Clipboard Wall Art and Framed Thread Rack

I've arranged and rearranged the furniture in my office/studio/sewing room space about 15 times in the last year and a half.  I don't know anything about feng shui, but something just wasn't working for me.  I finally think I have it just the way I want it, so of course I needed to dress up the walls.

My first wall art project is a clipboard art collage.

These 6 inexpensive clipboards are from Amazon. I designed some printables with my favorite quotes and subway signs from my favorite cities to display on the clipboards.  I love the way they look, and what's best is that I can update it is often as I want with new printables, photos, etc.

My next wall art project was super simple. I framed my thread rack!

My mother-in-law was giving away an old framed print of a bouquet of flowers.  The glass had broken ages ago, and the print was warped and scratched, but the frame still looked great!

I snatched it up right away, ditched the old print and painted it Annie Sloan Provence. It now hangs around my bare thread rack.

Here's a peek into my sewing corner. The folding table on the left will be replaced at some point, and the wooden chair will be painted...eventually. But for now, this space suits me!

DIY Decor Week

Things started to settle down a tiny bit last week, so I had a little time to tackle my long DIY to do list!  Some were half-finished projects, others were ideas on my DIY wish list and a couple were inspired by necessity or a really good sale.  Here's a peak at what I will be sharing with you this week!

Scrappy Patchwork Throw Pillow

I usually work Saturdays and/or Sundays.  As the manager of an event venue, I have to decorate, plan and oversee each party.  So, if I have prior commitment, the date is blocked off.  Making my own schedule is a perk, but one that I don't exploit.  It's very rare for me to have a whole weekend off, and very VERY rare to have two weekends off in a row. It just so happens that I am in the middle of one of those very rare occasions.

Because of this, I had a little time to organize my fabrics.  I found a pile of scraps left over from my recent orders, including these Rag Ribbon Table Skirts I made for Simply Vintage Candles' gorgeous booth at the Atlanta Gift Mart.

I decided to come up with a few fun projects to use up my pile of scraps...

Here is my first creation:

This Scrappy Patchwork Pillow has two different sides:

I love how these colors can brighten up any room!

If you like the look of this Scrappy Patchwork Throw Pillow, you can order your very own custom patchwork throw pillow/pillow cover.  Email me for more info!

Happy weekend, lovies!

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DIY Lampshade Pendant Light

I've been admiring the lampshade and drum pendant lights at my local home stores for months, but wasn't thrilled at the idea of paying anywhere from $60-$200 for a light fixture. 

I decided that I would attempt to recreate my own version of a lampshade pendant, and I was able to do so for just $25!  (You may be able to do this for less if you already own a lampshade or scoop one up on sale.)

Here is how it turned out: 

All you need is a Mini Pendant Kit (I found mine at Home Depot for $14.97) and a lampshade with a harp fitter (the kind with the tiny hole instead of the big hole.)  I found mine at Ross for $9.99.

I loosened and removed the cord of the pendant kit from the base, and slipped the cord through the harp hole and then just reattached the cord to the base.  That's it! 

Hubby then wired the kit to the ceiling and voila!  Complete!!

I decided to do this project in a day, so I didn't go out searching for the most amazing lampshade. But, if I do find one I can't live without, I will just have to bribe Hubby to take down the fixture so I can switch it out.  Hmmm....I don't think that will be happening any time soon!

My dining room is still a work in progress, but isn't every room?  Have a great weekend, friends!

Elephant Applique and Patchwork Throw Pillows

My friends and family are the inspiration for most of my projects, and I am so grateful to them!  It takes so much creativity just to figure out how to run a multifaceted business from home with kids on two different bus schedules, all the while having to plan dinner, do housework, worry about bills AND try to find a way to have a fulfilling life on a budget. It's no wonder my hair is falling out...seriously, it is.  I could make a wig out of what gets trapped in the shower drain!

Even so, nothing has fulfilled me creatively than creating items to share on AquaSeventy6.  So, thank you again!

The following project was inspired by some fabric I came across while mindlessly browsing the web.  It was so beautiful that I had to share it on my Facebook page.  Minutes later, my friend Natasha asked if I could use the fabric to make her some throw pillows....OF COURSE!

I ordered the fabric from a trusted shop on Etsy (small business supporting small business!) as well as some coordinating fabrics for the backside.  When the main fabric arrived, I decided to cut out the print and applique it on another fabric.....and here is what was born...

Isn't it beautiful?!

