I look at what other DIY bloggers do, the junk sales they’re able to go to every weekend to scour for the best treasures, the book they have in the works, the magazines they’re featured in, the creativity that seems to spew from every part. And my thoughts often turn to, “when will I be that good? When will my painting projects look like so-and-so’s? Will I ever have a whole day to de-junk my garage? Can I ever own my own shop?”

And then it occurs to me-this is all temporary. And I’m not them. I’m me. I’m a beginner, an amateur, a full-time mom and housewife and home-keeper, a sister and friend, a lover of books and all that is chocolate.

All that we compare ourselves to is futile-because we’re not them. We’re us. Our talents, our gifts, our purpose-they are uniquely ours. The question should not be, “why am I not like them?” The question should be, “am I being me?”

We are worth it. We are so much more valuable than any piece of furniture we freshen up, any project we might finish up this weekend, any comments others may make about our finished product.

What about you? Do you know you are worth it today?

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The vinyl, which was peeling off, was covering up very dirty 70′s-ish fabric, which was covering up pretty usable foam. For a proper chair makeover, everything has to come off.

So the vinyl came off, the fabric came off, the frame was primed.

I found this super-duper cute fabric at Hobby Lobby. I love love love yellow (and chevron).

After a coat of spray paint and some distressing, the chair makeover is complete!

Not bad for a Saturday project, eh?

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Remember this post from a few months ago about the old dresser?

Old dresser before

Old dresser, new life!

Here’s what I did to it:

-removed the drawers and doors

-sanded off all the old paint

-used this homemade ageing stain for the top, insides, sides and back

-added scrolling with my Dremel tool

-painted the front in yellow

-cut wood to fit inside as shelves and painted those in yellow

-added baskets purchased on etsy

-sewed cloth napkins to fit a tension rod on the top shelf

What has been your weekend inspiration?

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(ain’t he a handsome one?)

and I plan to do some treasure hunting in Nashville while I’m there.

It will be my first time in Nashville, and I’m a bit excited!

Here are some I’ve found so far:

The Iron Gate (Franklin, TN)

Rebecca’s Furniture and Design (Franklin, TN)

Butler’s Antiques (Hopkinsville, KY)

Time and Again (Nashville, TN)

104 S. Main Antiques (Dickson, TN)

Rare Bird Antique Mall (Goodlettsville, TN)

Will post pictures of this adventure next week!

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It was also nice enough to open the garage and get out the Dremel tool to make an attempt at some scrolling work on the soon-to-be-finished dresser turned buffet or whatever it will be. 

Earlier this week, I picked up a stencil pattern I liked, then went back and forth about painting it, until Mr. Fresh Thrift suggested using a Dremel tool to hand scroll the pattern.

He stenciled the pattern on lightly with a pencil, then went through each design with the Dremel grinding stone to add the detail.

I have to admit that I’ve put so much work into this piece that I was a bit hesitant to allow him to take a tool to it, but I am pretty happy with the results.

 Now–to leave it natural, or stain all of those little details?

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There are unlimited possibilities with these scraps, and one project I worked on for a Christmas gift is using one of these scraps to make a sign that looked antique, but wasn’t.

What you’ll need:

• Acrylic paint, in your choice of colors
• Phrase or word of your choice (typed in font of your choice, printed out)                       
• Transfer paper (craft store)
• Wood board      
• Paint brushes (1/2′, 1", 2")
• Antique medium or wood wax                                                                             

Paint your board in the color you’ve chosen. Add a border (if you desire) in a coordinating color. Allow to dry.

Adjust the size of your printed-out phrase to fit your board. This may take a few tries.

When you have the font you like and it is sized to fit your board, place the transfer paper underneath the font and trace your word or phrase with a ball point pen.

Paint the letters with a color of your choice. Allow to dry.

Outline the phrase you traced with a darker coordinating paint color. Allow to dry.

After the board is completely dry, go over the whole piece with an antique stain (I used an antique medium I found at Hobby Lobby located near the acrylic paints).

 When that dries, use the force of the sandpaper! Go over the piece with not too much pressure, but enough to get a good "old" look.

Attach hangers and volia! An easy weekend project that makes a fantastic wall hanging or gift!

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I connected with a lady last week, on the way home from vacation in Kansas City, who had some grain bags for sale. I ended up buying a couple, and she happened to also have wire baskets (really, my weakness!) that she sold me.

She wasn’t sure, but she thought this beauty was from an old freezer-a drawer, maybe.

And after some spray paint, it’s now part of a more-organized kitchen.

I didn’t cover it completely-a few rusty spots here and there show character.

Who couldn’t use a little more order for a new year?

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I just finished up this sign for a gift exchange tonight. I will post the tutorial later this week.

It took a piece of scrap wood, a steady hand for painting and outlining, some sanding, a sheet of transfer paper, and some ageing work. I just love handmade gifts!

My cousin has been working on some Christmas decorating at her house (in sunny Florida) and she sent me a few shots of what she has done so far.

 The scene is made with scrap wood blocks, a Nativity scene purchased at the Dollar Store, and the words are painted on with a paint pen (source)

Fabric wreath (source)

NOEL Sign (simple–paint large wooden N, E, and L, then use a pretty wreath for the O)

Can I encourage you to make this season just a little simpler? Make a gift instead of buying one, maybe pass up the newest thing, bake some cookies for someone who loves sweets.

Just a few more weeks!

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I added some chevron stripes in gray paint, then sanded it down because I thought the stripes were just a little too shiney over the milk paint.

What are you working on this weekend?

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The top was painted with Annie Sloan’s chalk paint and I chose MMS milk paint for the outside and inside.

I think it turned out fairly cute!

It’s for sale here.

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