UPCYCLE PICTURE PROJECT

Good Morning Monday friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend. We enjoyed a couple days with our oldest daughter and her new puppy. She took her Dad out deep sea fishing yesterday so we ended up having a delicious fish dinner last night. Nothing like fresh caught fish!!

Today's blog isn't about food, it's all about recycling. When we do home renovations I really love to recycle some of things that I already have. As I looked around the house I thought I would start with an easy project and upcycle some of the picture frames in our living room.

Here is what I started with:

We have two of these similarly framed botanicals above our sofa. At the time (11 years ago) I was in to the Tommy Bahama theme, using much darker woods. But I've fallen in love with Navy, Coral and White....so here is how I started the transformation.

I went to Benjamin Moore and picked out a complimentary blue in the same family as our newly painted front door. (Blog to come in the near future on this!)

Ben Moore paint is so great, I only needed one coat. I also added a bit of gold paint to the inner edge of the frame. I had some Craft Smart Metallic Gold from Michaels on hand that worked perfectly.

I carefully separated the mat board from the board that the print was glued to. My hubby spray painted the old brownish mat white for me, which looks terrific with the coral. 

I sprayed the back of the new coral print with Spray Adhesive and pressed it securely into place directly on top of the other print.  I purchased my prints from Elizabeth at The Beach House Gallery on Etsy. She is awesome to work with!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeachHouseGallery

Then we placed the newly painted white mat on top and secured them into the newly painted frame.

I'm so happy with the outcome. The living room is already starting to take shape with my new color palette.  A little application of paint and some elbow grease sure can turn into something beautiful!  I LOVE that feeling of satisfaction when I look at projects like these side by side.....you can do this too! Take a peek around your house and share your projects with us!

Don't forget to follow TLB weekly as the renovations continue on the house!

Have a terrific Monday!

                         Kathleen

WINTER WONDERLAND CENTERPIECE

Like many of you, here in the Northeast we've been hit with frigid temperatures that have encompassed most of the nation. As I looked out at the dusting of new fallen snow and icy streets, I thought why not bring the beauty of outdoors inside.......hence my WINTER WONDERLAND centerpiece was created!

Sometimes it's as easy as taking our cues from our surroundings........

I was lucky enough to run into an 80% off sale in Michaels! The beautiful wintry birch covered pots, filled with icy blue Cedar branches were just perfect for my centerpiece.

I've always loved the phrase "Fire and Ice," therefore, I had to add the candles!

You may notice my beautiful vintage find.... silver sugar bowl........it looks perfect with the icy branches and sparkly pine cones. And my crystal candlesticks that hubby gifted me from his business trip to Ireland. They are Galway crystal.....and I've always loved their simplistic design.

Just because it's snowy and frigid doesn't mean our creative juices take a break, it's actually when they can go into overdrive. Take a peek outside your window and get creating........there's nothing more beautiful than a fresh blanket of pure white snow to inspire an indoor Winter Wonderland!!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative day!

                                       Kathleen

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THROWBACK--Tartan Christmas Tablescape

Welcome to throwback Wednesday....check out my Tartan tablescape from 2013!

Last week was such a whirlwind full of celebrations for our family. We call this our "Thanksmas Weekend." We were all (16 of us) able to make it to WNY despite the snow storm that threatened on time arrivals at the last minute. We celebrated our Thanksgiving on Thursday and our family Christmas on Saturday........which means presto chango, tablescapes went from Fall pumpkins and gourds to frosty greens and sparkles in one day!

Tartan Christmas Tablescape

I have not hidden my love for Tartan plaid this year. I found two Tartan red plaid table runners in Home Goods. I always love to use Christmas red somewhere during my decorating. To me nothing is more beautiful this time of year!

The tablescape required:
1.  2--plaid table runners (Home Goods)
2.  3--snowy evergreen branches (Michaels
3.  3--mercury glass candlesticks (Home Goods)
4.  6--crystal like short candlestick holders (Dollar General)
5.  6--white taper candles (Michaels)
6.  2--white tablecloths (Bed Bath Beyond)
7.  2 --strings of pearl garland (Michaels)
8.  6--small red ornaments (Michaels)
9.  2--mercury glass pedestal Christmas trees (Home Goods)
10. 3--6-inch white candles with glittery sparkles (Kohl's)
11. 16--red chargers (The Christmas Store)
12. 16-red linen napkins (folded to look like a bow tie--see U-tube video on How To)
13.  16-red berry napkins rings (The Christmas Store)

Starting from the bottom and building up; add the table runners to the center of the table. Find the center of your table and place the evergreen twigs with mercury candlesticks in between the branches so that you build outward with the rest of the materials. Find the center of each side and place the mercury tree, one on each side, then add a string of pearls around each tree and simply scatter 3 small red ornaments on top of the pearls. Space the taper candles in crystal like holders on the table for candlelight from one end to the other. Add the red chargers, white plates, and red linen napkins, folded to resemble a "bow tie." My daughter, created these by following a U-tube video online.