Here are both sides.  What you can't see is the zipper I added to each pillow so that my friend can toss the covers in the wash whenever she needs to.

I love this pillows so much, that I am planning to recreate them for myself...if I ever make time!  I hope you all enjoyed today's bit of eye candy! xx

 Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked

Haunted Exterior

There is something about seasonal/holiday decorating that makes me super giddy. Maybe it is the fact that I only bust this stuff out once a year. Perhaps it is the festive mood that is evoked. But no matter how you slice it, I really dig holiday decorating. I haven't quite gotten around to decorating the inside of the house...but the outside is off to a good start.

Last year I made this snake wreath. I thought it got lost in the move, but you can imagine my spooktacular glee when I discovered it this weekend! If you want to make your own, see directions at the end of this post.


My boys love to help in the house decorating! But hands down, their favorite is always the inflatable! My favorite quote of the day came from my 2 1/2 year old, Easton."Mommy, I not scared of dose ghosteses or dem pooosycats."
Happy haunting, everyone!!
Snake Wreath of Terror:
1. Weave plastic snakes (I bought mine at the Dollar Store) in and out of a grapevine wreath.2. Spray paint black (or any color you like...or not at all...or buy the glow snakes!).

Follower Features Tuesday

Time to check out some super cute projects from a few of our followers!Click the pictures and links to browse their sites to get inspiration for your projects!
Pumpkin plate from Whitney at No.3709
Make a DIY sunburst mirror over at Shannon Sews
 Meg@ My Cup Runneth Over painted these birds in our favorite color - AQUA!
Hope you all enjoy these projects as much as we do! And remember followers:email us links to your projects so we can feature you too! If you have been featured, stop by our Button Up tab and grab our "Loved By" button!

Flash Back in Blue

Speaking of drop leaf tables...my very first furniture revamp was a $6 score from Goodwill. I was with Yvette (ahh...the good ole days of living in the same city and rock bottom prices at Goodwill) and she forced me to buy the table. She pulled the tag and said "if you paint this and you hate it I will give you your $6 back...but I bet you are going to love it."


This is what it looked like before me and 3 cans of spray paint got ahold of it.This is what it looked like after.


It's nice to see how far I have come and the tricks techniques I have learned. But Yvette was right - I do love this piece!It is symbolic and fun and memorable.
It is currently serving as my sewing table until I find the one of my dreams.I also picked up a little mail sorter that day and optimized my spray paint purchase.


Having these projects around my home give it is a sense of soul and flavor.I wouldn't have it any other way!

Skateboard Wall Art

My sweet boys. They love to create art and I just don't give them enough opportunities to explore their creativity - especially when it comes to decorating!
These little guys have big design ideas for their room and in the past I have been known to brush them under the rug.  But this project was just too good to pass up. 
My husband ordered 10 blank, white skateboard decks from Amazon.com and we let the boys go wild with spray paint, stencils and the letters of their names.




They were so excited to hang the finished product in their room!


How did that cutie slip in there?!
I have to admit...letting go of my control of how I want their room to look was refreshing! The project is personal and creative and it makes me so happy to walk in their room and see one-of-a-kind artwork!  

Magnet Board Revamp

One of the reasons I love fabric is because it is so versatile. You can create or embellish an endless amount of items with glorious fabric. Even a boring old magnet board.



This is what it looked like before.



This project is so simple, you are most likely going to roll your eyes.
All I did was cut my fabric one inch larger than my board, fold around to the back of my board and secure it with hot glue. God bless the hot glue gun!



It was so fast and easy, I even made one for the kids!



There you have it; plain ole magnetic boards turned colorful and unique!

Decorating: Bold Color

One of the greatest things about keeping walls and floors neutral is having the ability to use accent pieces to add color. This is a wonderful thing because, as you eye and taste may change so can these accent pieces. You can paint them...buy a new one...or simply move them around different spots in your home.



When considering my entry way I wanted a bright pop of color - what better than PINK?
(Valspar Pink Burst, spraypaint)
It is unexpected and it is the first thing to greet you when you waltz in the door!



I love the excited vibe is gives the entry. And shouldn't you and your guests feel excited upon entering your home?

I also found this fantastic bench (already painted) in orange. My boys helped me pick this out and I have to say, I think they have a keen eye for design!



My 3 year old even helped me style it. He chose the pillows from the couch for the top and his adorable little cowboy boots for the shelf.



I love the way these pieces add pops of bold color to our home!
Break out of the safe color box and make things interesting.