Kristen's Creations

Share Your Creations Party #25

2012-02-15T18:52:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party #25! I hope you will join in the fun! It's fun to see what everyone is creating...

On with the features...

Kathy at Creative Home Expressions makes beautiful pillows. She sells them in her Etsy store along with tea towels, table runners and other pretties!

Tami at Curb Alert hunts for treasures on the side of the road. She found two tomato cages and turned them into topiaries. Great idea!

Since it was just Valentine's Day I had to post some of your pretty Valentine creations.

This romantic mantle was created by Charlene at A Pinch Of Joy.

Sheila at Notesongs put her dainty fingers to work and made all of these cute heart and Scottie dog ornaments. Adorable!!

Shenita at Embellishments By SLR put this tablescape together with items from the Dollar Tree. Very pretty and she only spent $10!
Great stuff! Keep it coming...

For my creation I thought I would show you this bird metal container filled with flowers, berries and greenery I made tonight. Yes, I didn't have anything planned to show you so I had to whip something up! =0

I ordered the bird containers at market and they came in yesterday. I do have more in different colors and they are beautiful! I am planning on selling them in my Etsy store if I can find boxes to ship them in. I didn't think about that when I ordered them...Anyway, I really didn't know where I was going to hang this but it sure looks good in the niche! I think I will leave it in here and possibly add something sitting below it. It might look better just by itself, I'll have to play around with it and see.

The container also comes in red with a blue bird and off white with a yellow bird and pink flowers. I thought it would look good on a door too.

I'll search for boxes and will hopefully have some listed in my store soon.

Ok...so what did you create?

You can link an item you have created, a room you have decorated, a vignette, a piece of furniture you have painted, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

I would appreciate a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add Your Link...

My Yummy Valentine Present

2012-02-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I just had to show you these pretty cupcakes Kevin brought home to me tonight. No, they are not diamonds...lol...we do not buy each other expensive gifts for Valentine's day or any day as a matter of fact! haha! However, I was so excited when he came through the door with these tasty treats. I have had some of each one and cannot pick a favorite, but the lemon raspberry was mighty tasty. However, my belly is not happy right now...not feeling so well.

I hope you had a wonderful day!!!!

New Etsy Store Items

2012-02-13T19:22:00.012-08:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your week!

Are you thinking spring yet? It was a little hard for me to make bunny arrangements while it was snowing outside today...but I enjoyed the pretty snow this morning. I'll have to say that although it has been a warm winter I am ready for the spring months to arrive. I can't believe it's the middle of Febuary already. Spring will be here before we know it!

I have been listing new items in my Etsy store over the past few days. I have sold several, but am trying to keep as many things in my store as I can.

I'll have to say that I am in love with this cute bunny...he is just so cute! This arrangement would look cute for Easter and the spring months. It would make a great centerpiece.

The next two arrangements are a little smaller, but would look cute sitting on a kitchen counter or maybe an end table.

This arrangement has a pair of cute black and white bunnies surrounded by spring flowers and grass.

This arrangement is done in a dragon fly container and is full of pretty yellow and white daisies.

This arrangement could be used for everyday. It has beautiful brick reds and gold colored flowers and berries. It would make a great kitchen or dining room centerpiece.

This birdhouse arrangement is so bright and cheeful! It would make a wonderful centerpiece.

This one would make a great centerpiece too...

It's made in a cute rabbit container.

More items to come...click HERE to visit my store.

I want to say that I'm sorry my blog has been so boring lately =0 Do you ever feel like you are running in circles trying to get things done? That's how I have felt lately. As you know I am working on adding some new decor to the living room, dining room, and kitchen but it's becoming a slow process. I am also still working on the craft room and it's just about done. I've also been busy with custom orders too...it just seems like there's not enough time in the day lately. I will have alot to show you soon, so don't give up on me!

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

Share Your Creations Party #24

2012-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party #24!

I hope you will join in the fun this week...we all like to see what you are creating.

On with the features...
Since it's so close to Valentine's Day I thought I would feature some of your pretty Valentine creations.

I just LOVE this pretty Valentine mantle Amanda at My Heart's Desire created. It is just adorable!

Diane at Tablescapes By Diane created a beautiful tablescape using fresh carnations and baby's breath. So romantic...

Paula at Sweet Pea created this heart using cupcake holders. How clever! Be sure and visit her for the tutorial.

The Valentine heart door wreaths were created by Rhonda at Ramlings of a Southern Girl. They are adorable and look great with the pillows.

This wreath by Two Succulent Sisters is made out of scrapbook paper and hearts glued on a heart shaped grapevine wreath. Cute!

I love seeing your creations!

Here are a few of mine...I will be listing these frames in my Etsy store soon.

Look at the pretty french script ribbon...I am loving it! My new stuff from market is coming in and I am so ready to create some new items!

Ok...What did you create?

You can share items you have created, a room you have decorated, a piece of furniture you have painted, a vignette, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

A Little Redecorating...

2012-02-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have really been getting the itch to redecorate the whole house lately! However, when I say redecorate I mean just making changes with accessories, a few rugs and maybe a table or two. I am not planning on any major renovations or even new sofas or curtains. I am keeping the big stuff, just rearranging and adding in a few new things here and there to make things look different. I've mentioned before that I am really loving the aqua colors I'm seeing everywhere. The blues were everywhere at market. I love how they are mixing them with the orangy red and yellow...and yes I am keeping the yellow walls. I just can't bring myself to paint them. They still make me happy! With that said...I picked up some pretty decorating books at market and they are giving me alot of good ideas. I love the Southern Living Style book on the top...you can see by the cover why it caught my eye. There's that aqua and orangy red together.

I went shopping a little last night to get ideas. Pier 1 has some beautiful things and I will probably end up buying a few things there. I also looked at T.J. Maxx, Kohl's, Kirkland's and Target. All of those places had some cute stuff. This pillow from Target did make it into the basket and I am loving it! In fact, I'm going back for more later on today. Do you see that pretty blue color I'm talking about? This pillow has all of the colors and looks great with the sofa and curtains.
This was my next purchase at Kohl's. I looked at it and walked away...then it hit me! What would something like that look like on the coffee table? I brought it home and I am loving it! I get so excited when things work and I don't have to take them back! =) As you can see I added one of my new bird containers and some greenery inside.

That is the start of my new changes to the living room. I have removed the black rug and am looking for another one. I do have one in mind though...we will see. It will take several months to put everything together I'm sure. I will be sure and post what changes I make.

On to the foyer...you might remember I recently moved this piece into the entryway. I finally hung the mirror and am now ready to accessorize! I don't know if I will leave the lanterns there or not...just playing with them.

As you can see the dining room table has not been touched since Christmas! =0 I am looking for just the right items to go on it. Flowers, Jars, runner?? Still thinking about it...I'm sure something will come to me. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know...1000 heads are better than one! lol...Oh, and the kitchen it empty too. Trying to figure things out in there...

That's all I've got for now! Check out my Etsy store for a few more new creations. More to come...

Share Your Creations Party #23

2012-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party #23! I hope you will join in on the fun!

On with the features...

Being so close to Valentine's Day I wanted a feature a few cute Valentine projects.

I thought this wreath was adorable especially since it's made out of socks! Visit Irish Italian Blessings for the tutorial.

This cute little burlap heart ornament was made by Joanne at Real Housewife of Collin County.

Martina at Northern Nesting transformed this cute little stool with a little paint and fabric. Love that french fabric!

Ally at No Place Like Our Home shared her pretty living room all put back together after Christmas.

I just had to feature these lemon curd tartlets from The Kitchen Is My Playground. Yum! There is a recipe and tutorial too.

Great stuff!! Keep it coming...

For my creations I thought I would show you some items I just listed in my Etsy Store.

I have sold several of these rooster arrangements. This particular roo has become one of my favorites! He just has the prettiest tail.

I have been itching to make a spring arrangment. I know it's a little early, but I just couldn't help myself! I love the watering can and little bird in this one.

With the warm temps we have been having it sure feels like spring.

I finally listed some tassels! I don't know why I haven't made any in a while...

LOVE this striped ribbon!

I have been out of roosters for my frames so I was glad to finally find some at market.

The colors in frame are striking. The flower in the middle really sparkles too...

Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you created, any room you have decorated, a piece of furniture you have painted, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add your link...

I wanted to tell you thank you for the nice comments on my craft room. You had some great ideas on how to store the silk flowers. I am going to look for some half baskets or buckets to hang on the wall to store some of them in. When my flowers come in I will show you why I'm concerned! =0 I think they are going to take up the whole room!

Craft Room Progress

2012-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I have been working on my craft room for several weeks now. It started when I had new practical vinyl flooring installed...the carpet had to go! At first I told myself I didn't really care how this room looked as long as it was more efficient to work in. Well, that was before I started looking at craft rooms on Pintrest! lol...I decided of course I needed it to be practical and efficient, but it had to be cute too! There was no way I could work in a boring room. You might remember we moved the piano in the living room several weeks ago. This is the wall it used to be on. I added a table (which I am going to make a skirt for soon) and shelves to hold containers and roosters etc. Then I found the curtains half price at Hobby Lobby. I have been seeing alot of craft rooms with "CREATE" on the wall and had to copy that idea. I found the letters and painted them red and hung them yesterday.

I am going to use this table to put items on after they are made. All of these items are customs and are ready to be shipped.
My container collection is growing! I am starting to get some of the items I ordered at market. I love those gold yellow bird containers you see on the bottom row. I will be doing something in those soon.
This is my newspaper spread that my dad had framed for me that I hung by the new shelves. Our local newspaper came and did a story on me this fall about crafting and blogging.

Here is a better picture of the curtains. I mentioned I found them at Hobby Lobby last week half price. I spent a total of $30 with the rod. I did have a 40% coupon that I used on the rod.

I'll finish this room up soon and will show you the whole room complete. I still have one dilemma though...I don't know where in the world I'm going to put all of the pretty silk flowers I ordered. Still trying to figure that out! I am trying to make the best use of space out of this room, but I sure wish I could add some square footage!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and don't forget to come back and join my Share Your Creations Party on Thursday. I'll have the linky tool up tonight.

Dallas Market Trends

2012-01-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday! Unfortunately I have a head cold, but am trying to make the best of it...I can't hear a thing! lol...Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow. As most of you know I went to Dallas and returned on Tuesday evening. The main reason I went was order supplies to make arrangements, frames and tassels with for my Etsy store. I ended up ordering lots of pretty stuff and am excited to get everything in! I'm hoping it will start coming in next week.

There is always so much to look at at market it's overwhelming! I took pictures of some of the displays and items I found interesting focusing on Easter and spring...with a little Christmas at the end.

