Sock Vases – Sweater Vases.

Remember when sweater vases were all the rage?

No?

Well, I guess that’s not too surprising. Because if you weren’t living and breathing in the bubble that is home decor and crafting blogs, you probably missed it.

And if Anthropology or West Elm or Pottery Barn – or even Target – didn’t sell a line of cozy sweater wrapped vases, it probably never even entered your orbit.

Honestly, besides the few sweater vases I made for my home — using thrift store sweaters — I never, ever saw a sweater vase in the homes of friends and family.

But I’m thinking sock vases have the potential to catch on beyond the blogoverse.

I know what you’re thinking: There’s something about socks being elevated above your feet dwelling floor and placed atop your table tops that makes you go eew. I get it. That whole stinky feet/stinky socks thing is extremely unappealing.

As an aside, I can assure you these socks were fully laundered before cozying up to those vases.

But hold on a minute. Here me out …

First, who among us doesn’t have a missing sock or two? Who among us hasn’t lost a sock or two while doing laundry?

And where in the world do those missing socks go?

Then you’re left standing there with one sock that doesn’t match any other. And unless you’re Dobby — or my daughter — most people want socks that match.

So what are you suppose to do with that single sock?

Second, what about this scenario: holes in socks. Are you suppose to keep wearing that sock with a giant hole in it’s heel? Or are you just suppose to toss them to languish in a landfill (along with that single sock)?

Ah, see. You didn’t even see the environmental side to this project. It’s my own personal Green New Deal idea. 🙂

Seriously. This idea might just be genius! Two bird in a hand level genius.

P.S. Can we also take a moment to admire those little white pumpkins on sticks?

Aren’t they just the cutest? I’m not even sure what they’re made of but they look like felted wool.

And guess where I found them?

In my grocery store’s floral section! Just $4.99 for a bunch of four.

Score!

🙂

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The Painted Sink: Where Is It Now? – How To Paint a Sink.

You may recall I painted a couple of bathroom sinks in my home over the years …

here in 2013 …

and here in the powder room in early 2011.

I’m often asked how the sink has held up over the years.

And let me tell you: Here in the powder room, it’s held up pretty well. Especially since I painted this sink close to eight years ago, and I’m 99.99% sure the paint-the-sink product box stressed this should not be intended as a long term solution.

I’m 99.99% sure the shelf life should be closer to five years or so.

You know, temporary. A temporary solution to mask the ugly until you get around to a permanent solution.

But guess what? There will be no permanent solution. In our Chicago neighborhood, our home is considered a tear down. Which leaves me with 00.00% motivation to invest in anything that I can’t take with me. So my only option is to live with some nicks and knacks.

That’s okay. I can live with that. 🙂

Shall we take a closer look?

You can see some scuffing along the edges.

Here’s a closer look. You can see how the paint is being peeled back, exposing the ugly fiber glass underneath.

The drain has taken a bit of a beating too …

And finally, there are a few nicks here and there …

Oh, and the color has yellowed a bit over the years.

And with all that …

at the end of the day it’s still a whole lot better than the faux fiber glass biege/orangy builder grade sink that was all the rage in the 90’s.

Just kidding.

Faux fiber glass beige/orangy builder grade sinks were never a rage. At any time in the history of the U.S. Or the history of the world, for that matter. Just a cheap option in the world of builder grade flipping.

Which has me thinking: exactly who are these builder grade designers that thought a faux fiber glass beige/orangy sink is just what a homeowner would want?

Maybe it’s not an upgrade in builder grade materials we need. More like an upgrade in builder grade designers. 😉

Gray Painted Bathroom Vanity – Sherwin Williams Repose Gray.

You know that old saying about life handing you lemons and making lemonade? 

Welcome to my lemonade.

My powder room is a lemon. It’s needs an apple or an orange or a lime or whatever the fruit equivalent is for a total gut job and rebuild.

But I’m living on a canned fruit budget. 😉

So my only recourse is lemonade making.

Now, the thing is about making lemonade is … I’ve never made it from scratch. No juicing of lemons and adding of water and sugar for the perfect balance of tart to sweet. No sprigs of mint to top it all off.

I’m all about easy lemonade making with instant powder mix and water. The closest I’ve gotten to using a fresh lemon is as a garnish.

So when it came to making lemonade out of my old powder room vanity, I took the easy instant mix way. Down and dirty without a juicer or fresh lemon in sight.

🙂

Which means the end result isn’t perfect. There are flaws.

