S6G_BnI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Z1CpNPivP2Q/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I decided to trade up my black ones for some larger cardboard ones we had a ton of in the office. You could also use cereal boxes and cut them into the appropriate shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUb5VkJryYI/AAAAAAAAAK0/qFxzvzmcycE/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUb5VkJryYI/AAAAAAAAAK0/qFxzvzmcycE/s320/IMG_1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I covered them with wrapping paper and scrapbooking tags both found at the dollar store and labeled them. I liked them so much I made 10 of them since that is how many one role of wrapping paper could cover. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9knJG51q2a4/TWP6GkvuBCI/AAAAAAAAALw/ZvU1MLUv7g4/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9knJG51q2a4/TWP6GkvuBCI/AAAAAAAAALw/ZvU1MLUv7g4/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little improvement makes me happy and only cost me $2.00 :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/02/organize-it-party.html">Linking to Thrifty Decor Chick's Organize it Party</a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-63436249595295169462011-01-27T13:34:00.001-05:002011-01-27T13:46:54.010-05:00Another Valentine Topiary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The arrangements I made for our work bathrooms in December that you can see<a href="http://northernnest-lissa.blogspot.com/2010/11/simple-christmas-arrangement.html"> here</a> were still in the bathrooms all dried up looking. I though it was time to revamp them for Valentines. I had so much fun making my valentine topiary you can see <a href="http://northernnest-lissa.blogspot.com/search/label/Valentines%20Decor">here</a>, that I decided to make a little one using the same glass vase I used for the Christmas arrangement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUG0n8qbPXI/AAAAAAAAAKU/YArc9b6XGBE/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUG0n8qbPXI/AAAAAAAAAKU/YArc9b6XGBE/s400/IMG_1422.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This arrangement cost me about a dollar to make since the styrofoam balls come in a package of 6 for a dollar and I only used half a bag of rose petals that also cost a dollar. I used some cupcake liners to fill in the top. I typed in some valentine words at <a href="http://www.wordle.net/">http://www.wordle.net/</a> to create a word cloud that I could use to hide the green foam. Wordle is so much fun, you have to try it. I covered the wood dowel in crepe paper (Birthday streamer) since I was too lazy to paint it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUG4R01ZM4I/AAAAAAAAAKY/8mN6pl3Gyig/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TUG4R01ZM4I/AAAAAAAAAKY/8mN6pl3Gyig/s200/IMG_1423.JPG" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This little topiary brings a little life to our ugly work bathroom, it hardly cost anything and it makes me happy to see it when I wash my hands :) Stay tuned for cupcake liner topiary---my last valentine topiary!</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-50440364940149683662011-01-25T20:19:00.006-05:002011-01-25T20:44:01.020-05:00Valentine Topiary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to make a valentine craft for my mantle this year using a colour I never decorate with...pink! I figured with a house full of boys it was time to add some feminine flare for this years valentines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9zQDuxKGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-oJa0znMrWM/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9zQDuxKGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-oJa0znMrWM/s400/IMG_0005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I purchased 2 packs of 250 fake rose petals, a feather boa and a package of wooden dowels at the dollar store. I already had a container, ribbon, sewing pins, fake pearls and hairpins at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9cI73lXOI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Clu7qOP4hCg/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9cI73lXOI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Clu7qOP4hCg/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I started by taking three petals and folding them in half. I than folded them in half again and stuck a sewing pin through it and poked it into the styrofoam ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9bySLkTvI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/IL86qHSa-s8/s1600/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9bySLkTvI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/IL86qHSa-s8/s200/IMG_0015.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I kept sticking these little rose buds into the styrofoam ball for about an hour and a half. I used a larger styrofoam ball than the one shown above so it took almost the whole episode of watching the bachelor. I was pretty satisfied on how it turned out but I remembered I had these pearls and hairpins leftover from my wedding day in my craft box and I thought they would look pretty. I just strung the pearls onto the hairpins and pushed them into the styrofoam ball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9uk96QfZI/AAAAAAAAAKI/O-IcPcl8GjU/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9uk96QfZI/AAAAAAAAAKI/O-IcPcl8GjU/s320/IMG_0014.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I than stuck the wood dowel into the ball and filled a pot I had on hand with styrofoam. I used a piece of the feather boa to cover the styrofoam and tied a ribbon to the dowel. I still need to paint my dowel white.