Love the foil bunnies and jars with eggs.
Cute moss bunny surrounded by daisies, tulips and lemons. Love the green, white and yellow together...and the birdcages.

Color color color! Look at those pretty butterflies in the pots!

Cute birdhouse...

Cute bunnies in a vase filled with eggs

So whimsical!

Now this is a very elegant bunny...

Pretty wreath with butterflies. Butterflies must be the thing this spring...they were everywhere!

I loved this and am going to recreate it.

I noticed cloches are everywhere too...this one is so cute with the bunny inside.

I thought this basket with the bunnies was so cute.

I've got these bunnies on order...they will be the centerpiece of some of my spring arrangements.

Bright yellow was everywhere.

This shadow box is so cute with a bird nest and eggs in the background. Love it!

And look at this...a bird feeder made from two plates and a bowl...how clever!

My main reason for going to market was to order some pretty silk flowers for my Etsy store... and boy do I have them coming!!

It's always hard to make a decision on what ribbon to order...I love all of it!!

Look at these little miniature gardens...aren't they neat? All of the plants are real.

Looks like bright green is in.

And blue...love the birdcages on the wall.

I noticed tons of birds, birdhouses and cages everywhere.

I took this picture for the colors in that rug. Love!

Cute chair! LOVING the blue!

I took this picture for the design and burlap pillows. Burlap is definitely the thing right now!

Contemporary is defininitely in!

And so are roos! lol...

I have these pretty rooster containers on order...love them!

I thought these would be easy to make. The french writing is really in right now too.

I don't know what these cage ladies are called (that's what I call them) Please let me know if you know. I have been seeing them all over blogland.

Thank you Nana Diana...they are called Santos Dolls.

I was not in the mood for christmas but still had to snap a few pics of some pretty trees.

LOVE the top of this one! Cute!!

This tree is so fun and colorful!

Now this is different...something to do with those extra limbs laying around.

Cute cloche! Love the snowmen inside.

You will find everything at market depending where you go. I went up on the jewelry floor and found these unbelievable cell phone cases...WoW! I swear he said the ones on the right sold for over $400! No, I did not buy one of those...lol.

One thing I look forward to when I go to Dallas is eating! Sherry and I went to several wonderful restaurants but the one that stood out was called Rise #1. The former President George Bush eats there all the time. They specialize in souffles and these were out of this world! Yum! Sherry and I already dug into them when I remembered to take a picture.

I hope you enjoyed my pictures! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend. I think I'm going to take some NyQuil and go lay down. I can't be sick...I have to much to do!

Share Your Creations Party #22

2012-01-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party #22! I hope you all are having a wonderful week! I mentioned in last week's post that I was going to Dallas. Well, I just got back late last night am re cooperating today! I stayed with my friend Sherry and we had alot of fun. We ate, went to market, and even babysat her grand kids. It was quite a trip! I will share some pictures of market soon. I did end up ordering lots of pretty flowers, rabbits, ribbon, containers, etc. to create new items for my Etsy store. I'm hoping everything will be here in a few weeks...so get ready!!

On with the features...
Ann at On Sutton Place shared her beautiful bright dining room with her new framed botanical prints. Beautiful!

Farica at Southern Charm made some beautiful feathery arrangements for her living room. What a cozy room!
Kathe at Kathe With An E created this pretty "When life gives you lemons" tablescape after having a bad week. This outta cheer you up! Cute!
Pat at Ties To The Past created this cute sign. It is for sale in her Ebay store. Love it!
These coasters are cute and easy to make. Visit Donna at One Simple Country Girl for the tutorial.
Great stuff! Keep it coming...

As most of you know I am redoing my craft room to make it a more practical and efficient room to work in. However, I have got to have some cuteness in there too! lol...Last week I revamped two matching lamps I have on my work desk with black and white trim and a little paint. This is the before...

And after...not a huge WOW factor, but I do love the ball fringe! It added a cute touch to the lamps. I also painted the base and finial black and brushed them with silver rub n buff.
Here is a better pic of the lamp shade with the light off. This was a very simple project and just added a little bit of a special touch to the lamps.
Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you created, any piece of furniture you have painted, any room you have decorated, a vignette, a recipe and the list goes on and on...All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add your link...

Share Your Creations Party #21

2012-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party # 21! I hope you will join in the fun this week!

On with the features...

Wanda at No Place Like Home shares a tutorial on how to make these cute burlap pillows with printable transfers she found on Etsy.

These yummy donut snowmen were made by Pat at Pat's Pink Apron. Great idea and so cute!

This faux granite counter top was created by Debbie at Debbiedoos. It looks amazing!!

Kim at My Domestic Bliss updated her bedroom with a coat of paint and new accessories and it turned out beautiful!

Yum! I want a piece of this right now! You can find the recipe at At Nann's Table.

Wonderful Creations...keep them coming!

For my creation I want to share this Valentine mesh wreath I made last night.

It is done on a grapevine wreath spray painted white.

The mesh and ribbons are wired on and the glittered hearts are hot glued in.

It looks really cute on my door!

I am going to start gathering supplies for a spring mesh wreath and will be doing a tutorial soon!

Ok...so what did you create?

I will be leaving for Dallas tomorrow morning and will be back Monday or Tuesday. I am going to market to order some new items for my frames, arrangements and tassels. Who knows what else I might find! I will be sure and take lots of pictures!

Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

Pintrest Inspired Bucket Organizer

2012-01-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at craft room ideas on Pintrest lately and came across a cute idea for organizing supplies. This was my version...I should have pinned the one I saw because I can't find it now! Anyway, I found the iron hook at Hobby Lobby half price today for $6.00. I also bought the little red and white polk a dot buckets there too for only $1.49 each. I used the ribbon to make them more secure so they won't move around and of course for a cute look!

. It's a very simple little project but it will be very handy. I put the items I use the most in them...sissors, glue sticks, cutters, wire and pens. I can't ever find pens!!

I just updated the lamps with some paint and trim. I'll show you soon...I'm trying to get a Valentine mesh wreath done for tomorrow's Share Your Creations Party. I am hoping you will LOVE it...hehe. Don't forget about it...I hope you will join in the fun! I really enjoy seeing what you are creating...

Joining Kim for Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.

Working On The Craft Room

2012-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

I mentioned last week that I was going to start working on my craft room. I also mentioned that I was going to redo the floor and ended up picking out vinyl for durability and price. Well, it was installed yesterday and I actually really like it! This is after we pulled out all of the dirty paint stained carpet! I think concrete looks better than that dirty carpet! lol...

And after! It really looks like stained concrete to me. It feels so good to get rid of the carpet and get something in here I can sweep up and clean alot easier. As you know I work with silk flowers and ribbon and it wasn't fun handpicking up ribbon remnants and stems out of the carpet. Much better!
I am also organizing everything in here. This is just SOME of my ribbon...

I've gone from Christmas to Spring! I will be making spring and Easter arrangements soon.

I have practical tables in here, but am going to be adding some pretty fabric around them soon. Although this is a workroom you know I can't stand it to be boring! lol...A little fabric and a few decorative touches will make this a room I want to be in!

Kevin even bought me a T.V. to watch while I'm working! =) I think that was a hint!

Oh, and the lamps will get a little revamp too...

I will be working on this room off and on over the next month. I hope to get it done pretty quickly. I will show you my progress as I get it done. Practicality is the main thing I'm going for in this room...

Well, it looks like we are keeping the cat! We have been checking the lost and found and even placed an add on Craigslist, but no one is missing her I guess. Anyway, I think she has made herself at home! lol...This is how she lays on the sofa.

She's so sweet and very independent. I guess I have named her Sugar because that's what I keep calling her. As some of you know we have another cat named Coco who is amazingly still alive. She has got to be around 16 to 17 years old. We thought she was going to die last year, but it turned out she had an abscess and got better. However, she still has signs of kidney failure and know it is just a matter of time. She still feels pretty good and we are glad she is still around.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Share Your Creations Party #20

2012-01-11T17:07:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations #20! I hope you will join in the fun this week!

On with the features...

This mantle by Debbie at Refresh Restyle is unique and very creative! I've been noticing owls everywhere lately...

Melissa at Melissa's Heart And Home has been doing some organizing lately and this shelf looks great! Very inspiring

Check out this laundry room makeover at Strawberries And Sweet Love. LOVE those stripes...nice washer and dryer too!

This Pintrest inspired playroom by Alicia at The Burress Home looks great!
Love the letters on the wall.
Great stuff everyone! I love seeing what you are creating after the holidays.

For my creation I thought I would show you a winter mesh wreath I created for a client/friend. In between Christmas and spring there are a few months that it's hard to know what to put on the front door. My client loves the mesh wreaths and decided she wanted one in blue and white with a snowy theme. I used white and silver mesh, blue and silver snowflake ribbon and snowy branches.
I found the wooden"Snow"sign and painted it blue. I added snowflakes and rhinestones to dress it up and give it a custom look.
Now we just need some cold snowy weather! =) It was 61 degrees today.

Ok...so what did you create?

You can link any item you have created, any room you have decorated, a vignette, a piece of furniture you have painted, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add Your Link...

Projects

2012-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Would you believe I just packed up my Christmas! Whew! I'm glad to get it all packed away. Although, it's still all in the garage...I've got to get up in the attic and do some organizing before we even get everything up there. It's a mess!

Every year after Christmas I want to change things up. Most of the time I just move a few accessories around. This year I am moving furniture around for the first time in years! My living room and entryway have been the same since we moved in 8 years ago. I am not one for moving furniture around much...I tend to just change up accessories to make things look different. This time I decided to bring the piano out of my craft room because I desperately need the space! I have been thinking about doing this for months, and finally did and I really like it! I had to move the sofas up a bit and will probably end up buying a new end table, but it worked out pretty well. I ended up doing a little work to it once I got it in here. I added some gold and black paint in places and also distressed it a little. I'm happy with how it turned out. I"ll take more pics soon...

I'm hoping the iron chest will look good here in the entryway. I've always thought it stuck out too much to be on this wall...and I can't center in on the wall because of opening the door. Oh well...I'm just going to have to make it work! I'm hoping the tall grass will help balance it out. I will be adding the mirror back on the wall and will see what else it needs.

Those are a few things I've been working on...

I also made a few new arrangements for my Etsy store tonight. I know I've been a little slow about adding new items lately. Truthfully, I have been running out of stuff! I have an order of flowers and berries coming in a week or two so that will help. In the meantime I will post what I can...I am also going to market in a few weeks and will be ordering everyday and spring items! Can't wait!

