New Finds for the Master Bedroom

As mentioned in yesterday's post, we have had an odd week.

I didn't really start getting under the weather until yesterday. But, I am feeling it now. So, I will be cuddled up in bed today, sipping hot tea and enjoying a good book and I'll let kiddo "doctor" me with Pillow Pets and Legos.

I LOVE it {being taken care of by my kiddo... not being sick}!

Even with all the ickiness this week, we still had time to paint and go shopping at a few of my favorite places which included Thrift and Consignment Stores {kiddo was not thrilled about shopping, but he was a trooper}.

If you recall, I am a tweaker and I have been working on my bedroom lately. I love the overall feel... but, really I have been discontent with the bed - headboard, etc. We have had it for over 8 years and it has lost its thrill on me. Instead, I have been coveting all things tufted, especially headboards! But, that will be for another time.

In the meantime.... I found this at Z Gallerie.

Source: Z Gallerie

At first, I tried the Grey Montecito Euro Pillows... 2 Euro Pillows.... 

(1) The great thing about most of Z Gallerie's Euro Pillows are that they are PILLOWS. Yes, the sham and the pillow come together! I LOVE it! 

It felt like I was heading in the right direction.... 

(2) I decided to exchange them for black.... because with the bold Black Montecito Euro Pillow print and changing from 2 to 3 pillows on the bed, well.....it makes for a fantastic faux-upholstered-headboard-like look!

I typically don't like a lot of pillows on my bed, but I think this looks so COZY, but still ELEGANT.

Plus, it still works well for the hubby.... not too feminine.

Did you spy these brassy beauties?! I found them at a thrift shop.

A pair.... of brassy GOODNESS!

I couldn't believe my eyes!

And the brass just POPS with the black. LOVIN' it!


Speaking of brassy goodness, I found this lamp base at a consignment store. I slapped on a new lampshade and wallah... gorgeous!

The patina.... BEAUTIFUL! And look at that lion... it just takes my breath away.

Now, I need to get better quick! For tomorrow I have an adventure with a few FAB ladies. We will be hitting Canton's First Monday Flea Market. So watch out.... we will have our hunting gear on and be scouting the grounds for some AWESOME finds!

Spring Time Makes Me Feel Artsy

This has been an odd week.

With Spring, comes nasty allergies.

With nasty allergies comes asthma {for the kiddo}... which in turn... makes a virus easy for him to catch.... which in turn... makes a virus easy for me to catch.

So, we have been on the mend all this week.

But, that doesn't stop me from being creative.

Being artsy.

Especially, when I was inspired by such a wonderful piece.

Source: Callie's Kitchen @ Little Green Notebook

So, I thought.... why not try that myself?

And literally, in less than 10 minutes {does not include dry time, but does include gathering supplies}, I created this!

Another piece of abstract art!

I utilized a frame, matting, a paint brush and Black Gloss Acrylic Paint I had on hand.

Easy. Peasy.

If you do anything like this, don't forget to sign your work of art. It adds authenticity to it... hah!

After a day of having it in the foyer, I moved it to the master bedroom on the wall.
And see that brass-goody-goodness? Well, it's just a little sneak peak of what the next post will be about... new thrift and consignment store finds!

Does spring make you feel artsy in any way?

Get creative! And share with me.... I would love to see what you come up with!

And I know it's not spray paint... 
but it is paint, so I am linking up at Thrifty Decor Chick for the Spring Fling Link Party!

One MAD Event

Who watched the Season 5 Premiere of MadMen last night?

ooohhh oooohhh ooooo.... Me... me... me!

Who had a fab little get-together with some fab people dressed in fab 60's attire?

ooohhh oooohhh ooooo.... Me... me... me!


And who was super-super bummed that her fab friends and fellow event planners couldn't make it because of some story about an emergency appendectomy {like they couldn't come up with a better excuse - sheesh!}.

Um, yes... that would be me, too.

But, in all seriousness... that was a BIG 'OL BUMMER!

So, this party is dedicated to the lame-excuse-makers. A lil' something.... while we raise our glasses to P.B. & C. and to the quick recovery just around the corner!

A little look inside our 60's Cocktail Party....