But that’s okay. Because in the end, my lemon cabinet looks much better than the before. And much, much better than the before before …

Gray Painted Bathroom Vanity

Materials

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (flat finish)

Annie Sloan Clear Wax (affiliate link)

Paint Brush

Clean Rags (for waxing)

Satin Nickle Cabinet Hinge

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

I sed Sherwin Williams Repose Gray flat latex paint on the cabinets (it’s the same paint on used on the bathroom walls). I removed the doors first and painted the base in place. It took two coats of paint, with drying time between each coat. Sand as needed to smooth out any drips (I sometimes take a heavy hand with the paint which results in drips!).

Once dry, I took a rag and the Annie Sloan clear wax (my preferred top coat finish choice because it gives a more matte satin finish vs. higher gloss poly) and added wax to the doors and base cabinet. Then I came back with a clean rag and removed & buffed.

That’s it.

My instant lemonade mix makeover of my bathroom vanity cabinet.

I finished it off with new satin nickle hinges …

and these pretty antique crystal glass pulls from D. Lawless Hardware (and this is not a sponsored post).

Oh, and I used this same instant lemonade mix fix for the molding around the bathroom mirror. Painted & waxed in place.

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Vanilla Sugar Scrub Recipe – Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe Idea

I try not to ascribe to (or is it subscribe to? or buy into?) conspiracy theories …

but ….

something has been afoot (or is it underfoot?) when it comes to this vanilla sugar scrub project.

Dare I say there has been some type of conspiracy at play?

You see, someone …

or something …

does not want me to put this vanilla sugar scrub recipe out into the universe.

I’m not sure why it’s so controversial.

None of the ingredients are contraband. Quite the opposite. They’re readily available products typically found in most households.

The methods (or is it methodology?) of combinning said non-contraband ingredients is not classified. A bowl. A mixing cup. A spoon. Mix.

And yet, it’s been an uphill battle trying to get this post up on the blog. A battle that has been raging on for weeks.

Sigh.

Let’s start with conspiracy #1: Way back in early January I made and photographed this Vanilla Sugar Scrub project. Thinking it could be a good homemade Valentine’s Day gift idea. It also falls into my “craft with what you have” mantra for 2018.

I download the photos onto my computer into my photo editing software program (Adobe Lightroom), carefully picked my favorites, and edited them. I did not take the final step – exporting them to my hard drive, figuring I’d get to that later.

Big mistake.

When I went to download those carefully-selected-and-edited pictures, I discovered my photo editing software program got a glitch. Okay, more than a glitch. It wouldn’t open. So I had to purchase new software. And download. And when I opened it up, all the previous photos were gone. Gone. GONE.

So I had to return to step one. This time, though, I exported those edited pictures.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Conspiracy theory #2: Years ago I dropped my laptop (I don’t recommend the dropping of laptops). Ever since, getting the charger wire to fit the charger wire hole has been a balancing act of precision that I perfected. Until …

last week …

when the charger would no longer charge. No matter how many times I tried to get the connection to work.

Unfortunately, I did not notice this until there was only 26 minutes of power left. Panicked, I grabbed my external hard drive and starting moving as many files as I could onto it.

Many photos made the transfer. This Vanilla Sugar Scrub project did not.

Sigh.

Fast forward to today. Here I sit with a brand new laptop. With my Adobe Lightroom photo editing software successfully downloaded. And I start he process all over again. Download photos. Carefully pic faves. Edit and export.

And, finally, get this months-in-the-making blog post up on the blog!

How To Make Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Makes enough to fill 3-to-4 1/2 pint mason jars

Ingredients*

2 cups Granulated Sugar

1/2 cup oil (I used Almond Oil, but Coconut or Olive Oil work too)

10-15 drops Vanilla Extract

1/2 pint Mason Jars (I used Ball Elite 8 oz. Pint Jars)

*includes some affiliate links.

Instructions

1. Mix sugar and oil together. Add vanilla extract a few drops at a time until you reach desired scent.

2. Spoon into mason jars.

3. Add jute tie and free printable gift tag.

4. Share with your loved ones.

I also made some free printable tags to download (luckily these did survive the emergency external hard drive transfer!). Just click here …

Now that I have a new laptop, I’m hoping the rest of 2018 will be conspiracy free. Well, at least until I drop my new laptop …

😉

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Sharing: | Between Naps on the Porch | 

How To Make A Bow – Wreath Bow DIY Tutorial.

Today’s post and project is from the “crafting with what you have” archives.

Or is it annals?

Perhaps annals today but archives after it’s published and … you know … officially archived?

Oh, and by archives (or annals) I mean the one other crafting with what you have project I did last week. But hey, the archive (or annals) has to start somewhere, right? 🙂

Either way, today I’m crafting with what I have.