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9xIETjrzI/AAAAAAAAAKM/S5O1DwNnEUM/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TT9xIETjrzI/AAAAAAAAAKM/S5O1DwNnEUM/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I like my snowy owl next to my topiary, I think its the feathered boa that brings them together. This topiary would also look so cute in a little girls room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Linking to: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-39/">http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-39/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/01/glam-party-12.html">http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/01/glam-party-12.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2011/01/just-something-i-whipped-up-with.html">http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2011/01/just-something-i-whipped-up-with.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/01/24/made-by-you-monday-36/">http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/01/24/made-by-you-monday-36/</a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-61499006874368274392011-01-23T21:22:00.000-05:002011-01-23T21:22:41.768-05:001st Birthday Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_279095171"></span><span id="goog_279095172"></span>I have not had much time to craft anything lately being back at work full-time but I did want to create something special for my little guy's 1st Birthday. I decided to do a puppy dog theme as he loves dogs. A quick search at a few stores proved unsuccessful in finding anything party-dog related. I received a silhouette electronic cutter for Christmas from my husband and decide it would be my first project to make a few little decorations for his Birthday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzY5ToWtjI/AAAAAAAAAJU/rwHtTu0PPAg/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzY5ToWtjI/AAAAAAAAAJU/rwHtTu0PPAg/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started with a banner for the mantle spelling out his name. I bought two graphics at the silhouette online store for 0.99 cent each and used 4 sheets of different colour card stock. I wanted to use mini clothespins to attach the flags to the gift ribbon but I didn't have any so I used paper clips. I had a green bone in between the R and E but it seems to be missing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzawB63ouI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4-6dYRTbsuM/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzawB63ouI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4-6dYRTbsuM/s400/IMG_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also made these little dogs to hang on my china cabinet (sorry these are not the greatest photos).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzbFNcJzCI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_8TGzLGk5To/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzbFNcJzCI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_8TGzLGk5To/s200/IMG_0003.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzbkcLoNsI/AAAAAAAAAJg/vReMXqvWvco/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzbkcLoNsI/AAAAAAAAAJg/vReMXqvWvco/s200/IMG_0002.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For a frugal centrepiece I bought 2 packs of doggy paw tennis balls at the dollar store and put them into a clear glass vase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzdxddBLII/AAAAAAAAAJk/w8ZOiF675_U/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzdxddBLII/AAAAAAAAAJk/w8ZOiF675_U/s400/IMG_0068.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I ordered the cake from our neighbour that does them on the side and I used doggy gift wrap for a table cloth and since it did not get dirty I rolled it back up and will use it again for gift wrap:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzfJwjob6I/AAAAAAAAAJo/frV_6lccoZ8/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TTzfJwjob6I/AAAAAAAAAJo/frV_6lccoZ8/s320/IMG_0036.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I wish I would have had more time to play with theme as there is so much I could have done. I was supposed to make dog bone shaped cookies but I just ran out of time. I also would have liked to have had everyone bring a donation to our local animal shelter whether it be a used towel, blanket or food etc</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-37812604208910289862011-01-02T15:24:00.000-05:002011-01-02T15:24:40.086-05:00DVD Jacket Artwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have been looking for some Thomas the Train artwork for my son's room as it is his favourite thing right now. I could not find anything with Thomas so I decided to be resourceful. I had these old frames from his nursery that he had grown out of. I pulled the backing off and untaped the artwork that was in the frame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDamIr3yBI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ObsLf3kbRjM/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDamIr3yBI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ObsLf3kbRjM/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is currently his favourite movie...it has played in our house everyday since Christmas. I used the extra cardboard jacket that came with the DVD to frame as artwork. I simply cut the front of the jacket and taped it to the frame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDas7jnV4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/DlJnNjXKPtw/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDas7jnV4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/DlJnNjXKPtw/s320/IMG_0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My son loves these in his room as they are his two favourite movies. I like them because they took me 5 minutes to do, cost me nothing and I can change these up whenever he is into something new. