Lamp Revamp and DIY Throw Pillows

I am addicted to Target!  I can go into a Target for a loaf of bread, and will come out with a cart full of goodies and a receipt for $250.  I truly believe that time stands still inside of Target.  There have been times when I could swear I've only been shopping for 30 minutes and three hours have passed.

Last week, on a grocery run, I did my usual quick walk down the end caps of the home goods department. I love finding items that I've been eyeing or cool linens on clearance that I can repurpose.

I flipped when I found a gorgeous medallion print lampshade on clearance for $9.  Then, a few aisles down, I found a set of cloth napkins for $7, and a body pillow cover for $5.  I knew exactly what I could do with these!

I've had a blah-beige lamp sitting on my end table for months (a year?)  I got it for $5 at a local thrift store and had intended to paint it--someday.  Well, after finding this lampshade, I knew I would  be painting it Provence by Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. (DIY cost: $14, plus paint)  LOVE!

I sewed the napkins together to make two beautiful throw pillow covers, and I used the body pillow cover to make 2 square and one rectangle throw pillow covers.  (DIY Cost: $12 for 5 pillows, plus inserts.)

I can't wait for my next Target trip!

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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Working Through the Pain

Gosh...I don't know how to begin to tell you how sorry I am that I've been lagging on this blog.  I've been very busy with orders, which is so amazing.  I love, love, LOVE what I do!!

Unfortunately, I somehow aggravated my back injury on Monday (unloading the dishes, of all things) and I've been in excruciating pain ever since.  I can't tolerate pain killers other than basic ibuprofen or acetaminophen, so it's been a rough week.

How did I injure my back?  7 years ago my husband, kids and I were hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light.  Our SUV spun around and rolled over. I was driving.  By the grace of God we all walked away from the accident, but my back was never the same.

I go through this every few months...but this has been the longest I've been in pain...ever.  I think I may have to see a doctor soon. :(

I probably should have relaxed my back much more than I have this week.  After I finish this post, I promise I will go upstairs and stay in bed until Sunday.  Maybe my fairy Godmother will appear and do my laundry this weekend.

Here are some photos of what I worked on this week, pain and all...tell me what you think:

20" x 20" Chevron Throw Pillow

Elephant Karavan Applique Pillows

Scrappy Scarf Necklace

Boho Cuff Bracelet

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

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

Stenciled Drop Cloth Pillows

I was bit by the DIY/craft bug a couple of years ago.  It started out with an obsession with thrift stores and vintage pieces, then progressed to refurbishing vintage furniture, then upcycling (using an existing item in a whole new way, or turning one item into another), and finally to sewing items from scratch.  The following project was my first attempt (October 2010) at incorporating the various crafting elements.

I got the drop cloth in the paint section and stencils and acrylic craft paint in the craft section of Walmart.

A true upcycle project, I used the stuffing from some old throw pillows.

(This chair was a $15 Goodwill find.  I just reupholstered the seat.)

(Antique chair $5, Goodwill)

This is an easy peasy DIY project, but if you are interested in your own stenciled throw pillow and aren't in the mood to DIY, you can always turn to me! I promise my sewing has gotten A LOT better since 2010! ;)

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

Men's Shirts Become Boy's Pillows

I was really drawn to the pattern and colors of these men's shirts when I saw them at Goodwill. For $4 each, I figured I would make the investment and see what I could come up with.



First, I cut a square to fit my pillow form. I wanted to keep the pocket and buttons in tact for the pillow front. I used my machine to embroider my older son's monogram onto the pocket of the dark blue pillow cover.



For my younger son, I cut the initial of his first name out of felt, adhered it with fusible tape and tacked it down with some orange embroidery floss for contrast and color.

These were so easy! They only took about 20 minutes each. The boys just love their special pillows.

A fun upcycled project always makes me smile!

Personalized Applique Pillows

Last week, a friend of mine asked me to make something special for her two precious daughters. She is giving their room a makeover while they stay with Grandma for a few days and really wanted a personal touch for their beds.

I am so happy I was able to contribute to the design plan! I think the fabrics are sophisticated enough to grow with them, yet the applique letters gives a nod to the fact that they are still young girls.



I hope they love them as much as I loved making them!