And I’m hoping this turns into a common theme/trend (for me) in 2018. Mostly because (1) I really need a good purge of the crafting supplies accumulated over the past six years of this blog; and (2) I really need to stop giving all my hard-earned cash to Michael’s and JoAnns.

I mean, I have college tuition to pay ….

for the next, consecutive five years.

Oh, and I really need to invest in a new laptop (mine is literally falling apart).  Pro tip: Dropping your laptop is not a good idea.

With all that in mind, I decided to re-purpose my Christmas wreath into a winter wreath.

Using what I had.

Which included painted pine cones I made a few years back (tutorial here) and 2 1/2″ wired ribbon I picked up last year at Michael’s. I had big plans for this ribbon …

that quickly fizzled and died. So I threw the ribbon into my crafting stash. And quickly forgot about it.

Until now.

Out it came. 

And I tried my hand at making a bow …

How To Make A Bow

Materials

Wired Ribbon (I used Celebrate It! Brand from Michael’s that is ” wide)

Twisty Ties

Stapler

Scissors

Start by cutting four lengths of ribbon. For my bow, I cut:

One 8″ strip

One 27″ strip

Two 25″ strips

Fold the two 25″ strips into thirds with raw edges overlapping in back. The folded length should measure 11 inches. Staple closed along back raw edges.

Now accordion fold those two 11″ strips and staple in the middle.

Like so.

Now, my original plan was to stack the two stapled accordion-folded 11″ strips, add the 27″ length folded in half and then wrap the 8″ length around them and staple shut to hold together. But this plan did not work. Everything fell apart. Sooooooo …..

I folded over that 8″ strip and gave it three staples to make the bow center.

Using some twist ties (are we the only family that saves twist ties), I twisted three together to make a longer length. And then threaded it through the bow center piece.

I placed the bow center on top of the stacked two now 11″ pieces and the 27″ length.

And I used the twist ties to secure it all together.

After a little floofing …

and trimming, a bow has been created. Using what I have.

Up next, is a little floral wire. Again which I had …

To secure the painted pine cones onto the wreath.

Voila!

And now, with this how to make a bow post, my “craft with what you have” archives (or annals) has two submissions. 🙂

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Drop Cloth Ruffle Christmas Tree Skirt – How To Make a Ruffle Tree Skirt.

How To Make A Drop Cloth Ruffle Christmas Tree Skirt

Materials*

4′ x 15′ Drop Cloth

5/8″ Jute Ribbon

Pins & Thread

Pencil & String

*affiliate links included.

I had no idea of how it would turn out as I folded that unfolded 4′ x 15′ drop cloth in half. And then folded it again … folding the top over 20 inches.

I had no idea how it would turn out as I tied a length of string to a pencil and then measured out 18″ along the drop cloth. I had no idea as I drew a semi circle by holding the length of string at the corner of the fabric and moved the pencil from 18″ to draw that perfect semi circle.

I had no idea how it would turn out when I cut out that semi circle shape.

I had no idea how it would turn out as I used that length of string and pencil to draw and cut out a small semi circle at the top (2″ length).

I had no idea how it would turn out as I cut that semi circle from end to center. And then ironed it.

I had no idea how it would turn out when I folded down and pinned and sewed a seam along that inner circle.

I had no idea how it would turn out when I cut two 11″ strips from the remaining 13′ of drop cloth canvas fabric. And then ironed and ironed and ironed those two 11″ x 13′ strips of drop cloth canvas.

And I had no idea how it would turn out when I baste stitched 1/2″ along the two lengths of those 13′ strips.

I had not idea how it would turn out when I pulled on those baste stitch strings to create ruffles along those two 13′ strips of fabric.

I  had no idea how it would turn out when I took those two lengths of 13′ now ruffled strips and spaced them out (and adjusted the ruffles) to fit on the outside edges of the circle base.

I had no idea how it would turn out when I pinned and stitched those two 13′ now-ruffled strips together to make one.

I had no idea how it would turn out when I pinned (right sides together) the ruffle to the circle base …

… and then cut off the excess before stitching the ruffle to the base circle.

I had now idea how it would turn out when I folded and pinned the seams where the skirt would come together. And cut lengths of 5/8″ jute ribbon which I pinned along the seam and sewed on to serve as ties …

like so …

and so …

I had no idea how it would turn out as I gave it one final pressing ….

before laying it out under the tree.

And you know what?

I don’t like how it turned out.

I love it!

So much so, that I made a third drop cloth ruffle Christmas tree skirt for my third tree in the dining room. 🙂

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Sharing: Savvy Southern Style | 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of CORT for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I sit here in a hoodie and blanket bundled up against the cold — and no, not the cold outside; the cold inside as the air conditioner continues to blast well into September — I can’t help but realize that winter will be bearing down on Chicago very soon …

It could be a week.  