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDd1CI0lhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/fAcr-knVxu8/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TSDd1CI0lhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/fAcr-knVxu8/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-57231636988879999332010-12-29T18:03:00.006-05:002011-02-22T21:13:37.188-05:00Favorite DIY Project of 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our favourite DIY project we made in 2010 (after my son that is....)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRvM1dq5YJI/AAAAAAAAAI4/nEi6UOFvU8s/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRvM1dq5YJI/AAAAAAAAAI4/nEi6UOFvU8s/s200/IMG_0571.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>is hands down our fireplace mantle. It has changed our whole open concept living space and made it much more cozy.<br />
<span id="goog_39039324"></span><br />
<div>Here is the "Before" that I snapped while we were having the house inspection done in 2008 with the sellers furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu1HfUyUKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/GR6IyN-eSuA/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu1HfUyUKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/GR6IyN-eSuA/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Here is the "After" that we completed this fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu1d6qwYkI/AAAAAAAAAIs/0R2cBnbeAgg/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu1d6qwYkI/AAAAAAAAAIs/0R2cBnbeAgg/s320/IMG_0028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>This project cost us around $350.00. We created the mantle piece by using two different kinds of moulding to cover some scrap oak we had on hand. By painting it white we were able to seal the joints of the 2 pieces of moulding and paint it. I have since spray painted the gold handles on the screen that came with the house black and it looks much better. Our room now has a focal point and I have had so much fun decorating for the different seasons with it.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu7j3KK6GI/AAAAAAAAAIw/SbsQSZpsins/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu7j3KK6GI/AAAAAAAAAIw/SbsQSZpsins/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu7zpzBDTI/AAAAAAAAAI0/0wH-w6DYnzc/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRu7zpzBDTI/AAAAAAAAAI0/0wH-w6DYnzc/s200/IMG_0023.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div> Halloween Christmas</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Linking to: <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/top-projects-of-2010/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com/top-projects-of-2010/</a></div></div></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-39838468487124547822010-12-24T14:11:00.004-05:002010-12-24T14:29:23.761-05:00Festive Fresh Flower ArrangementI already made a Christmas Centrepiece this year but it was too big to have on the table at dinner. Luckily my Birthday is right before Christmas and I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my mom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTtUA9G7JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/xXH2Is5NB20/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTtUA9G7JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/xXH2Is5NB20/s320/IMG_0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tall flowers don't really work at the table for obvious reasons, so I decided to shorten them and copy an idea I saw on Sarah Richardson's Christmas Special. She used a "Mud Bud" for mudding the walls to put fresh flowers in and I had one in the workshop! I removed the labels off the sides and put floral foam in the base of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTt_IVpOqI/AAAAAAAAAII/2VvO9sz5fDc/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTt_IVpOqI/AAAAAAAAAII/2VvO9sz5fDc/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I started by adding the baby's breath and than I added the other flowers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTu1cRqIQI/AAAAAAAAAIM/GojTsmx-XDw/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTu1cRqIQI/AAAAAAAAAIM/GojTsmx-XDw/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This would look even better with a mirror underneath it so that the tea lights reflect not only in the "Mud Bud" but in the mirror. Its the perfect size to keep on the table during dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTvT3TK8mI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/AYfAkfSsAtg/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTvT3TK8mI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/AYfAkfSsAtg/s400/IMG_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I also sprayed the whole arrangement with floral glitter for a more festive touch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTyvAaVo2I/AAAAAAAAAIY/o8RbUqkNTqc/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TRTyvAaVo2I/AAAAAAAAAIY/o8RbUqkNTqc/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the leftover flowers to put into a small vase for the bathroom. I felt bad at first cutting the flowers, but I can actually see and enjoy the flowers much better at this height. I will be using this mud bud again!