Another thing I've been thinking about and getting ready to start on is my craft room. Since I finally got the piano out I can add more storage and get my new floors installed. I have actually decided to go with vinyl floors. They are cheap and practical. Hot glue will even peel right off...I tried it on a sample I got from Lowe's. The floor I picked is neutral and will blend nicely with my tile and laminate in the rest of the house. It's a good thing I'm getting new floors...I just spilled paint all over the carpet tonight! Kevin thinks I did it on purpose! lol...

I have to say that I LOVE Pintrest and I know alot of you do too. There are just so many wonderful ideas! I thought this was a good idea for a craft room. It's a dresser with the drawers taken out and replaced with plastic bins. This would be great for scrap booking.

I need to go on Pintrest and find more ideas. I know there are tons! I thought this was a cute craft room. Of course mine will look nothing like it! lol...

So that's what I'm working on...getting things moved around and back in order and my craft room. I'm hoping to get my floors in the next few weeks...I can't stand this carpet for much longer. Ugg...

Look at this pretty cat Kevin found the other night. She doesn't have tags and we have been checking the paper to see if anyone is looking for her. I guess if we don't find the owner we will keep her. She is a really sweet cat!

Have a great week!

Share your Creations Party #19

2012-01-04T17:35:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations party #19!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you are creating!

On with the features...

I am in love with Becca's dining room makeover. Visit Adventures In Decorating for more of her wonderful projects!

Claire at Bless My Nest created this beautiful lamp shade and even has a tutorial!
Yum!! Check out the Kitchen Is My Playground for the recipe to these confetti cake balls.
This beautiful New Years Day tablescape was created by Fabby at Fabby's Living.

For my creation I blinged up an IPhone case for my cousin Leigh. She had seen one on Pintrest and asked if I could make it. Of course I had to give it a try! She was pleased with how it turned out.

Here is a closeup...It really really sparkles!! I think I am going to make one for myself now. We used the case she had which was silver and came in two parts. I think a one piece case would work better though. The top on the right and the upper right hand side had to be left open for the volume and off and on swich. I did end up adding a small row of rhinestones on the edge of the right hand side. I think this picture makes it look a little more uneven than it was in person.

I have been swamped with custom orders lately! I'm thrilled because I thought it would be slow after Christmas...boy was I wrong. Anyway, I just had to show you these two frames I created for two very special babies.

Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you have created, a vignette, a piece of furniture you have painted, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can join the party.

Add Your Link...

Home Projects Of 2011 And Another Christmas

2012-01-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all having a great start to the new year! I thought I would follow in alot of your footsteps and show my biggest 2011 projects. The kitchen transformation and Chase's room redo were by far the biggest. In the kitchen we bought new appliances, I added more stain to the cabinets, changed out the hardware, painted the island and got granite countertops. Here is the before pic...

This is after the new appliances were installed. Yay!

This was after I restained the cabinets and added new hardware.

After the island was painted...

And finally...what I wanted for so long...granite countertops.

Here is after everything was done. We are still really enjoying it.

The next big project I tackled was Chase's room. This is the best picture of the before. Chase wanted something a little more Epic than boring plaid bedding...

So this is what I came up with...

I was on a major budget, but managed to come up with something he liked. He decided on a music/rock n roll theme. The records belonged to my dad and his brothers...they worked out just perfectly!

Unfortunately this side of the room does not look this neat right now! Oh my!

I don't think I will be doing anything as major as the kitchen this year, however, I am going to install new flooring in the craft room soon. Anyone have any suggestions on a cheap and durable floor? I am wanting something that looks decent, but can take a beating...I am very messy when I work! I am also going to be changing some things up in the living and dining room. Not sure what yet...but I am really loving this blue/aqua color with the reds/corals and golds....hmmmm.

Ok...on to another Christmas. We had Christmas with my dad's side of the family the other night. It's always a fun time eating and visiting with everyone. Wow! Look at all of those presents!

I tried to get more pics this time. My Christmas day pictures were pitiful! lol...Here is my grandma, she is in her 80s and still looks and feels good. She still loves to shop! In fact, today we both hit the big sale at Dillard's and found some great stuff.

Here's Chase...all he is into these days is tech stuff and models. I just know he is going to work in the computer field someday.

I bought my mom the framed butterfly...it says "Expect Miracles" I could probably make that! Hmmm...She probably has enough butterfly stuff now.

Ha Ha! My dad holding up his long underwear...

Here's my brother Daniel. I finally got a picture of him.

This is his girlfriend Lucia. She is really sweet and has an adorable son named Eli who is in the background. He wouldn't be still so I could get his picture.

This is my uncle Randy...I think blue is a great color for him!

My aunt Laura...who is always dressed so cute!

My cousin Trent and his girlfriend Paige...they make such a cute couple!

This is my Aunt Lynn, Uncle Ricky and cousins Leigh and Brett from Kentucky. I love when they come to visit! We always have so much fun...

I hope you enjoyed the pics!

I hope you will join me Wednesday evening for my Share Your Creations party. I will be sharing a pearl and rhinestone IPhone case I made for my cousin Leigh above. It is really blingy but turned out pretty cute.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T21:14:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a happy and blessed New Year!!

I still can't believe the year is over and it's 2012 already...Wow! Where did the time go?

Thank you all for your visits to my blog over the past year! I appreciate each one of you.

Do you have any New Year's resolutions? I sure do...one would be to not eat so much sugar...=o Another resolution would be to improve my blog. I am going work on posting more often and taking my blog more serious. I will have alot to show you over the next year, so I hope you will stick with me! I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!!!!

It's 2 minutes until midnight...

Happy New Year!

Share Your Creations Party # 18

2011-12-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

It's time to share your creations! I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to share after Christmas. Are you putting your decorations up yet? I leave mine up until after New Year's. I sure wish I could snap my fingers and everything would be put away and things would be back to normal. Unfortunately that's not going to happen...darn!

On with the features...

Trisha at Glass Slippers and all sort of suff created this pretty angel wing ornament. This could actually go right into Valentine's day.

You can find the recipe to these tasty looking peanut butter bars at A Pinch Of Joy.
LOVE this table created by Penny at Flea Market Makeovers...so pretty!!

Rhonda at Rambling's of a Southern Girl created a beautiful purple and silver tree for her salon. If I lived close I would definitely get my hair done there. Looks like a beautiful salon!

Here are a few rooster arrangements I just listed in my Etsy store.

More to come!

What did you create?
You can link any item you have created, a room you have decorated, a vignette, a piece of furniture you have painted, a recipe and the list goes on and on...

Please add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add Your link...

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day! We sure did. We spent the day eating, relaxing and opening presents. I think eating was the biggest part of the day...I'm still full! =0

I kept forgetting to take pictures but luckily Kevin took a few.

Here's Chase after opening up his Ipod. He was so excited...that was the main thing he wanted.

Here's me...I don't know what I was doing with my hand on my stomach. Probably trying to push my belly in from all of the food I ate! lol...I could have dressed up a little more, but I was in a hurry to get ready.

Here's my mom holding up the jacket I bought her. That color is really good on her.

I love this picture! My dad bought Sassy Cheez-its for Christmas...they are her favorite treats! Every time my mom and dad come over she will not stop barking at them until they give her Cheez-its. I think she's a little spoiled!

I wish I had more pictures to show you. I didn't even get any of my brother or grandma! Shame on me!

We have another Christmas next weekend with my dad's side of the family. I still have more presents to buy...so I will be out shopping again tomorrow. I thought I would wait until the after Christmas sales.

I still can't believe Christmas is over! After next weekend I will be ready to get things back to normal. I will also be listing new Etsy store items this week and next. I am anxious to get started on some new everyday items.

I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Wishing you All A Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T22:47:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!! I hope your day is filled with love and laughter...

Plenty of presents to open...

Tasty treats...

And remembering what Christmas is all about...the most important thing.

Jesus' Birthday

Have a great day!!

My Parent's House Dressed For Christmas

2011-12-22T21:29:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my parent's house! It may be big and open, but it is still a very warm and inviting space.

My mom has a spritual theme throughout the house all year around and at Christmas time it really comes to life. Angels, crosses and even butterflies are all a part of her Christmas decor.

This is the first time we have put this tree in the entryway. It is actually a tree I used to put up in the T.V./computer room at my house. I haven't put it up in a few years since there is a bookcase in it's spot now. It is done in all gold with angels, stars, nativities, crosses, and poinsettas. The dining room is very elegant and beautiful!

Love this chest!

This is the tree in the kitchen area. It is done in fruit, angels, crosses, doves, butterflies...etc. Everything has spiritual meaning. I love the colors in this tree!

Look at the butterflies at the top of the tree...butterflies have a spiritual meaning to my mom and me. They represent transformation and new life when we seek Christ. They are beautiful in so many ways...

This is a beautiful dining area in the kitchen. During the day it has an awesome view!

Love the angel by the sideboard.

Oh look! There's one of my tassels.

And a frame...

Here is a view of the living area...

Hope you enjoyed the tour! I think that's the last of the decorating posts...Whew! It's been a good run!

Only two more days...oh my! I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!!

Share Your Creations Party #17

2011-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations party #17!

Boy, this week is flying by! Only 3 more days until Christmas! Are you ready??

I really enjoy looking through all of the links every week. I am always amazed by your talent!!

For this week's features I am focusing on Christmas again. What are we going to do when we have to take all of this pretty stuff down??? I'm already depressed...lol.

Take a look at this fun and whimsical tree created by Suzi at Worthington Court. If you have not visited her blog you should. She has some wonderful Christmas decor!

For a tutorial on how to make those wonderful cones visit The Project Queen. Love the way this sideboard is decorated!
You all know how much I love peppermint and gingerbread decor! Visit Pinky at Designs by Pinky for more pics of her pretty Christmas decor.
Love this Santa mantle by Linda at Beautiful Ideas! She really does have some beautiful ideas...

This tree is adorable for a little girl's room...look at the zebra tree skirt! Visit A Southern Sanctuary for more pics.
I was going to show you my parent's house tonight, but decided to save that for Friday.

One of my clients told me about Smilebox.com the other day. It's a site where you can put a slide show together with music. You can e-mail your slide show, post it on a blog, share it on facebook, or burn it onto a CD. It's a really neat site! I decided to mess around with it today and came up with a slide show of some of my Christmas creations of 2011. It includes my house and some of the houses I decorated this year.

Just click PLAY to watch the slide show...you might want to visit Smilebox. com to make your own!

I know you are all probably busy getting ready for the big day. If you have time I would love for you to link up!

You can share an item you have created, a room you have decorated, a piece of furniture you have painted, a vignette, a recipe...the list goes on and on.