It could be a month.  

Regardless, it will happen.  

Oh, and the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a brutal one.  

Shiver.  

And all this thought of winter bearing down has me waxing poetic about summer …  

and all that I’ll miss as I’m shoveling sidewalks and chipping ice off my windshield.

Here are the top five things I’m going to miss about summer …  

#1 – Sand between my toes. Enough said.  

#2 – Sun-kissed skin. Yes, I realize tanning is not good for me. But I can’t help it. I look so much better with a little color on my cheeks. And legs. Plus, you can never really take the Jersey out of a Jersey girl. 🙂  

#3 – And speaking of legs: I’ll truly miss my Old Navy white denim boyfriend shorts. With its stretch denim, it’s like wearing pajamas.  

#4 – Green. Green. And more green. I’m dreading the dreaded months filled with days of gray.  

#5 – And, last but not least, dining al fresco. Especially on our screened-in porch …  

… a screen porch we have been enjoying all summer but I have yet to share a full reveal of its new look.

Mostly because I’ve been waiting to finish up the details.  A pillow cover here. A pillar candle there. And a much-needed serving tray to help us bring our dishes and napkins and condiments out to the table …  

and back inside.  

So when CORT Clearance Center asked me if I’d like to visit their downtown Chicago location (easy to find just off Lake Shore Drive) to find a discount furniture item or two to upcycle, I jumped at the chance. And as I headed down Lake Shore Drive on a beautiful, sunny summery Chicago day I had dreams of serving trays and chunky pillars dancing in my head …  

And CORT did not disappoint. Seriously. And while I had my eye (and dreams) on serving trays and candle holders, I was easily distracted by all the amazing tables and chairs and sofas and lamps and artwork filling the beautifully appointed showroom.   

I almost scrapped my serving tray and pillar plan for the most gorgeous hounds-tooth chair!  

The best part: everything was affordable, but not cheap. The quality was top notch. So much so that everything is CORT Certified. CORT guarantees if any product is found to be defective within 90 days of purchase they will repair or replace it.

And then … then … things in the CORT showroom got even more amazing! 

As I was checking out, my sales associate Angie kept giving me even more off on my already affordable pieces as she bundled items together and gave me “home to go” discounts.  

Score!  

And as I drove back home along Lake Shore Drive on a beautiful, summery sunny Chicago day with my CORT Clearance Center merchandise safely packed away in the trunk, I had upcycling dreams of a grain sack striped tray & chalk painted pillars dancing in my head … 🙂

How To Make Grain Sack Striped Tray & Chalk Painted Pillars

Let’s start with a before of the serving tray and pillars I found at the CORT. I know. A mismatched color combination. And while the coral is pretty, it’s also very taste and decor specific. But the quality is amazing. Sturdy. Solid. Well made. And those pillars have some serious heft to them.

I thought a couple coats of chalk paint (two coats, to be exact, using Annie Sloan in Pure White) on the pillars and the serving tray would make them a bit more versatile. Well, for my current white and navy decor that is. 🙂  

I gave all the pieces a good cleaning first, but that’s all the prep you need with chalk paint. Which is why it’s my go-to for a paint makeover.  

Once dry (and chalk paint dries fast so you can do this all in a single day), I taped off a grain sack pattern on the serving tray with painter’s tape.

I used a credit card to seal the edges of the tape. I wanted nice, clean, and seepage-free lines when I removed the tape.

I used a navy chalk paint (ArtMinds brand in Indigo blue that I found at the craft store) to paint the stripes. After I removed the tape, I did have a few touch up spots on the handles.

I opted to not go with a distressed finish, but did give the serving tray a light sanding with 200 grit sandpaper along the navy blue stripes to achieve more of a grain sack look.

I finished off the serving tray and pillars with a coat of clear wax. I simply applied the wax — generously — with a clean cloth. Using a second clean, dry cloth I wiped off the excess and gave the pieces a buff. These steps happened simultaneously. Once all the pieces got a coat of clear wax, I immediately went back to the first piece and started wiping-off-excess-and-buffing process.  

And now … finally … as winter will soon be bearing down on Chicago, my screen porch transformation is complete. Thanks to my new, upcycled grain sack striped tray & chalk painted pillars from CORT, the porch is ready for its big reveal …

that I promise will happen before the first frost! 🙂

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CORT showrooms are located nationwide. Click on the link to find your local clearance center.

Sharing: | Savvy Southern Style | Refresh Restyle | Between Naps on the Porch | A Stroll Thru Life |