</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-83996912879722938442010-12-09T15:31:00.002-05:002010-12-09T15:55:03.042-05:00Plant Stand Makeover<div style="text-align: justify;">I Loooooove baths. Its my little escape when I get to go read in the tub and listen to relaxing music. I have been looking for awhile now for a little table to sit next to the bathtub to hold a glass of water, a novel (so it doesn't get wet) and some bath accessories etc. I saw this $8.00 brass plant stand at a flea market this past fall that was quite frankly...U.G.L.Y...but I saw its potential!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE3SfKgabI/AAAAAAAAAHs/tpDhU_rT9tc/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE3SfKgabI/AAAAAAAAAHs/tpDhU_rT9tc/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I had a before picture before I spray painted it...but I am much too impatient for that. Here it is after a coat of Rustoleum "Heirloom White" spray paint sitting next to an old pot I plan to use as a caddy for some bath accessories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE5_vkGNTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/4g7HRm749e8/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE5_vkGNTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/4g7HRm749e8/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I wrapped the handle of the little pot in natural jute to create a more natural-spa-like look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE6FDVTmOI/AAAAAAAAAH8/KmnvzLNFvTc/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE6FDVTmOI/AAAAAAAAAH8/KmnvzLNFvTc/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>I added a pretty little bird plate I had to the top of it to hold my glass of <s>wine </s>water and a novel I am reading.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE4Zyk3trI/AAAAAAAAAHw/c-NTd02Fc_c/s1600/IMG_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE4Zyk3trI/AAAAAAAAAHw/c-NTd02Fc_c/s400/IMG_0024.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love my little $ 8.00 thrifty <s>plant stand</s> table!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE7CYeZCkI/AAAAAAAAAIA/0ZGyprDcPY8/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQE7CYeZCkI/AAAAAAAAAIA/0ZGyprDcPY8/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its fun to look for things and think "how can I use them differently?" Does this look like a table to you? or do you just see a plant stand? Either way I like the shabby chic look to it and if I grow tired of it, I might put it out on the deck in the summer with some flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am linking up to House of Grace's "<a href="http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/2010/12/twice-owned-goodies.html">Twice Owned Tuesday Linky Party</a>"</div><span id="goog_149356213"></span><span id="goog_149356214"></span>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-15978980083188895882010-12-09T13:19:00.005-05:002010-12-09T14:03:08.744-05:00Vintage Christmas Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEdSAoHQ_I/AAAAAAAAAHo/-0cqqSgKwRQ/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEdSAoHQ_I/AAAAAAAAAHo/-0cqqSgKwRQ/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was so excited when both boys napped at the same time the other day that I ran down to the workshop and started to look around to see what I could "craft" in an hour. I found some scrap wood that used to be a top of a coffee table and thought it would make for a good sign. I also had some vintage looking Christmas prints that I had saved from an old calendar. I had no idea what I was doing but recently I had seen a tutorial at <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-i-make-old-signs.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a> on how to distress signs.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here is the before shot and <s>how I winged it </s> a tutorial on how I did it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEE1dn6jmI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Up-ORu-G7Y8/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEE1dn6jmI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Up-ORu-G7Y8/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEE1dn6jmI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Up-ORu-G7Y8/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I started by spray painting the sign black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEcqFVtLFI/AAAAAAAAAHg/xFhNcCVjmeY/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEcqFVtLFI/AAAAAAAAAHg/xFhNcCVjmeY/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> And than white...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEbzyuBlBI/AAAAAAAAAHY/yotgGX7mx8k/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEbzyuBlBI/AAAAAAAAAHY/yotgGX7mx8k/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried pulling off the white paint with a tape to distress it and it worked a little.