Please add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

What did you create?

Christmas Tour

2011-12-19T16:32:00.001-08:00

Only 5 more days until Christmas!! Can you believe it? I sure can't...

I didn't mean to take so long to post...Goodness! Time is getting away from me lately and now I have to play catch up. I have also been working on getting out all of my custom orders. I have showed you alot of my Christmas decor, but now I thought I would show you everything put together. Trust me, I don't think I need to buy anymore Christmas stuff! (except for those Christopher Radko dishes)

You definitely know it's Christmas time when you step inside the front door!

Someone asked if I just put up the curtains for Christmas...I agree they do blend well with the Christmas decor! lol...

I was overwhelmed with the nice compliments on my mantle! Thanks again!!! It is definitely the focal point in the room...you can't miss it! =0

This pic is for L...I didn't realize you couldn't see the light up presents by the mantle.

These lanterns got alot of attention on Pintrest. Love that site! There are so many great ideas and way too many wonderful recipes.

I just bought the deer by the chair on sale for $12 the other day...couldn't pass that price up!

More deer in the niche...

Below are some of my favorite Christmas decorations....

I used the Christmas present piece on the mantle last year and decided to use it above the T.V. this year.

This Santa in the hot air balloon is so much fun!

Ha! This piece is so whimsical!

I know I just showed you the dining room last week, but thought I would take more pics for the tour.

I don't see one present under that tree! I better get busy!!

I was literally pressed against the dining room window to take this shot! lol...

On to the gingerbread and peppermint kitchen...
As you can see I decorated the tops of the lights. There is a closeup pic at the bottom of this post.

You probably remember the peppermint candle holders, gingerbread tablescape and tree from a few weeks ago.

At the last minute I decided to add a little Christmas on top of my cabinets.

I even decorated the rooster! lol

Gingerbread terrarium and trees...

My gingerbread man tassel...

I sold all of my Christmas tassels this year.

Here is a better pic of the bow and curly glitter sticks I added to the lights.

Well, I think I've shown you everything in my house! I still have my front door to show you soon.

I will show you my mom's house for my"Share Your Creations" party on Wednesday night. Great party last week! Don't forget to link up...

I have had alot of people tell me how much they enjoy looking at all of the wonderful creations!! It's a great way to find new blogs...

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Joining Kim for Wow Us Wednesdy at Savvy Southern Style and Sherry at No Minimalist Here.

Share Your Creations Party # 16

2011-12-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

It's time to Share Your Creations!! Are we really on party 16? Wow!

There were so many great links last week. I enjoyed checking them all out!

On with the features...

This beautiful candle display was created by Rhonda at Ramblings of a Southern Gal. You should check out her mantle too!

This cute banister was created by Mary at Mrs. Redo. I love the ice skates at the bottom of the banister...very clever!

This gorgeous tablescape was created by Diane at Tablescapes by Diane.
Now this front porch says Welcome! It was created by Debbie at Refresh Restyle. Love it!
This Mackenzie Child inspired tablecloth was created by Mishele at Decorating My World With Color.
It's beautiful!!
So many awesome creations!! I love seeing what you come up with every week.

For my creation I thought I would show you my Niche all decked out for Christmas.I made the swag last year, but added new ribbon this year. I have used the deer in there for several years.

This niche was originally supposed to be a hall closet, but my friend, Sherry, talked me into changing it to something decorative. I'm glad we did, otherwise it would be a closet collecting more junk! lol...

Ok...so what did you create??

You can link any item you have created, any room you have decorated, a piece of furniture you have painted, a vignette, a recipe...and the list goes on and on.

Please add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add your link...

And The Winner Is....

2011-12-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Winner of my Christmas giveaway is Kimberly at Kimberly's Corner!!

Congrats! Hurry up and send me your address so I can send you your Christmas goodies!!

Thank you all so much for entering! I was blown away by all of the entries and sweet comments you left. I appreciate each one of you!!

I'll be back tomorrow with more Christmas decorating pics...

My Christmas Dining Room

2011-12-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Did you do get all of your shopping done? I didn't. I have done a little online, but have alot more to do. I try not to get stressed out about it until Christmas Eve..lol...then I start to panic! I have seriously waited that long before. This year I will get it done earlier!

I want to show you my dining room dressed up for Christmas. This year I decided to leave the table set. Last year I had a big arrangement in the middle with candle holders on each side and then changed it for Christmas lunch. I like the low change this year...

The centerpiece is made out of garland twisted around the candle holders . Some of you might remember it from last year, I did end up adding new ribbon this year. I found the glass candle holders at Wal-mart and added sugar. Then I set the candle down in the sugar for a snowy look. Do you see my Christopher Radko plates in the china cabinet? I bought those last year at Dillard's half price. I want to get six more so I can set the dining room table,(I just hate to take those out) but will have to wait until they go half price. They went up to $18 a plate this year! Whoa!! I really need them to be about 80% off but that's not going to happen..
This is the same place setting I used last year. I wish I could remember where everything came from, but unfortunately I don't. There is no telling! lol...

I love this shot with the blue in the background!

Someday maybe I can get the rest of the place settings to go with the dishes...I just love them!!

Here are some daytime shots...

I set the middle candle on a piece of Styrofoam to give it a little more height.

The glittered candles came from Kohl's.

Here is a daytime shot of the tree...it is loaded!

I redid the top of the china cabinet this year to coordinate with the tree. As you can see I added new mesh!

I decorated this floor candle holder with ribbon, ornaments and holly.

The dining room by day...still need a rug.

Thanks for checking out the Christmas dining room!!

There is still time to enter my Christmas giveaway...I will draw a winner on Tuesday evening. It might be a little late...I forgot I was going out of town for the day. Be sure and stop by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to see if you are the winner! Click HERE to enter.

Have a wonderful Monday!!

Linking to Between Naps On The Porch

Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

It's time for a giveaway!!

First, I want to tell you that I appreciate each one of you who read my blog. I love reading your comments and e-mails...you are all so sweet! I wish I could give you all something, but that would be really expensive! So, to show my appreciation I picked out some things I thought you might like...a glittered metal Santa, a handmade Santa frame, yummy hazelnut chocolates, and a Christmas cookie Yankee candle. Don't worry, I haven't eaten the chocolates........yet! lol...

You can enter my giveaway up to three times!

1: Leave a comment letting me know that you would like to win.

2: For a second chance, follow my blog and leave me a second comment letting me know you are a follower. If you are not a follower I would love to have you!!

3: For a third chance, post about my giveaway on your blog and leave me a third comment letting me know you did.

If you do not have a blog, please leave me your e-mail address with your comment.

This giveway will only run until Tuesday evening. Please check back to see if you are the winner! I want to get the items to you ASAP

Good luck!

Come back Sunday evening to see my dining room dressed up for Christmas!

Gingerbread Decorations, Etsy Store Items and an Upcoming Giveaway!

2011-12-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

It's almost the weekend! Time is just flying by...Before we know it it will be Christmas day!

I showed you my peppermint candle holder on my island the other day. Now I want to show you some more of my gingerbread/peppermint kitchen decor. This is a little tree that sits in the corner by the table. This year I added a few more ornaments and the glittered gingerbread man on top. I didn't have anywhere to set him on my counter, so I just stuck him in the top of the tree!

He's so cute!
The tree is filled with gingerbread men, ribbon, candy balls and picks.

You might remember this gingerbread terrarium from last year. I left it exactly the same! The "snow" is actually sand and the gingerbread men are ornaments. The gingerbread house is actually a stocking holder I found at Hobby Lobby. I just berried the holder in the sand. I used real gumdrops and candy canes. This is my favorite decoration in my kitchen.

Here is another vignette in the kitchen. My friend gave me the cookbook several years ago, it's full of wonderful recipes. The gingerbread man on the left is actually a candle holder.

And another vignette...I've been burning that Yankee candle all day and LOVE it!! It smells up the whole house! I'll show you the entire kitchen decorated very soon.

I listed some new items tonight including frames...

and a few more Christmas items. If you pay through paypal I can ship the Christmas items right out and you should have them pretty quick. Click HERE to visit my shop.

One more thing...I will be starting my giveaway tomorrow evening! I will only run it for 3 days...I want to draw a winner and get the items shipped out so whoever wins will have time to enjoy them through the Holidays.
I am giving away a frame I made that says "Here comes Santa Claus". I am also giving away a cute glittered metal Santa...I have one of these in my bookcase. I am also including a Yankee candle like the one I've been burning all day...you will love it! The last thing I am including is Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates. I sure hope I can keep from eating these! lol...they are my favorites!

Be sure and stop by tomorrow evening to enter to win!
Have a wonderful Saturday!!

Share Your Creations Party #15

2011-12-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations party #15! I hope you will join in on the fun. I love seeing all of the beautiful things you are creating. Blogland is full of inspiration at this time of the year!

On with the features...

First, we must have dessert!

Check out Butter Yum for the recipe to this yummy looking double chocolate cheescake. My mouth is watering right now!

Shenita at Embellishments at SLR has some beautiful Christmas decor! Love this piece over the mirror...it just sparkles!

Love this Santa in the snow vignette by Sonny at 155 Dream Lane. What a clever idea!

Mrs. C With Style used mesh to create a beautiful Christmas tree! Love all of those pretty puffs!

I love this fun and whimsical candycane arrangement made by Michele at Sew Inspirations.
Too cute!

Lots of wonderful inspiration! Keep it coming...

My creation is this peppermint candy candle holder. I have used this on my island for several years and also have one on the kitchen table...I just keep reworking them. The base is a small wreath and everything is secured with the greenery. The candle holder is full of real peppermints...it's hard not to grab one when I walk by! I have a feeling I will be buying a new bag soon.

Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you have created, a room you have decorated, a recipe, or a tablescape...the list goes on and on.

Please add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add Your Link...

Gingerbread House Tablescape

2011-12-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

Doesn't everyone love a gingerbread house? I know I do...I've always had a thing for them. They just look so yummy and colorful! I bought a real one the other day for Chase and me to make together...well, that didn't go so well. Chase kept bugging me to eat it and when it broke apart I finally just gave in! lol...Goodness that was alot of sugar! I am going to buy another one and be more careful. I will probably have to make it by myself!

I've been doing my kitchen in a gingerbread theme for several years now. Last year I bought the little gingerbread plates and gingerbread house napkins. I've had the white and stripe plates, coffee cups, napkins and place mats for a few years now.

I have actually sold this arrangement, but did a quick tablescape this afternoon before boxing it up. I should have made one for myself! Unfortunately I am out of that gingerbread house. Oh well, there's always next year.

Love the cute little faces of the gingerbread girls and boys...