1. Dress the Part.

This is me. With teased up hair that hasn't been teased like this since the 90's. It was fun and the first time I ever really went for "this look". I had a mini-beehive thingy going on. With my pearls and vintage 50's dress. I had cherry red lipstick and nail polish to top off the ensemble.

Of course, I don't have a pic of my hubby. But he wore a suit, vintage tie and our kiddo's black fedora {He doesn't own a hat, but our kiddo owns several fedoras... it really pulled the look together}.

We greeted guests with cocktails and cigarettes in hand. They were fake cigarettes, but boy they sure look like the real thing {... and since we are making confessions on the party floor... my first several cocktails were Sprite with olive... I needed to stay in character and I was thirsty}.

2. Set the Mood with Music and Decor.

I downloaded a MadMen album on iTunes and had it playing while guests arrived, mingled and ate. The music really set a 60's ambiance. And speaking of ambiance.... it's in the details when it came to the decor.

We have been fans of this show since it came out {hence all 4 seasons have been purchased on DVD}. So, I used our box sets as decor. Why not? It worked perfectly!

Of course, all our glass and dinnerware were vintage... vintage... and VINTAGE!

The bottle labels... well, those were current day, but they were cute. And it's the details that take it to the next level in demonstrating to your guests how much they are appreciated.

I downloaded the clipart from the AMC website and I used it on the invitations and on Cocktail Guides I created for the bar area. The Guide included common 60's drinks. This way guests could mix their own drinks if the host wasn't available for immediate creation of desired drink.

The bar was quite stocked. {Let me assure you this is not our everyday stash!}

Many of the decor items I typically have out. Like the vintage tray, brass owls, tree and 22k gold leaf dish. But, the framed Roger Sterling pic I just put together. I found it in one of the DVD cases, it was a great detail that represented the party's theme. The Lucky Strike cigarette tins were my Grandpa's way back in the day. It was nice to have a reason to bring them out and enjoy them.

3. If You Cook It, They Will Come.

Food... food... food.

THE MENU
Chex Party Mix
Mixed Nuts
Mini Egg Rolls
Pigs in a Blanket
Cocktail Weenies
Bologna Cheese Sandwiches
Deviled Eggs with Relish Tray
Pimento Cheese on Ritz Crackers
Lime Jello Ring
Charleston Chews
Chocolate Eclairs

Items were served on my Vintage White Milk Glass Collection.

Don't forget the Hydration Station with custom Mad Men labels and fruit for fun garnish!

The pimento cheese was delish... every cracker was gone. It was the guests' favorite.

The Jello Ring reminded me of what my Grandma makes.

It was fun to serve a menu that was 60's inspired. It added to the festivities. Simple and fun recipes made for a great combination when it came to menu party planning.

4. Part with a Gift.

We handed out Candy Cigarettes for a take home treat.

Something a little sweet for our sweet guests.

So that was a sampling of our Sophisticated Premiere Party. And out of all our guests, only 2 had ever watched the show! It wasn't about the show.... it was about friends getting together, mingling, having a good time. Whether it's over comfort food, sophisticated cocktails, or Sprite garnished with an olive, hospitality is given with the heart and displayed in all the little details.

Linked to Knick of Time.

I'm Just MAD

It had been searching a few years for some Dorothy Thorpe Roly Poly glasses.
Not knock-offs, the real VINTAGE deal. But, they are EXPENSIVE.

{Source unknown}

Because of some Mad show, apparently, the demand and price has increased.

These glasses are both Timeless and Trendy.

It took some time. But, last spring I negotiated a great deal on some AWESOME vintage Dorothy Thorpe pieces! 

This is what we brought home:

With the caddy!

We use these glasses all the time!

The above photos were taken in our old home, but now these glasses take front and center stage on a little accent table turned "bar cart" in our Double-Wide kitchen.

Since we don't have that much storage, our liquor now sits out {sigh} and I can save additional room by keeping my awesomely cool Dorothy Thorpe glasses out too. So, really this little "bar cart" has saved me a lot of room in my kitchen storage areas.

Do any of you have Mad Men viewing party plans this coming Sunday?

I just may be getting a little Mad with a vintage twist.... stay tuned.

New Look

So, in my effort to work on the goals of "Growing My Blog"... I have been tweaking the look of my blog.

Creating larger photos for you to gaze upon...