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEc0aBKM8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/N03_VaO9djQ/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEc0aBKM8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/N03_VaO9djQ/s320/IMG_0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used modge podge glue on both sides of the calendar sheets to adhere and seal them onto the wood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEOJ0ko_HI/AAAAAAAAAGw/lyKcCqFM27M/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEOJ0ko_HI/AAAAAAAAAGw/lyKcCqFM27M/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brushed on some "Honey Brown" acrylic paint on to match the colour of the calendar sheets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEZEW0LsYI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/q98SBdhyKPQ/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEZEW0LsYI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/q98SBdhyKPQ/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I than thought I would crackle the sign, so I brushed on some crackle medium and when it dried I added a coat of red paint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEQvZQsiLI/AAAAAAAAAG4/bS44Z0BBpEU/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQEQvZQsiLI/AAAAAAAAAG4/bS44Z0BBpEU/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It worked in a few spots but I didn't like the overall look of the sign. So I roughly brushed on some white acrylic paint all over the sign including over the prints lightly and I liked it much better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQERaQUna9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/IO5Rocfq3F8/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQERaQUna9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/IO5Rocfq3F8/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still didn't think it was distressed enough so I tried using regular clear masking tape but it didn't pull enough paint off. I saw some "Tuck Tape" nearby and decided to give that a shot...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQER26qT6AI/AAAAAAAAAHA/lES0gK7FrJA/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQER26qT6AI/AAAAAAAAAHA/lES0gK7FrJA/s320/IMG_0019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it worked beautifully! It revealed a teal colour underneath...not sure how that happened? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQETqugJAMI/AAAAAAAAAHI/JqnJOfqSybc/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TQETqugJAMI/AAAAAAAAAHI/JqnJOfqSybc/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am not 100% in love with it but I do think I successfully made a sign and made it look old. I think its missing some hardware of some sort or needs to hang somewhere. I also like the fact that it didn't cost me anything to make. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. This project would be a great way to use up Christmas cards and scrap wood...I am going to try this again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am linking to one of my favourite blogs <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/christmas-craft-link-party/">Centsational Girl</a> and her Christmas craft linky party and <a href="http://www.crazydomestic.com/search/label/All%20Things%20Domestic%20Link%20Parties">Crazy Domestic</a>'s Linky Party</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_914320947"></span><span id="goog_914320948"></span></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-53871644961759870192010-12-06T13:42:00.006-05:002010-12-09T16:05:22.405-05:00Kitchen Chalkboard: Before & After<div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted a little chalkboard in my kitchen to write inspiring quotes, seasonal sayings and to do lists. I found this antique frame at a flea market for $10.00. There was a section of the flea market that was raising funds for a little boy with cancer and this frame was in this section. The $10.00 went completely for this cause, so it made for an easy decision and even if I wrecked the frame it would not have mattered.</div><br />
Here is the "before":<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0nnn8JVUI/AAAAAAAAAF0/nbFmFSA5LTE/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0nnn8JVUI/AAAAAAAAAF0/nbFmFSA5LTE/s400/IMG_0027.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> I just loved the detail on the top and in the corners.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0nqMgYTPI/AAAAAAAAAF4/NY5-czViEE0/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0nqMgYTPI/AAAAAAAAAF4/NY5-czViEE0/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I used wood filler to fill in the gaps with my fingers and roughly filled in the missing bits of frame. I than used a bamboo skewer to remove the wood filler around the detailed areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0ozeq78nI/AAAAAAAAAF8/25FghQvT7oI/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0ozeq78nI/AAAAAAAAAF8/25FghQvT7oI/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't want it to be perfect and loose the antique feel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0paMB0mzI/AAAAAAAAAGA/GBHx-8VV3xI/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0paMB0mzI/AAAAAAAAAGA/GBHx-8VV3xI/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I than painted the frame in a colour I already had in the house (my entryway) Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne. I antiqued it a little more by glazing the corners with some metallic gold acrylic paint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0rb0fVQMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/EMhBGQmaSGE/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0rb0fVQMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/EMhBGQmaSGE/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For the chalkboard I bought a piece of hardboard for $2.38 at Home Depot and cut it to fit the frame. I still have another big piece left. I than painted the hardboard with chalkboard paint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0r7xPlTAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/u1mPA76n9Jc/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0r7xPlTAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/u1mPA76n9Jc/s400/IMG_0002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It