You can see my gingerbread tree in the background...I will show you better pics soon.

More to come...

We didn't decorate the house I told you about yesterday. Unfortunately they had to cancel due to health issues. I am still going to be decorating my parent's house in the next week or so. I will be sure to show you pics when I'm done. I will also be doing a Christmas giveaway soon, so be sure and watch for that.

Thanks again for all of your nice comments on my decorating!!!! I really appreciate each one! I am catching my breath now, and should be able to start my blog hopping again soon.

I am working on more Etsy store items tonight and should have them posted tonight and tomorrow!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.

Canvas Designs Etsy Store

2011-12-05T23:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! I want to take a quick break from my decorating posts and tell you about my friend's new Etsy store called Canvas Designs 1. She has been working hard to get her store up and ready. She creates custom gallery wraps with your photos, images, or just something you have in mind. Below are some canvases she has just listed in her store. Her holiday themed ones are adorable! I'm in love with this tree...

Cute snowman!

Love this tree too!

This one is super adorable and she can customize it for you.

This one can be customized with your last name...love it!

Too cute! Customize your initial...

She can also add your image to a gallery wrapped frame in several different sizes. All you have to do is e-mail her the image you would like.

She is full of wonderful ideas and would love for you to stop by her new shop. Click HERE to pay her a visit! Her prices are reasonable and she only uses high quality materials.

I'll be back with more decorating pics tonight!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Traditional Christmas Charm

2011-12-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to you! As you can see I have been busy decorating again. This time it was a beautiful older home. I love older homes because they have so much charm! The dining room is done in yellow, red and blue, so we brought out those colors in the decorations. The blue is so striking against the yellow walls. I decorated the tree, spruced up the table arrangement, made the centerpiece out of a wreath for the santa on the buffet, decorated the light fixture. I also added garland to the mantle and set some of her Christmas items around in her other rooms. Love her place settings! They go so well with everything...

I added garland, berries, ribbon and Christmas ornaments to the chandelier...in that order in case you are wondering.

Here is another view of the chandelier

I added Christmas balls and ribbon in the wreath and set the Santa in the middle.

There are a variety of Halmark ornaments, balls, poinsettas and lots of ribbon on the tree.

I used a bow at the top of the tree and added some glittery gold and red sticks coming out around the bow.

I mainly focused on the dining room, but I also hung the mantle piece I made last year.

I ended up making the piece over the Santa picture out of left over garland,Christmas balls and ribbon. There's something you can do with your leftovers!

One more house down and one more to go! We start on it today...

Have a wonderful Monday!!

Christmas Tree Lanterns

2011-12-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? I have been for a while now. I finally got my house pretty much decorated. I just have to hang the garland around the front door. I have run into a little problem and thought I would share a tip with you. If you are using the mesh in your garlands, wreaths, or trees, after Christmas be sure and store it well. If the mesh gets smashed, there is no way to fluff it out. My garland and front door wreath are really smashed, so I am going to have to figure something out. Darn! I am trying to keep from having to redo everything. I should have hung them up!

You might remember these lanterns I bought this fall for my back patio. It was funny because I was at pier 1 Imports and saw some gold ones they had dressed up for the holidays. I was thinking to myself that I sure wished I had some lanterns for my coffee table. Well duh! I did have some and they are red! lol...I was going to put candles in them and then I found the trees up in the attic. I had to work on the small one...it was a little tall for the small lantern. Nothing a hammer can't fix! I added a little ribbon and glittered curly qs to the top to tie in with the mantle. I guess this is the year of the tree...

I'll show you more of my Christmas decor soon! I also have a few more houses to work on this week so I will show you those too. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.

Share Your Creations Party # 14

2011-11-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations party #14! Last weeks party was a little slow due to Thanksgiving, but I hope you will join this week! I'm sure you have some Christmas decorating you would like to share. We are ready to see it!!

On with the features...

I loved this idea from Scribbles and Swirls...she painted a frame and hung ornaments in the middle. Super cute! I have seen this done on Pintrest too.

What a pretty vignette! Check out Ditto Decorating for more pics.

This is so neat! I love what The Project Queen did with the Victrola...check out her blog for the before pics.

Great projects! Keep them coming....

Since everyone is loving the mesh I thought I would show you a Santa wreath I recently made. It's fun and whimsical! For my tutorial click HERE.

Remember, if you make a mesh wreath send me a pic and I will post it on my blog.

I will have more of my house to show you soon. I am in the process of doing a million things right now! Whew! I should have everything done in a few days....

What did you create?

Add Your Link...

My Christmas Mantle

2011-11-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's almost December! I'm sure you are all decorating by now. I feel like I have been decorating forever and it's not over yet! lol...All I have done in my house is the tree and mantle. I have been cleaning for the past two days...whew! It feels good to get it done!

I ended up doing this mantle totally different than last year. However, I did keep the jars with the glittery sticks and balls. I just reworked them and added the Mark Roberts fairies. I found the tree print at Kirkland's this weekend and loved it! I already had the frame, however, the print did not fit inside of it. Let's just say I made it work...it is my little secret! lol...When I am determined to do something I will find a way to do it! After I added the print to the mantle I started my garland. I used ornaments, ribbons, and narrow mesh to give it lots of pizazz! If you are wondering how the garland is attached I used three tiny nails on the top back of the mantle, one on each side and one in the middle. Next, I wrapped the greenery around the nails to secure it. (A flathead nail works the best) I know alot of people don't want to use nails on their mantle which is understandable. Another thing you can try is command hooks. I just watched a commercial for those and it looks like they might work well. After the garland was done I added the jars with the glittery sticks and balls. Next, I added two different sizes of glittery trees. It was just by chance that I had those trees and they worked well with the picture. Last, I added some little presents under the tree picture. This mantle really sparkles when you walk in the front door! It is full of glitter!

Sparkle Sparkle!

The ornaments, ribbon and red curly sticks all came from Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Alot of you have asked me where the green mesh came from and I think it was Kirkland's last year, although, I could have picked it up in Dallas. When I was in Kirkland's this weekend they did have some similar, but they were all out. They were just using pieces to decorate with.

I found the jars at Hobby Lobby last year and added the glitter balls.

I bought the green spiral tree at Michael's the other day. I think I bought the red and green trees in Dallas. There are some similar at Pier 1 Imports if you are interested.

That's the mantle! Now I am starting on the rest of the living room and kitchen. I still have a few houses to decorate this week, so I will have to work on mine in between.

Have a great Tuesday!!

Joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday and Rhonda at Southern Hospitality for Merry Mantles.

Decorating A Christmas Tree With Mesh Ribbon Tutorial

2011-11-26T22:20:00.001-08:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I have been busy cleaning and decorating today. Since I have been so busy with houses and custom orders lately my house has taken a back seat! It's time for a good cleaning for sure, but decorating is more fun!

I decided to do this tutorial when alot of you asked me how to add mesh to a Christmas tree. Several of you commented on the whimsical tree I decorated with the green mesh and wondered how the mesh was added. I know there are several ways to add the mesh, I will show you the easiest way I have found to do it.

First, I have to show you how my tree looked when we got it down from the attic. Doesn't it look wonderful?? LOL! I can't believe I just left everything on it...What was I thinking? I think I just wanted to get it up and out of the house...and look how many lights were out! I had to make a quick to trip to Wal-Mart for sure. I restrung the new lights and it was ready to decorate!

When adding the mesh to your tree, the first thing you want to do is scrunch. It is very wide and a little hard to work with, but you will get the hang of it.

Wrap a branch around the part you scrunch starting at the bottom back of the tree. I always start at the bottom, but you can also start at the top and work your way down. There is no wrong or right way to do it. Liz at Savvy Seasons and Sheila at Notesongs spiraled their mesh down the tree. It looks beautiful that way too.

Make a poof about 12 to 16 inches and scrunch again wrapping a branch around it.

Scrunch and wrap all around the tree.

until it looks like this...You can add the mesh closer together if you would like. I used just a little over one roll.

I hope that was easy to understand.

You can also add the smaller mesh the same way if you would like. I didn't have very much of the green, so I cut it and wrapped a branch around it for a few poofs. I love the way it curls!
(Kevin just asked me what a poof was...lol. I just assumed you guys know)

Now you are ready to add your ornaments. It's hard to see in this pic, but I always start with the inside of the tree adding the larger (cheaper)ornaments first. The glittered balls are great for adding some sparkly depth.

Now your ready to add your favorite ornaments! I always pick out the ones I like best and add them to the front of the tree.

As you can see I have a little bit of everything on my tree. I usually try to buy a few ornaments every year. I guess I'm really into Santas and snowmen the most.

After you are done adding all of your ornaments you might want to add some things coming out of the tree to add more depth and interest. I added glittered berries, stars, glittered light bulbs, etc. Whatever I could find! lol...

Now it looks really full!

It's time for the topper! I made two bows out of five different ribbons...oh my! Seriously? Five? As I have said before, I am a ribbon freak! I actually made the bows out of three ribbons then added some pieces of two more ribbons to the top of the bows.

For my bow and tree topper tutorial click HERE.

I wired the two bows back to back on the top of the tree letting the streamers hang down. I tucked the streamers into the tree. The streamers were about 40 inches long.

Now it's time for the fun stuff!

I added the glittery balls and stars all around the top of the bows. Sometimes it's hard to find a spot, but you just have to keep poking.

It turned out fun and whimsical!
That's all there is to it!

I hope you enjoyed my tree decorating tutorial! Let me know if you have any questions or if I have left anything out.

Thanks again for your nice comments on my Christmas decorating! It won't be long before things slow down a little and I can visit my favorite blogs again. I am hoping to get the rest of my Christmas decor up over the next two days. I finished the mantle last night...I will show it to you soon!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Big And Beautiful!

2011-11-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a great time visiting with family. I ate way too much as usual and my stomach is still bloated! lol...After we ate and visited I headed to Michael's for the awesome sale they were having. Later on, Kevin, Chase and I went to Wal-mart and were among the crazy people! lol...People were like sharks at a feeding frenzy and Kevin was right there with them! Oh my! He ended up getting a game for Chase that he really wanted so I guess it was worth it. =0

I have been anxious to show you my friend's beautiful home that Sherry and I have been decorating over the last three days. It didn't take three full days...we worked on others in between. However, it is always a big job! This year it took a little longer due to most of the lights going out and a huge wreath falling off of the balcony. Ok...that was probably my fault, but I'll blame it on Sherry. Ha! Who knew two little thin wires wouldn't hold a fifty lb wreath? =o

My friend has two Portuguese water dogs named Emma and Bo. They are the cutest and funniest dogs I've ever seen. Bo can even open the door to go outside and shut it when he comes in! I'm not kidding! He is amazing!

