DIY Colored Vases

World's easiest DIY: Colored Vases via Your Home & Garden Magazine

Materials needed:

*glass jars and bottles

*oil bases emulsion paint

*turpentine

Directions:

1. Take a selection of empty jars and bottles in various sizes and shapes and soak off the labels in warm soapy water.

2. Mix a little leftover oil paint (choose your color) with a dash of turpentine so your paint is of a good pouring consistency.

3. Pour a small amount into your empty jar and swirl around carefully until the paint covers the entire inside surface. Pour away any excess paint.

4. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, use the jar to display cut flowers. Mix different shapes of jars and coordinating colors for the best effect.

5. Have fun!

Affordable DIY Dessert Table

I found this adorable DIY dessert buffet on Amy Atlas' blog which was originally inspired

by Bride Scout. What I love about this dessert buffet is that is was created entirely for

under $40 by using pretty square plates, vases, and a cake stand or 2 that the designer

already had around the house.

She added some colorful patterned paper around the bottom of the plates and around

jars to add color, and printed her own labels off the computer to align with her theme.

Then with a list of the following grocery store items: (1) bag of large marshmellows;

(2) bags of heart shaped chocolates; (2) boxes of sugared doughnuts; (4) boxes of oreo

cakesters; popsicle sticks; some mini yogurt pretzels; mini marshmellows; (6) dollar

store jars as favors; pink mints; mini cupcake mix with frosting and cherries; mini

meringues; heart shaped cookies; and sparkling water.

Total cost: $40.00! This proves that you can indeed create DIY dessert tables that

are affordable, fabulous and creative on a budget!

Posh Tots

I thought I would post the link that was *the* inspiration for me when my husband uttered the famous last words..."find a playhouse online and I will build it".

I have always secretly adored the magnificent eye-candy at Posh Tots whose brand is

"The Most Extraordinary Children's Furnishings in the World".

They sell high-end custom children & baby furniture, luxury baby bedding, nursery furnishing, designer diaper bags, playhouses and even fantasy beds, just about everything you'd ever need to pamper your child (boy or girl) and feather their nest in custom luxury. It's always been a dream, of course, that anything on Posh Tots would ever end up in my home!

Then I happened to find it...and it just so happened to be on Posh Tots. Imagine that.

I fell so *in love* with an adorable Victorian cottage on Posh Tots, and it was only $24,000.00, but there has never been anything wrong with my taste!

So I found the plans online for $29.99 ~

and my husband built it.

Here is the playhouse vision that I shared with him, and you'll have to check out my daughter's Playhouse Warming / 4th Birthday party to see just how close he came to the original. It's remarkable, and let's just say I'm extremely impressed and grateful for my husband's talent...and willingness to make one of my dreams come true.

...and he saved us thousands...and thousands of dollars! =)

I also posted some other custom items they sell - and added the price tags just for fun. Enjoy!

Victorian Playhouse - $23,4000.00

Baby Doll and Me Rocking Horse - $140.00

Destiny Gown - $695.00

Mosaic Garden Versatile Dresser - $3,900.00

Sweet Slumber Bi Level Versatile Dresser - $5,000.00

Sweet Slumber Bi Level Versatile Dresser - $3,400.00

Sweet Slumber Armoire - $3,900.00

Madison Mosaic Desk with Optional Chair and Hutch - $2,850.00

Guinevere's Chiffarobe - $2,200.00

Guinevere's Four-Post Bed and Bedding - $4,200.00

Cherub Dreams Round Crib II - $1,350.00

Mirabelle Convertible Crib - $3,200.00

Princess Coach Iron Crib - $3,700.00

Fantasy Carriage Crib - $19,995.00

and just for kicks - the Fantasy Coach - $47,000.00!!

I'm sure my husband is hoping I *don't* find the plans to the Fantasy Coach online!

Dare to Dream.....

Vintage Spring Tablescape

I just love Dandelion and Grey ~ their blog is just so, so inspiring. You definitely have to

spend some time over there just soaking up the inspiration.

And I love that a vintage breakfast that Erin was putting together for her sweetheart

quickly became a lovely and impromptu photo shoot.

The overall look was casual and vintage-inspired; a plank of wood topped with vintage

books was used as a table runner, tea towels from Ikea as placemats, charming mismatched patterned plates from Anthropologie, yellow basket from Home Goods, and with antique napkins and silverware.

Add some fresh melon-colored tulips and you have yourself a charming tablescape.

Photography by Olive Juice Photo

Weekend Project: DIY Wallpaper Bookshelf

When I found this great DIY weekend project on Pepper Design Blog to enhance

bookshelves, cabinets and media centers with paint and/or wallpaper I was so inspired.

What a great way to decorate and update your environment in a relatively inexpensive

and creative way! I love to do fabulous for less!

Canadian House & Home stripped kitchen cabinets to reveal neatly stacked

dishes and a vintage print (via Centsational Girl).

What about fabric? There are so many options to choose from… cutting templates (out of foam core, etc.) to fit the back of your shelf and ‘upholstering’ the board is a great option that can be replaced as often as you’d like. For a more direct application, fold fabric edges in (for a makeshift hem) and use colorful pushpins to pin fabric to each corner.

For a smaller commitment (isn’t this perfect for the office or guest room?) Apartment Therapy

shares a tutorial for lining a bookshelf in this black and white paisley print.

{DIY Bookshelf Wallpapering}

a Materials: Bookcase, wallpaper (fabric, drawer lining paper, photos, magazine clippings, etc), wallpaper primer & paste, scissors, popsicle stick or wallpaper smoother, damp rag

{1.} Measure the back of each shelf (if you can remove individual shelves, pull all out and take one large measurement). Carefully cut wallpaper to match.

{2.} Install wallpaper using wallpaper primer & paste (a decoupage material would work well, too). Smooth all bubbles & wrinkles as you work (you can use a popsicle stick or wallpaper smoother) and wipe excess glue with a damp rag.

{3.} Let dry overnight!

Article, images and post adapted from Pepper Design Blog

Table Inspiration Mock-Up

This beautiful tablescape design mock-up was created by future newlyweds Jodi and

Kurt of Jodi Miller Photography, as they plan their upcoming wedding. They've been

slowly collecting old books, plates, bowls, jars and other table props at antique stores.

The future groom's sister made the napkin rings using vintage earrings and loops of jute

twine; and also created flowers out of old lace.

I always encourage any of my clients that want to incorporate DIY elements for their event to mock up a table design or inspiration table. It's a great way of visualizing all of the pieces together and then document it with photos so you can easily recreate the look later on. It also helps you visualize how the final design will look and help you decide if you need to make any changes or additions before the big celebration.

This is just so inspiring!

Photos by Jodi Miller Photography from Little White Book

Article, post and photos adapted from The Sweet Occassion

Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day.

I am fortunate in that I have been able to experience a wonderful Mother/Daughter relationship from both sides. Today I will celebrate my amazing mom, and all that she

has done for me, and has meant to me throughout my life.

But I also will celebrate my relationship with my daughter, Hannah.

I thank God from the bottom of my heart that He has blessed me with the the most

amazing little girl in the entire world, and that He chose *me* to be her mommy.

I don't know what I did to deserve her, but it's a privilege I don't take for granted.

She is my greatest joy, and I am so blessed that because of her, everyday feels like

Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy friends!

photo courtesy of Divine Party Concepts