sits behind my kitchen sink in a plate holder that I got at the dollar store a long time ago. It looks great with my santa full of dog bones, my $1.00 thrift store plate and antiqued candle holder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0sKN4O55I/AAAAAAAAAGM/ij_arowOLls/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TP0sKN4O55I/AAAAAAAAAGM/ij_arowOLls/s400/IMG_0003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html">Linking to Thrifty Decor Chick's Before & After Party</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-60873954068570485472010-12-04T18:18:00.003-05:002010-12-06T18:57:45.313-05:00Personalized Hostess GiftI think a hostess gift that you can personalize always makes for a better gift. I needed a little gift for our friends who invited us to cut down a Christmas tree on their property and I didn't want to bring the usual hostess gift such as a bottle of wine or tin of cookies. I found this adorable little tin mitten at our local nursery and gift shop and I knew it would make for a great little gift. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrI9oJSTZI/AAAAAAAAAFo/hbu8H1L6UR0/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrI9oJSTZI/AAAAAAAAAFo/hbu8H1L6UR0/s400/IMG_0002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I personalized it by hot glueing a little "L" on it in honour of their last name. I had a bunch of these letters leftover from my "Peace" wreath I made on my last post. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrJHTiIe4I/AAAAAAAAAFs/7H9PmeazygE/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrJHTiIe4I/AAAAAAAAAFs/7H9PmeazygE/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>I then added some fresh pine, red dogwood branches and a bunch of silver glitter berries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrK5bCpyqI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3cCWoCy044s/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPrK5bCpyqI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3cCWoCy044s/s400/IMG_0003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>I think for less than the cost of a bottle of wine, this gift is much more personable. I would keep this decoration out after the holidays by pulling out the red twig and berries and replacing them with some white twigs and blue accents.</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-51937713184878866652010-12-03T11:23:00.001-05:002010-12-06T13:07:58.186-05:00Peace Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I love all the colours of the Christmas season but for my entryway I wanted to enhance the area with some blues, silver and white...how peaceful! I already had a wreath for the outside of my door but wanted one on the inside as well. I started by taking an old grapevine wreath form and hot glueing different pine cones on to it. I made them look snowy by liquid papering the edges. I am all about doing things fast! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkUxj0I-UI/AAAAAAAAAFc/mOcajekhSqc/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkUxj0I-UI/AAAAAAAAAFc/mOcajekhSqc/s400/IMG_0004.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I liked the natural look but wanted to jazz it up a little, so a trip to the dollar store (ofcourse) was needed. I bought a package of wooden sparkly silver letters, 2 sparkly silver doves, a white berry garland, a package of silver snowflake ornaments and a gorgeous spool of blue and silver ribbon. Total spent for this wreath a whopping 6.00$! While the boys ate breakfast this morning, I hot glued my new little trinkets and came up with this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkWojdtk3I/AAAAAAAAAFg/Yyy8eyhg6ZQ/s1600/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkWojdtk3I/AAAAAAAAAFg/Yyy8eyhg6ZQ/s400/IMG_0008.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There are lots of ways to hang a wreath like using 3M hooks but I just used an old gold wreath holder I had and covered it with ribbon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkXoa_VaQI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ER0SMYZUAaE/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPkXoa_VaQI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ER0SMYZUAaE/s400/IMG_0006.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I love my little doves, they match my dollar store reindeer on my mantle. </div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-70586907870752377162010-12-01T21:00:00.002-05:002010-12-03T11:27:45.259-05:00Christmas Woodland Centrepiece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPcAJvhhFaI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/uurvW8ZCXss/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPcAJvhhFaI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/uurvW8ZCXss/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We collected a few fresh birch logs from trees that had fallen recently.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPby3zq0uuI/AAAAAAAAAEw/nmSVjLbn4-4/s1600/IMG_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPby3zq0uuI/AAAAAAAAAEw/nmSVjLbn4-4/s320/IMG_0024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>My husband assisted me in cutting them with his band saw. We could have also used a miter saw and put the log in a miter box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb1Q7FqhOI/AAAAAAAAAFE/TIpHbEXFJco/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb1Q7FqhOI/AAAAAAAAAFE/TIpHbEXFJco/s320/IMG_0029.