I had to get a picture of them, so I put bows around their necks and they posed just perfect for me!

This home is big and beautiful! I am always glad when it's done and love to just step back and look at it's beauty.
This is a big room and needed something massive on the mantle. I designed the mantle piece along with Sherry a few years ago and it still looks as beautiful as ever.

It is full of glittered poinsettias, ribbon, berries and star ornaments that hang from the garland. We added angels on each side and a candle holder in the middle.

So elegant...

Here is the tree in the same room. It is full of beautiful ornaments, berries and ribbons. Love the Santa fairy!

I redid the garland on her staircase last year adding new ribbons, poinsettias and berries. It turned out beautiful and was easy to put back up. It just needed some fluffing!

I showed you her tree in the family room the other day.

Here is the mantle...I spy some little elves!

Love the glass beads hanging down.

I wish I could have gotten more pictures of the kitchen, but she was in the middle of cooking for Thanksgiving. I'll have to go back and get more pics soon. I love her Santa bakers! These are Mark Roberts pieces in case you are wondering.

Here is the outside of the house all lit up! Do you see that wreath on the balcony? Yip, that's the one that fell.

I took this picture of the outside of her door in the daytime. Love the red and gold and big ornaments hanging down. Sherry and I redid this garland last year too.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of this beautiful house!

I still have more houses to go! I have a little break until next Tuesday, so I will be working on mine. I will be posting my tree tutorial tomorrow or Saturday. I hate to say tomorrow because I am going shopping and might get caught up in the crowds! lol...I will definitely be doing my house on Saturday and Sunday for sure! I am ready to get it up.

Feel free to join my Share Your Creations party on the post below. I would love to see all of the Christmas decorating you are doing!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Share Your Creations Party #13

2011-11-23T23:02:00.001-08:00

I bet you thought I wasn't going to show up for my party huh? Well I'm here...lol. It's only 1:30 in the morning. Whew! It was another busy day today decorating houses...I've never seen so many lights that don't work! Sherry and I were about to scream! lol...Anyway, we added new ones and everyone is happy. I have several pictures to show you soon. There is one picture in particular that turned out great! Can't wait to share it with you...it's adorable!

On with the features...

This beautiful hutch was painted by Penny at The comforts of Home. Check out her blog for the before pics. What a difference!

check out Kathe With an E for the before pics of this kitchen. Wonderful job...love those white cabinets.

Here is another pretty hutch painted by Ally at There's No Place Like Our Home. Love the fall decor!
Here are my creations I just listed in my Etsy Store.

A cute Santa arrangement...this would make a great centerpiece.

Noel frame...

I love the cute snowman container...

And a snowman tassel...

More to come...

Ok, so what did you create?

You can link any item you have created, any room or outdoor space you have decorated, any piece of furniture you have painted, recipes, and the list goes on and on. You are also welcome to add a link to your Etsy store on your blog. All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add your link...

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!! We are going over to my aunt and uncle's house. My aunt is a wonderful cook so it will be delish! All I have to bring is a relish tray...lol. I always get off easy since everyone knows how busy I am at this time of the year.

Elegant Whimsical Christmas Tree

2011-11-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

It was another busy day for Sherry and me again today. We worked on two houses and still have more to do tomorrow. Everything takes longer than you think...especially when you have lights that don't work! Darn! Also, a couple of our clients decided they wanted a few more things done, so we have more to work on tomorrow. I am planning on putting my tree up on Thanksgiving if all goes as planned, so don't forget about my tutorial!

This is a tree in my friend's house that we worked on yesterday. It is fun and elegant with beautiful ribbons and whimsical ornaments.

I LOVE that polk a dot glittery ribbon. This tree just sparkles in the house!

That's Bo laying in front of the tree...he is the funniest thing! I'm going to get more pics of him tomorrow.

There is still alot of this house to come...we are going to finish it up tomorrow.

I will be listing more Etsy items tomorrow night.

Have a great Wednesday!

Traditional Christmas

2011-11-21T21:34:00.001-08:00

Sherry and I worked on two houses today decorating mantles, stairs, and trees. I will show you some of what we did today and the rest very soon. We have been doing these two houses for several years and have kept with the traditional theme in both. These two ladies keep their garlands in excellent condition so all we have to do is hang them and tweak. We do add or change out things here and there, but over all they stay in excellent shape.

The garland just makes this beautiful staircase stand out! It is full of pretty ribbons and berries.

There is a mantle in the kitchen that we decorate with berries and fruit.

I've always loved this mantle...

This is the other side of the mantle in the living room. This garland is full of ribbon, holly and poinsettias.

We started the second house tonight...it actually belongs to a good friend of mine. When we first started decorating her house she gave us free reign to do what we wanted! As you can see we went all out with this mantle.

More of this house coming soon...so stay tuned.

Happy decorating!!

Christmas Elegance

2011-11-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

I showed you the whimsical house the other day, so I thought I would show you something a little more elegant. Sherry and I worked on these two beautiful houses the first of last week.

I reworked this garland this year using the berries and ribbon it already had on it. I ended up adding the ornaments and mesh to give it a different look. I also added the gold ornaments to the topiaries I made a few years back. The owners recently added the beautiful mantle...isn't it gorgeous?

I made this arrangement a few years back too. I ended up reworking it a little to fit better on their new dining room table...which is gorgeous!

This is another mantle in their house that Sherry and I worked on together. The garland started out as ribbon and greenery but we thought it needed a little more pizazz so we added the glittery flowers and berries. Oh, and look at those cool glittered chandeliers the owner found...aren't they neat?

I made this arrangement a while back too...I added the green glittery meshy stuff this year. I just love those deer!

Yes...I made this too. lol...Love the amaryllis!

This is in another house...The cream and gold is so elegant together! I made these pieces a while back and they have held up well. (I hate when my pics are crooked...sorry about that)

This chandy is very elegant with the ornaments and ribbons...

This is the outside of the house. I used a wreath in the middle at the top and attached it to the garland for something a little different. Love the big ornaments in the middle and corners!

I totally forgot to take some pics at this house...I got in a hurry towards the end. Sorry about that!

I still have alot to show you though...We have a house scheduled in the morning and one in the afternoon. The one in the afternoon is a biggie and will take two days! We have one more small job scheduled after that, then it's Thanksgiving! Wow! Already? I plan on doing my house somewhere in between...lol. I am also going to do a new post on decorating a Christmas tree! I have had alot of e-mails about adding mesh and making tree toppers. So stay tuned for my tutorial!!

One more thing...thank you all for your nice comments lately! I appreciate each one...when I get a break I can't wait to get back to visiting you all!!

Have a great Monday!!

A Whimsical Christmas

2011-11-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been spent decorating this beautiful house. I'll tell ya...it's a biggie! lol... This is the third year I have decorated this house for Christmas. We add a little every year so this year my client wanted me to decorate the huge chandy! Luckily, she just has to flip a switch to lower it. Pretty awesome!

This house always makes me smile in spite of the 5 and a half hour tree! lol...I just love the fun and whimsical look. The big round ornaments and polka dot ribbon are so much fun!

It takes a really tall ladder...a little scary.

Here's a better look...I added some fun glittery curly sticks this year. They really added alot to the tree!

Love all the ornaments!

Here is another look at the chandy...it's big but was surprisingly easy to do. As you can see I made two layers of garland and attached it to the top and bottom. It is hard to find really pretty thick garland so sometimes I double it...in this case tripled it! There are actually three garlands twisted together. Next I added the ornaments...first all of the green then the red. That helped to even out the color all the way around. Last, I added pieces of ribbon in between the ornaments. Love the way it turned out!

Here are the stairs...Oooh...that's a pretty good shot with my new camera! lol...I am still trying to figure everything out.

Love those big lighted presents!

Gorge!

As you can see, I added some curly glittery sticks to the bows on the stairs too.

Here is the chandy in the dining room. We are still working on something for the dining room table.

Love her kitchen! The jars with the ornaments look great on her island.

The outside of the house just flows right inside with the same theme.

This house is always a joy to decorate...but I'm glad when it's done!! lol...

That makes three houses down...just six more to go not including my own. Will I ever get to it?

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Market

2011-11-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! I hope you are all having a great day!

I wanted to tell my local readers that I will be at Holiday Market in Van Buren tomorrow from 9:00-6:00. It is held at Northridge Middle School on Northridge Dr. I will have frames, arrangements, wreaths and tassels. If you have any questions please e-mail me at Kristenscreations@hotmail.com

If you live in the Fort Smith/Greenwood/Van Buren area come check it out!

Share Your Creations Party # 12

2011-11-16T21:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations party #13! I hope you will link up below and join in on the fun!

Now for the features... Liz at Savvy Seasons created a beautiful Christmas mantle! Love it!

Farica at Southern Charm created a super cute gingerbread man themed tablescape.

Maria Elena at Our Home Away From Home created a beautiful room using stencils! It looks just like wallpaper...Wow! I bet that took a while.

Keep those creations coming!!

Most of my day was spent working on this huge tree! Whoa! I also did a staircase and helped with three little girl's trees. It was quite a day and I can barely keep my eyes open to write this post! lol... I'll be back at it again in the morning...still more to do at this house. I'll finish taking the pics tomorrow.

What did you create?
You can link any item you created, any room or outdoor space you have decorated, any piece of furniture you have painted, recipes, and the list goes on and on. Also, if you have an Etsy store you are welcome to add a link to your store on your blog. All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

P.S. Sorry this post is up so late! I was gone all day...

Candy Cane Mesh Wreath

2011-11-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

The craziness has started around here...lol. I have been decorating houses the past two days and have to be at another one this morning...so I only have 15 minutes to do this post! Whew! I have been taking pics so I will have alot to show you soon. I am flying by the seat of my pants right now so please hang with me! =0

In the mean time, I wanted to show you this candy cane mesh wreath I made. So far the tutorial on the snowman mesh wreath has been my most popular post of all time! Wow! I'm glad you like it. Remember, if you make one please send me a pic and I will post it on my blog. It doesn't have to be just like it, any Christmas theme is fine.

I hope this wreath gives you another idea! I will have more to show you soon...

Remember my Share Your Creations Party tomorrow! I will have the linky tool up tonight...it might be late, I'm not sure when I'll be home. I hope you will join in the fun!

Gotta go decorate....

Have a great day!

Christmas Inspiration

2011-11-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you are having a wonderful Friday! It's a busy one for me...I've been making items for my Etsy store and preparing for a local craft show I will be participating in next Saturday. Needless to say I am swimming in a sea of ribbon! LOL...

