French Dresser Makeover

After the accident and car shopping stress it has been nice to settle back into life and refocus on some projects that I have been meaning to get to.

I started with this dresser I found at Value Village.

It was a little more than I usually spend on my projects...I know I am a cheapo when it comes to furniture makeovers...but I had a plan so I bought it.  I have seen these dressers everywhere.  They must have been best sellers 30 years ago.

 I started by priming the whole piece.  It had a weird yellow finish to it previously.  It also looked like someone had started priming it and then gave up.  After it was primed and sanded I painted it with Behr Swiss Coffee, it is a creamy white.  I decided to paint the top a darker color, Behr Dark Cavern, a deep brown/black tone.

The drawer pulls are my favorite part of the makeover.

I found them for $2.99 each at a antique/ home decor shop. I thought the fleur-de-lis complimented the shape and curves of the dresser.  The drawers original pulls took two screws so I first had to fill in the previous holes and drill new ones.

 Overall I like the way it turned out.  I am thinking I will use it as a sideboard in my dining area, I can always use more storage!

Linking up to a few parties!

Pyper's Party Reveal

After planning for what feels like FOREVER we finally had Pyper's 1st birthday party.  All the details turned out great and everyone, especially the birthday girl, had a lot fun.  Here are some pics from the day.

Flower pot sugar cookie favors.

The birthday cake with edible butterflies.

The birthday girl's "smash" cake.

The banner above the table has each of her month pictures, 0-12 months.

 

The front of the table banner says, "Pyper's Picnic".

 It was a lot of fun planning my first kid party but it was also a lot of work DIYing everything.  I am looking forward to starting some house and furniture projects now.

Also just have to add that my husband and I are now the proud owners of a new minivan!

10 years ago I would have totally made fun of myself for purchasing a minivan and now I am in love with it.  What I used to view as a dorky mom mobile I now view as a child transportation dream.  Isn't it funny how things change?  Our priorities for a new vehicle are much different these days.  Also I am so excited about how many more Craigslist finds are going to fit in my new wheels, gotta love stow and go seating!

Sorry for being MIA

This week has been a crazy roller coaster of ups and downs in our family.

It all started Monday night.  My husband was on his way to work, he works nights, when he heard a weird sound coming from the car.  He pulled over to the side of the freeway, put on his hazard lights, and called me.  While we were debating whether he should come home, go on to work, or head to a body shop, another car hit him!  It had started to snow and the other driver lost control of his car and plowed into the back of our car.

Luckily other than a banged up knee and a sore back my husband was uninjured.  Our car did not come out so well.  It was totaled  so we have spent the past few days dealing with claims agents, tow yards, doctors, new car search, and a million other things.  Our days have been very busy to say the least.

In the midst of all of that it was also our little Pyper's first birthday on Thursday!

 We spent the day at the Seattle Aquarium.

We had a great time watching her enjoying all the fish, seals, and other wonderful exhibits. We purchased a family pass so that we can go back and enjoy the aquarium all year.  I have been busy finishing all the details for Pyper's birthday party Sunday and can't wait to celebrate with our friends and family.

When our lives finally calm down I can't wait to start a desk makeover ( found curbside for free!!)  and a million other projects that have been pushed to the back burner after this crazy week.

The perfect party outfit

So today I worked on Pyper's outfit for her birthday this week.  She is going to be a little fairy for her magical garden party.

Today I embellished a shirt for her to wear.  I purchased the top on sale at Gymboree.  I wanted to add a number one to the front. I purchased some floral fabric at Joann's for $1.99. I started by cutting out a number one with my cricut...love that thing!

Then I traced it onto my fabric.

 I put fray check on the edges to keep my fabric from fraying.

 After I cut it out I ironed it to some interfacing to give my number a little more weight,then I cut it out and adhered it to my shirt.

 I could have left it like that but I decided to outline it with a zig zag stitch to add a little more interest.

 It was an easy project that really adds a custom touch to her first birthday.

The tutu is from Nordstrom's and was actually one of the first gifts we received when we found out we were having a girl.  It is perfect for her party since the main colors are pink and orange.

I also reworked a Tinkerbell halo to match her party colors and the fairy wings I already embellished.

I can't wait to see her all dressed up at her party!

Ruffles and Rust

Today I attended Ruffles and Rust, a vintage market.  It is a flea market/ craft fair but all the items are home decor specific.  It was my first time attending and I loved it.  It was full of great finds and inspiration.  I didn't purchase a ton but I did come away with lots of great ideas for upcoming projects.

We got there right when it opened and there was already a line to get in.  By the time we left it was getting uncomfortably crowded.

There were over 80 vendors selling all kinds of great treasures.  There was a lot of vintage glassware and ceramics.

All the booths decorations and displays were really fun and unique.

I really loved the vintage suitcases.

Burlap and vintage graphics were seen on a lot of pillow covers in several booths.

I thought this was a great way to reuse silver trays.  I always see them at the Goodwill for $4-$5.

I would love to have this for craft storage but I couldn't rationalize spending $85 to organize glue sticks and glitter.

These ribbon boards were so cute.  They were burlap printed with a vintage postcard graphic.  The twine and nail heads were perfection.  I see this project in my future for sure.

I love all things union jack.  I thought these pillows made with upholstery webbing were a great neutral take on such an iconic image.

This pillow is another project I am going to try at home.

I did come away with a couple things.  I went looking for a wire basket to help with my entry storage.  There were a ton of options there but this one was the perfect size and a good deal at $24.  I like that it has a little bit of rust for character.

 I have seen projects done with these coffee sacks before.  I am thinking of using it to recover a bench.  I thought it was a good deal for $3.

 Overall I really enjoyed the event.  They had a good range of products in lots of different price ranges.  It is always fun to be inspired by the creations of so many crafty and creative people.

Today was unusually chilly.  I was really hoping that when we got home from Antigua it would be springtime in Seattle.  I have to share a cute pic of our Pyper all bundled up and ready for her first flea market/ craft fair!