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We then put the logs in a vice and drilled a 1.5 inch diameter hole 3/4 inch deep to accommodate tealights. I love the look of the logs with a tea light in them but it is much safer to use LED tea lights especially with the foliage around them. Hopefully Santa will leave some in my stocking as I only have one!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb05GopdSI/AAAAAAAAAE8/6XfRkdvX3mU/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb05GopdSI/AAAAAAAAAE8/6XfRkdvX3mU/s320/IMG_0042.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb08ZjzLcI/AAAAAAAAAFA/3nsjpky1BSY/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb08ZjzLcI/AAAAAAAAAFA/3nsjpky1BSY/s320/IMG_0044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I had originally placed the three logs on a woven tray but I felt it lacked some height, so I added a glass cake stand to create a two-tiered effect and I liked it much better. I started by adding some dried moss I collected from the backyard, some fresh cedar and pine as well as pine cones. I added four stone birds I had that I used in the garden in the summer to complete the little woodland setting, deer would have been a nice touch too. <br />
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</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb4AjvpSpI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ma1weJgHB2M/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb4CG_WCQI/AAAAAAAAAFM/M32uv6PKdDo/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPb4CG_WCQI/AAAAAAAAAFM/M32uv6PKdDo/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems most of my decor this year came from nature. This is such an easy project and it doesn't matter if the logs are not cut perfectly straight or if the holes are drilled in the centre. We actually followed the tree rings for the hole location. Best part is that this project didn't cost anything and I can use these for many different occasions by just changing up the decor around them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-4286989132317031072010-11-30T17:44:00.003-05:002010-12-03T11:26:43.105-05:00Simple Christmas Arrangement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPV7kcLtSeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ZF6qkcbOq_w/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPV7kcLtSeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ZF6qkcbOq_w/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I made these arrangements for the bathrooms at my work to add a little festive touch. My goal was to make something nature inspired and not spend any money doing it. I swiped the empty vases that were sitting in the bathrooms. I foraged in the woods behind my house for any recent fallen birch and peeled the birch bark off of them. I also cut some pine branches, dogwood branches and collected some spruce pine cones from the ground. I used natural jute to tie the birch bark around the glass vase and added some green foam inside the vase to help anchor the branches. It is hard to see in the photo but I liquid papered the pine cone edges to create a snowy effect. (It was faster than opening a can of paint and washing a brush). These arrangements took a little time for the foraging but took five minutes to make. I have received lots of great compliments from work on how they look in the bathrooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPV7lSjfDFI/AAAAAAAAAEU/JwmO9L1l7t0/s1600/IMG_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPV7lSjfDFI/AAAAAAAAAEU/JwmO9L1l7t0/s400/IMG_0026.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-77965897907820890532010-11-30T16:42:00.004-05:002010-12-06T20:53:39.292-05:00A Nature Inspired Christmas Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I used an old wreath form from previous years as a base for this years front door wreath, I added fresh cedar and red dogwood branches I collected from the backyard. I added some fake berries I had on hand and 3 little metal buckets for a little something unexpected. I think it gives it some rustic charm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVllnJTR3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/rE59C1CoPcs/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVllnJTR3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/rE59C1CoPcs/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">I finally treated myself to some black urns which I am looking forward to decorating all year long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVn6WaxaBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/xgQXznlVN10/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVn6WaxaBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/xgQXznlVN10/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I filled an old shrub pot with soil and added an empty water bottle so that when the pot expands due to the cold it will compress on the bottle and not the pot. I collected pine, dogwood branches and added 3-4 birch logs. I tied some red ribbon to a few branches for some extra colour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVqGypYWBI/AAAAAAAAAEM/kDRevAP7-ho/s1600/IMG_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVqGypYWBI/AAAAAAAAAEM/kDRevAP7-ho/s400/IMG_0030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These urn fillers sell for $19.99 and up at garden centres and grocery stores...mine were FREE:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVlza6HUSI/AAAAAAAAAEE/X5Ms01LFcT8/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVlza6HUSI/AAAAAAAAAEE/X5Ms01LFcT8/s400/IMG_0029.