Many of you know that I decorate houses for Christmas. I have six to decorate before Thanksgiving! Yikes! My friend, Sherry, who lives part of the time here and in Dallas will be helping me. In fact, we started decorating these houses when I worked for her. We add or change things up a little every year. It's fun, but alot of work! This year I will not be able to decorate my own house until after Thanksgiving. Things got hectic really fast! I just have to much to do over the next few weeks, so my house will have to wait.

I did want to show you some pictures of my house and a few of the houses I decorated last year. Of course I will be posting new pics after they are done. I will also take pics of more of the houses I decorate too.

This is my mantle...it will probably look similar this year, but I might change it up a little. I still love the presents!

My peppermint centerpiece...
Gingerbread tablescape...

And a gingerbread terrarium...

The gingerbread house is actually a stocking holder I found at Hobby Lobby, I just buried the holder. I used white sand, but you could use sugar. The gumdrops and candy canes are real and the gingerbread men are ornaments. I tied ribbons on the top and added a Happy Holiday's ornament...it was a fun project!

This is a tree I do for one of my clients. She has three little girls so she wanted to keep Christmas fun and whimsical. This tree takes several hours! It is loaded with beautiful ornaments, fun glittery stuff and mesh. I will be adding some glittery curlyQs I found this year to change it up a bit.

This is her stairway...

This beautiful house belongs to one of my best friends. It is just gorgeous! This is her family room with her two portugese water dogs, Emma and Bo. They posed just perfect for me!

This is her mantle in the formal living room. It is loaded with beautiful poinsettias, berries, beads and ribbon. It is definitely one of my favorite mantles I've ever done.

This is her staircase...It is not lacking either! lol...I hope it looks this good this year!

This is a mesh wreath I made for my friend Sherry last year. So much fun! For my mesh wreath tutorial click HERE.

She ended up moving it to her mantle and adding lights. Her home is gorgeous too!

This is her formal living room done in blue, silver and white. So elegant! I made the arrangement but she did the mantle. Gorgeous!

If you would like to see more of my Christmas decorating check out my 2009 and 2010 November posts. There are alot more pics, I just pulled out a few.

Here are some Christmas tassels I recently listed in my store if you are interested.
A gingerbread house...

A glittered Christmas tree...

A gingerbread man...

And a snowman. Click HERE to visit my Etsy store.

Look what I got today!! I am so excited! It's my Christmas present... I have been needing a new camera for a long time. My hubby did alot of research and found out that this camera, the Nikon d3100,was the best for the money. I will be able to take better pictures of my decorating now...yipee! Now I will just have to learn how to use it...Can't wait!

Have a great weekend!!

Share Your Creations Party # 11

2011-11-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Share Your Ceations party #11! I hope you will join in the fun! I love to see what you are creating!

Let's look at this weeks features...

A beautiful frenchy table painted with chalk paint by Martina at Northern Nesting. I'm going to have to try that paint sooner or later! Love the way it looks...

Would you believe those wingback chairs are painted? They are! check out 155 Dream Lane for the before and after.

More of that chalk paint...Visit Wanda No Place Like Home for the before and after.

Visit Worthington Court for the tutorial on these cute modge podge pumpkins. They are made with napkins! Too cute!

Wonderful projects! Keep them coming...

Here are some of my Christmas creations that I just recently listed on Etsy.

I have sold several of these frames over the last several years. I used to sell them in the interior store where I worked for 15 years. They were a very popular item at Christmas and have done well online.

This one just sold, but I will list another one like it soon.

This gingerbread house arrangement just sold as well, but I'll list another one of these soon too. Isn't it fun? I am really into gingerbread stuff and have been for the last few years!

This fun and whimsical sleigh is still available!

Another fun snowman frame!

A cute present arrangement! I love using fun glittery stuff...it just makes me happy! =)

Click HERE to visit my Etsy store

Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you have created, any room or outdoor space you have decorated, any piece of furniture you have painted, recipes...and the list goes on and on. Also, if you have an Etsy store you are welcome to add a link to your store on your blog. All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Christmas Mesh Wreath Tutorial!

2011-11-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking about Christmas yet?

It's almost time to start decorating!

I decided to go ahead and do a tutorial on how to make a Christmas mesh wreath. I am starting to get really busy so I wanted to get this post up while I have time. I can also tell from my "Posts" section in blogger that my mesh wreath tutorial back in 2009 has been my most popular post so far! Looks like you guys like the mesh wreaths and want to learn how to make your own. I hope this tutorial helps!

Keep in mind that there are lots of different items you could use in your own wreath. I love making my wreaths all different...some have a Santa in the middle, or a present, and even a gingerbread man. Those are just a few ideas...the possibilities are endless!

Just be creative!

I gathered most of my supplies from Hobby Lobby, Michael's and Kirkland's.

By the way, you will also need a glue gun, scissors, and wire cutters.

Let's just jump right in! I really do think the Christmas mesh wreaths are the easiest to make. The reason is because there is alot of greenery to attach things too. Also, all of the greenery is wired so you can just wrap the greenery around the mesh and ribbon to secure it. I always start adding the mesh at the bottom of the wreath. The mesh is really wide, so you will need to scrunch!

Start adding the mesh all around the wreath wrapping the greenery around it about every 6 to 7 inches.

Until it looks like this

Next, start adding the smaller mesh the same way all around the wreath wrapping the greenery around it.

Until it looks like this... try to make it as even as you can.

Next, cut your choice of ribbons into 14 to 16 inch strips cutting the the edges into Vs. Add the ribbons all around the wreath wrapping the greenery around them. As you can see I used three different coordinating ribbons. As you know...I am a ribbon freak! lol...

It will look like this...there are seven sections of of ribbons all around the wreath. Be sure and spread all of those pretty ribbons out!

Next, hot glue some ornaments in between the ribbon. I couldn't hold the glue gun and take a pic at the same time! lol...

Then it will look like this...it's shaping up!

Next, hot glue in the fun stuff! I found these glitter ball sticks at Michael's. There are actually three on a stem. I ended up using seven pieces, so you will need to buy three stems.

Alternate them all around the wreath until it looks like this...

Next, I cut the curly sticks

and added them all around the wreath. I was going to hot glue them in, but ended up just wrapping the greenery around the ends. That was alot easier and they were secure... almost done!

Now for the final touch...the snowman!
He happened to have a wire at the top so I wired the greenery around it to secure it.

I also wired the greenery around the wire that attaches the "Welcome" sign.
No hot glue needed! However, depending on what you use, sometimes hot glue is needed.

All done! It's fun and whimsical!

Here it is on my door...fun and festive!

Remember, the possibilities are endless! Have fun with the items you pick out. If you make a Christmas mesh wreath I would love for you to e-mail me a picture. I would like to post them on my blog like I did at Easter. So get to work! I want to see what you come up with.

If I have left something out or you have questions please let me know! I am not an expert on these tutorials...lol.

I have listed more items in my Etsy store, but alot of them are already gone. I will be listing more as often as I can so be sure and check back. Alot of my items are one of a kind!

I hope you will come back on Thursday for my "Share Your Creations Party" I will have the linky tool up on Wed. evening.

Have a great week!

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Guess Who I Met Today? The Pioneer Woman!!

2011-11-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

I know most of you are familiar with the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. If you're not, she is a blogger who now has her own cookbook and even a cooking show on Food Network! Wow! She started her blog in 2006 and her success has sky rocketed from there. I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend to a luncheon/book signing where she spoke about her country life and how all of this started. It was very inspiring! I'm so glad I got to go! The lunch was right out of her cookbook and was delicious!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

You can tell I was a little flustered by by red chest. I do that when I'm nervous or mad! lol

Here she is speaking about her life on the ranch. She called herself and accidental country girl and cook. She said she always thought she would live in the city, but things changed when she met the Marlboro Man. That's what she calls her good looking hubby! She was so much fun to listen too and even had a slide show of life on the ranch.

Here is her book...I can't wait to look through it and try some of her recipes!

Of course I had to have her sign it!
She was so inspiring! If you ever get the chance to hear her speak you definitely should!

On another note...Do you know who this is?

It's Bryan Adams!

Kevin and I went to his concert on Saturday night. It was amazing!! He's still sounds like he did in the 80's and 90's. I have always loved his music and even play "Heaven" and "Everything I do" on the piano...(easy version of course) lol...He played all of his hits and songs he has recently written. He is so talented!

If you ever get the chance to go see him you should!

I got to see two famous people in one week! Wow! That's definitely a record...usually no one famous comes this way.

Have a great weekend!

Fall At My House

2011-11-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you!

I know alot of you have already seen my house dressed for fall in previous posts. As I was going through pics last night on the computer I though I would do a post showing the whole house dressed for fall...inside and out. It won't be long before everything comes down and Christmas goes up. Oh my!

Here is on last look at the living room...

The fall mantle with the landscape I painted.

The dining room

The kitchen

Fall on the cabinet tops

The kitchen table has changed several times! Fresh sunflowers...they were so pretty!

This is what's on there now...I think. lol

The island has changed many times too.

This is what's on there now. More fresh flowers...

Halloween night

My front yard

The covered patio

I spy someone!

The fire pit patio

My favorite decoration...Sassy.

For more fall pics of the house inside and out take a look through my Older Posts.

Now it's time to start Christmas! I am starting to stock up and get things made.

Now the fun starts!!

Have a great day!

Share Your Creations Party # 10

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Share Your Creations Party #10!!

I hope you all had a fun Halloween! I'm still on a sugar high from all of the candy I've been eating! lol...We had a ton of trick or treaters, but still had candy left. I was ready for them this year!

Anyway, I am getting my party up really early this week. I have a ton to do today and we are having my dad's birthday party here tonight...so it's a busy day for me!

I wanted to feature some great project transformations this week.

Carrie at Dittle Dattle is working on a teen lounge for her teenagers. It is turning out awesome!

Penny at Flea market Makeovers made this clock out of a tin plate. Love it!

Diane at Littlee painted this bookshelf and added wrapping paper inside. It turned out great!
Shelley at Calapso in the Country went from a basket of newspapers to this pretty vignette on her coffee table!

Kathryn at The Dedicated House really brought out the details in these finials with a little paint...they look great!
Great stuff! Keep them coming....

I wanted to share this little rooster cabinet that I revamped. I've had it for at least 10 years. It looked so cute in my old house...but not so much in my house now. The paint was chipping too, however, I still loved the roosters! Sooooo.....

I got out my paints and gel stain and went to work. As you can see I painted the top and sides deep red and green. I also added some deeper gold paint on the doors and bottom of the cabinet. Next, I wiped on a little gel stain I had left over from the kitchen cabinets to darken it and give it that aged look.