Creating a sleeker look for you to settle into and stay awhile...

Creating additional tools so you can browse through all the projects and gain inspiration...

Or.

You may hate this new look.

If so please spare me from digging myself deep into a pit of self-loathing don't feel you need to share that opinion.

But, if you like the new look... please have me dancing a jig with your sweet and wonderful comment love feel free to share a nice comment of encouragement!

Yes, I know I am a Rocket Scientist.... but that is by trade.... this blogging stuff is tough business.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

Office Design

Here is just a little inspiration board I put together for an office design I am working on:

There are many limitations we have to work around on this design.

1. Office Furniture is provided.
Hence, the desk and chair are similar to what is in the office space.

2. No permanent items may be adhered to the wall.
Hence, we will be doing a gallery wall incorporating her favorite piece of art {which is where the punch of color will be coming from}.

3. One entire wall space is occupied by wood grained shelving and bookcases.
Hence, material..... we will be creating fabric sections as bulletin boards and bookcase backing to add interest, texture, light, etc.

4. One entire wall space is occupied by a wall of windows.
Hence, the beautiful view that we do NOT want to interfere with.

5. This will be fun!

Peeps Sunburst Mirror

Sunburst --- Starburst ---What ever you call them...

This one is DIFFERENT.

This one has PEEPS!

That's right!

I received such great feedback on my Candy Cane Sunburst Mirror, that I thought CANDY... what GREAT inspiration! And.... I had THIS idea to utilize peeps back in December. That's right.... I have been hoarding this idea in my mind all this time. I'm sorry folks. But, I am graciously sharing it with you NOW!

Here is how I went about creating this little mirror:

SUPPLIES
2 boxes of Yellow Peeps {1 box extra for grazing while crafting}
6" Circle Mirror
9" Styrofoam Circle
Plate Hanger
Chrome Spray Paint
Black Sharpie
Hot Glue Sticks
Hot Glue Gun
2 Different Bags of sizes/styles of Wood Sticks

1. Section your Styrofoam Circle into 1/8 sections with a sharpie.

2. Place your longest sticks at each of the markings along the outer edge of the circle.
"Stuff" the stick into the middle of the foam edge.
If needed/desired, put a small dab of hot glue where the wood and foam meet.

3. Place your plate hanger on the back of your foam circle.
Hot glue the ends to secure it.

This step is a little tricky... but, it sure makes for hanging A LOT more simple... and I had one on hand. Just first stretch the plate hanger close to the desired size, otherwise the end caps will dig in through the styrofoam and keep on going. Make sure to hot glue! This will stop that process from happening.

4. Add your other length wooden sticks next to the ones you place at the 1/8 marks.
Work your way around the circle.

5. Add more and more wooden sticks according to your desired design.
I went with "spoon" sticks. They added a fun change in shape and length.

6. Spray paint the ENTIRE piece.
I used Chrome Spray Paint {and yes, I did the front and back}.

The effect the spray paint had on the styrofoam was neat... so I went with it.
Make sure to get the ends of your wood pieces, though.
I forgot.... so I had to touch up later.

7. Hot glue the mirror to the styrofoam circle.

8. Hot glue the peeps around the mirror.

NOTE: Be VERY careful with the hot glue and the marshmallow peeps.... one wrong move and your finger could turn into a Smores Dessert {Yes. Totally speaking from experience!}

9. {optional} Add additional wooden sticks around the circle.
I felt like the piece still needed something.... one more layer of depth. So, I added additional wooden sticks, varying the length around the circle right behind the original layer. Same process, I just "stuffed" them into the side of the styrofoam circle. I decided to keep them the natural wood color. I think it's a great contrast.

10. Enjoy!

This is really such a FUN piece.

So.... joyful!

I love how it coordinates with the sunflower painting my mother-in-law painted in 1964!

My first Spring project this year!

HAPPY SPRING!

Linking up to The 36th Avenue, House of Hepworths, Between Naps on the Porch, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z, Tip Junkie, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Under the Table and Dreaming, Tater Tots and Jello, Serenity Now, Knick of Time {That's the Ticket Party} , At the Picket Fence, A Little Knick Knack, Stuff and Nonsense, The Shabby Nest and THRIFTY DECOR CHICK... plus...

Spring Fling - Crafts Link Party