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-21288988359698813102010-11-30T14:02:00.001-05:002010-12-03T11:28:26.783-05:00Whimsical Mantle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is our first Christmas since we added a mantle to our fireplace...so you can imagine my excitement. I am already thinking of how I will change it up next year... This year I wanted to use things I had so I only bought a few little things. The dollar store provided the $2 wreaths and $1 reindeer and a $1 box of bells. The "Hope" stocking holders were $14.96 at Walmart. I would have preferred the word "Noel" but that was all they had. Everything else I had, I just spray painted a couple of pots and candle sticks in heirloom white to create a more cohesive look. I love my fake window which used to hold two plants, its so versatile and I can use it to decorate for any season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVIfoQL42I/AAAAAAAAACM/Ej-F9U2Pbuc/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVIfoQL42I/AAAAAAAAACM/Ej-F9U2Pbuc/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVQkYfdCPI/AAAAAAAAACY/B2Z3ppBDMOY/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPVQkYfdCPI/AAAAAAAAACY/B2Z3ppBDMOY/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am linking to:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Blog/Holiday_Home_Button_Layla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" border="0" height="200" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Blog/Holiday_Home_Button_Layla.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; cursor: move;" width="157" /></a></div></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-18468950038424384532010-11-30T12:26:00.004-05:002010-12-06T18:51:31.368-05:00Christmas Book Count Down<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Christmas book count down starts tomorrow. I cannot wait. My 3 year old is really into reading books right now and I thought it would be fun to count down the days of December with a wrapped Christmas book each night before bed. I already had a few books, my mother in law lent me a couple, my Mom found a few from our childhood and I got the rest at thrift stores and splurged on a few new ones. I wrapped each book in reused tissue paper and monogrammed the days of the month with a stencil and black sharpie marker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPUwE8hAHYI/AAAAAAAAACE/3mlt2DzhgHY/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPUwE8hAHYI/AAAAAAAAACE/3mlt2DzhgHY/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I found an old tool box in the shed that would be perfect to house the books and perfect to paint with chalkboard paint so that I could change up the days of the month. I am hoping Santa leaves me a chalk marker in my stocking so that I can write better on my chalkboards:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPWyDnc3c4I/AAAAAAAAAEc/PxljXcBAqxk/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPWyDnc3c4I/AAAAAAAAAEc/PxljXcBAqxk/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I think it looks great on the bottom of my entry table but unfortunately I think it will have to <span id="goog_2021763439"></span><span id="goog_2021763440"></span>remain on my dresser in my room as I don't think the boys will be able to resist unwrapping them when we are not looking. This was all in all a really fun project:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPWxstuRvbI/AAAAAAAAAEY/QZ0E7FDXOjs/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPWxstuRvbI/AAAAAAAAAEY/QZ0E7FDXOjs/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-38934549646142931362010-11-30T11:42:00.002-05:002010-12-03T11:28:56.068-05:00Glittered Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I needed something tall and red for my mantle this year and after seeing lots of glittered Christmas trees in the stores this year, I attempted to make one myself. I painted the styrofroam cone with acrylic red metallic paint and sprinkled dollar store red glitter onto the wet paint. I spray painted an old glass candlestick I had and hot glued it to the base of the tree. I added a silver bell for a little more bling. Total cost $4.49 plus 2$ for the paint and glitter which I still have leftover for other projects.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPUnb42Wy3I/AAAAAAAAACA/dLXrjR8-AzU/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TPUnb42Wy3I/AAAAAAAAACA/dLXrjR8-AzU/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816773925759117603.post-74843695463885009602010-10-14T16:57:00.002-04:002010-12-06T19:00:10.136-05:00Spooky Mantle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLduPbm_MLI/AAAAAAAAAB0/HiSrvkq6xbg/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLduPbm_MLI/AAAAAAAAAB0/HiSrvkq6xbg/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The banner is made of jute and burlap. The dried weeds are from the backyard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLdwhquQoXI/AAAAAAAAAB4/qKnkEDJnxhk/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLdwhquQoXI/AAAAAAAAAB4/qKnkEDJnxhk/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I created this spooky family portrait by using the "X-ray"effect on PhotoBooth on our Mac computer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLdxDJ4g8rI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QGhe_Yg2E4E/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_be2960Gp2iQ/TLdxDJ4g8rI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QGhe_Yg2E4E/s400/IMG_0012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A cloche of skeleton bones.<br />
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</div>Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08682648716073519093noreply@blogger.com1