The last thing I did was paint the little swirls and fleur de lis at the top...free handed it as you might can tell...lol...now I can use it again! Better than being up in the attic...

Ok...What did you create?

You can link any item you have created, any room or outdoor space you have decorated, any piece of furniture you have painted, recipes...and the list goes on and on. Also, if you have an Etsy store you are welcome to add a link to your store on your blog. All I ask is that you add a link back to my blog so others can find the party.

Add your link...

I promise I will be adding alot of new Etsy Store items this week! My store is almost empty!! I have had alot of custom orders so I have been running behind. Also, I am starting on Christmas this week too. No rest for me! lol...I'm going to hit it hard!

Halloween Spooky Eye Trick or Treat Mesh Wreath

2011-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

I know I said I wasn't going to do anything for Halloween...I was too busy with fall stuff this year. However, I found the bolt of Trick or Treat ribbon in one of my storage bins and a whole roll of the orange mesh in my attic and just had to do something with it! I remembered seeing this Trick or Treat sign at Hobby Lobby and went to check it out. Turned out it was perfect for the centerpiece! While I was there I picked up a bolt of the small black mesh ribbon and shear orange ribbon half price. Later on I remembered the spooky light up eyes I found on closeout for $1 each and thought they would be fun to add in the wreath.

I just love the mesh and ribbons together! So fun and fluffy!

The Trick or Treat sign is just perfect with the ribbon!

I can't wait to light these spooky eyes up on Halloween night!

That will most likely be the extent of my Halloween decorating, except for carving a few pumpkins. I can't believe Halloween is on Monday! Where did the time go? I've got to start on Christmas soon! Oh my!

Have a great weekend!

Share Your Creations Party # 9

2011-10-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's time to share your creations! I hope you will join in the fun this week!

This week I am featuring tablescapes and Halloween crafts.

This beautiful tablescape was created by Pinky at Designs By Pinky. It just glows with beauty!

Becca at Adventures In Decorating just recently redid her pretty dining room. It really sparkles in white and silver. Love it!
This fun Halloween tablescape was created by Jo at Jo's This And That. Great job!
This cute wooden modge podged bat was created by Sally at Love Of Homes.
Yum! This fun jellybean jar was decorated by Lisa at Buttercup Bliss. Cute!

I sure wish I had something Halloween to show you! Unfortunately, I didn't do a thing! Maybe next year...

I do have some arrangements I just listed on Etsy to show you though.

It's all about roosters!

This one got a bit of a paint job...He looks good now.

I just found this one the other day, love his tail!

This one is really pretty too...I added a little gold to brighten him up!

Well, maybe their all not roosters! lol...I sold her mate and she needs a home now!

I still have a few fall arrangements left. I have priced them very well!!

To check out my items you can visit my Etsy store HERE.

More items coming soon....

Ok, so what did you create?

Add your link...

Chase's Rock N Roll Bedroom

2011-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's finally done! As you guys know I posted that I was working on this room several months ago. Well, it has really taken alot of creative thinking...especially in order to keep those green walls! lol...You know I was doing everything possible not to paint! I just did not want to mess with it right now. I also like green and black together...it makes a cool combo. However, it did pose some challenges in here at first. The first thing I found was the picture behind the bed. I had this picture in mind with the records behind it the whole time. However, I bought black bedding and pictured colorful pillows all over the bed. NOPE! It was way too much black and I could not find any fabrics for the pillows that looked right. So...on a whim I bought the black and white bedding at Wal-mart hoping it would tie in with the circular pattern of the records. This was MUCH better! I had the black and red pillow made, it adds some color to the bed.

To make the record/picture combo I hung the picture on the wall first. Then I nailed the records all around the picture alternating them closer in and out.

I found the lamp base, shade and table at Target. The lamp base was on sale for $7.50...what a deal! It needed a little bit of red on it to balance out the color, so I painted it red around the edges.

My mom found the rug at Dollar General for only $12! It really helps to bring in some color on the boring carpet.

I found the little chalkboard at a thrift store I love to visit. I painted it white and distressed it. I asked Chase what he wanted me to write on it and that's what he came up with! It's a side way face he uses when talking to his friends on the computer. lol...Oh, and Kevin found the guitar and amp at a yard sale for $25.
My friend Sherry gave me this idea. She said to do a solid curtain and add stripes around the bottom, so this is what I came up with. I had the black curtain made and glued two strips of gray and black and white trim around the bottom.

Not the greatest pic...The dresser was plain brown wood with brass pulls. I painted the pulls black and brushed on some black paint to give it a distressed look. Kevin said it looks like it's burnt! Ok...I'll take that! lol... I found the rock n roll iron band wall piece at Hobby Lobby.

I just found this frame at Hobby Lobby the other day. They are starting to carry more music accessories.

Here is the other side of the room with the desk/hutch combo I have showed you before. I am letting Chase put what he wants in it, but I might tweak it a bit...lol.

BTW, the chair came from Wal-mart, it was only $29!

He has his army men set up just how he wants them. I DARE not touch them! lol...believe me, he will know if I do!

Of course he has to show off his alligator head! Who bought him this? lol...

You might remember the room before...this pic is all I could find.

And after...he is really loving it. His friends used words like Epic and Beast! lol...I think that means they like it. =0

Here he is chillin in his new room!

For the most part this room is done. I still have a cork board I am going to paint and of course we will finish adding some accessories to those shelves. Other than that, I think it's done! Hope you like it...it's definitely a little different than what I expected. Also, this room was done on a tight budget! We spent around $750 including the mattress and boxsprings, desk/hutch, bedding and accessories. Luckily, my Mammaw had tons of records so those were free!

Be sure and join me for my weekly Share Your Creations party ln Thursday, I will have the linky tool up tomorrow night!

I am joining Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.

The Fire Pit Patio Dressed For Fall

2011-10-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the fire pit patio...Sassy is here to greet you! Would you like a hamburger or hot dog? Or...maybe you would like to roast some marshmallows on a cool autumn night. lol...I would invite you over if I could!

We love sitting out here on these cool crisp nights and just relax around the fire. I went all out with the mums this year as you can see. I think they are at their peek now. Unfortunately from here they will just go down hill. Darn! I just love all the color...

As you can see we have a grill/rack inside the pit that can be removed. I meant to take it out for the pics...oops! oh well. I've mentioned before that Kevin does alot of cooking out here, everything from hot dogs to steaks. It's kind of like camping in a way! lol...This is his favorite spot!

I kept the cushions from the spring and summer months. They blended pretty well with the fall colors.

I found the scarecrow pillows at Kirkland's. I thought they were pretty cute!

The whole patio...

You might remember we had a tree replaced last year...well, it died too! I think the stress of 115 temps was just too much. Kevin took out the dead tree (actually he pushed on it and it snapped...he fell and rolled on the ground...LOL! I'm sure he didn't want me to tell you that) Anyway, since the magazine was coming I spruced up the hole in the ground with a scarecrow, mum, and pumpkins. Better than a dead tree! lol....

Well, that's the fire pit patio dressed for fall! We have some good times out there...

I will have a fall giveaway soon! I'm getting some things together.

I am also listing several new items in my Etsy store over the next few days. I had to put things on hold for a while, but I will be restocking now.

I am also going to show you Chase's room...it's done, all except for a few accessories here and there. The solid black bedding had to go...I'll show you what I did soon.

I'm joining Susan at BNOTP for Met Monday and Carrie at Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday and Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.

Magazine Photo Shoot

2011-10-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited to tell you my news!

I was contacted last fall about being featured in a magazine for fall decorating and crafts. I cannot disclose the name of the magazine or exactly what will be featured due to policy. Also, the feature will not come out until fall of 2012 so things could change. I can say that a wonderful crew flew in on Monday and was here all day Tuesday! It was a fun and exciting day!! I have been anticipating their arrival for a long time. Now you know why I have been so busy lately. I have been decorating and cleaning for several weeks! There is alot to do when important people are coming to your house! I have been very excited about this opportunity and can't wait until next year when the magazine comes out. It will be a long wait! Sorry I can't give out anymore details...I hope you will hang with me through this adventure!

Have a great weekend!!

Share Your Creations Party #8

2011-10-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's time to share your creations! I hope you will join in on the fun!

Since Halloween is just around the corner I thought I would feature some of your spooky projects!

This Halloween tree was created by Diane at Pitty Pat Paperie...Cute!

This festive tablescape was created by Debbie at Debbiedoos. Scary but very cool!

Visit Deep in the heart of Arkansas for the link to the tutorial on how to make these cute candy corns.

This mummy was made out of a pringles can. Visit Sarah at Alderberry Hill for the tutorial.
Love it!

Visit Ditto Decorating for the tutorial on this cute and fun pumpkin wreath.

Great stuff everyone! Keep it coming...
This week I created a fall tablescape using fresh flowers, wheat, and stems of a burning bush that I cut on the side of the house. They are starting to turn a beautiful bright shade of red.

I went with a leaf theme as you can see. I found the napkin holders at Bed Bath and Beyond and the leaf dishes came from Wal-mart. The red plates are from Pier 1 Imports...my favorite place!

I just love the colors of fall!!

I also did a little island tablescape using fresh pumpkins, gourds and fresh stems...not sure what those are but they are neat!

I spy another new rug! Oh my! lol... I think we are on number 999!

The special event I mentioned that was going to happen in the kitchen happened yesterday! What a day!! I will let you in on what I can on Friday...

Ok...so what did you create?

You can link any item you have created, any room or outdoor space you have decorated, a piece of furniture you have painted...the list goes on and on. Also, if you have an Etsy store you are welcome to add a link to your store on your blog. All I ask is that you link back to me so others can find the party.

Add your link...

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Fall In The Front Yard

2011-10-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

Fall is in the air here in Arkansas! At least it's supposed to be tomorrow...today it was 86 but tomorrow it's only supposed to be 62! It hasn't been that cool since this past spring! I'm ready for the cooler temps...

I finally somewhat finished the front yard. I say that because I know those petunias and marigolds are going to freeze soon and I will have to replace them. Oh well, they should last a few more weeks or so. I just couldn't bare to pull them up when they are still so pretty!

I love all the color when you walk up to the front door.

Just wish everything would last...

The pretty fall leaf flag came from Lowe's.

I bought the scarecrow at Wal-mart. He is one of the cutest I've seen.

Here is the wreath I recently showed you that greets you at the front door.

This is another small bed in the yard I dressed up with a scarecrow and pumpkin.

Well, that was basically the front yard...the only thing I haven't showed you is the firepit patio. I will show you soon!