I hope you enjoy my Christmas tablescape. Why not try a Tartan tablescape on your table this year!

ENJOY!
K

 ****This year my family chose to use white divided disposable plates making clean-up much easier and leaving more "family time" when opening our gifts.

WELCOME TO DIY MONDAY-- EASY & BEAUTIFUL NAPKIN/SILVERWARE CADDY

Good Morning Monday! 

I hope you all had a great weekend and those of you celebrating Father's Day, like us, had some wonderful family time together. My husband was lucky this year, at least one of our daughter's was able to be home. We had a cookout with his favorite request.....pork chops! Yes, he LOVES them.

In preparation for Father's Day I made a DIY project that actually was quite simple. We used it on our table and it worked beautifully.

DIRECTIONS TO  MAKE THE DIY SILVERWARE/NAPKIN CADDY

1.  Purchase a can of spray paint, and a 10-inch square unfinished wood tray. I found mine at Michaels. Spray 4 clean 15.5 oz. tin cans. Overspray the edge so that the color of the paint overlaps leaving no silver to be seen.  I chose a new Olive gloss paint color that I thought would coordinate with many of the tablecloth and table setting colors that I already have.
2.  Dry well.
3.  Using double sided tape--wrap around perimeter of the top of the can. I dropped mine down from the edge because I used a wide ribbon. If yours is more narrow adjust accordingly and press into place. This allows you to change the ribbon in the future if you decide to use other table colors.
4. Cut ribbon to perimeter size of can and allow for about 1/2 inch overlap and PRESS down tightly.

5. Glue cans together at top.
6.  Place on tray and measure exactly where you want the cans to be as you will be gluing the bottom of each of them. This measurement depends on how many napkins you will be placing in between the cans.
7.  Glue bottom of cans and place where you have measured and marked on the tray and PRESS on to tray. Let dry.

I love the way this caddy turned out.

This was such an easy and rewarding DIY. It took more time to dry than to complete.

I hope you decide to make this fun and easy project!

Wishing you a wonderful Monday!

Kathleen

*****As always I appreciate you stopping by and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday because I have created something beautiful for you!

GARDEN LUNCH TABLESCAPE & FOODIE FRIDAY DIP RECIPE

I hope your week went well. We haven't had the greatest weather; in fact most days were rainy. I don't mind when it rains because it's so good for the plants and trees, but when you are planning a luncheon on an open patio and the sky looks ominous......well let's just say I'm glad I was able to sneak it in BEFORE the rain came!

Today's blog was inspired by a beautiful bouquet of flowers I spied at the grocery store. Who doesn't LOVE sunflowers mixed with purple status, and daisies? 

Here's the bouquet that started it all----Can you see why I couldn't walk away without bringing it home?

Of course a table setting was necessary.

When creating the theme, I knew I wanted a relaxed feel. Not like a picnic relaxing but like a "Garden Lunch with the Girls," relaxing. 

I chose a purple and white gingham fabric from JoAnn Fabric. It took about 2 yards of approx. 46" wide fabric stitched together to fit my table. I finish stitched the entire hemline also. And there you have it....my new tablecloth.

After a successful trip to the Dollar Tree I brought home the purple placemats, the lime green charger plates, 2 lime green towels and the seed packets that I placed at each place setting.

I cut the towels in half and hemmed them making them into napkins,  and then tied them with purple ribbon from Michaels. I also purchased the pink vase bottles from Michaels on sale. The rest of the place setting items and the white urn are from my personal collection.

I couldn't resist adding a bit of a Foodie Friday recipe for you too! This Herbed Greek Yogurt Dip came to mind because it's so light and delish with veggies. It just so happens it matches my tablescape....hmmm......maybe that was a conscious decision!

Herbed Greek Yogurt Dip

1- cucumber
1 1/2 cups fat-free Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup sour cream
3 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 head cabbage, optional

Grate unpeeled cucumber; chop. Drain on paper towels; squeeze dry. Combine chopped cucumber with yogurt, sour cream, dill, mint, zest, garlic, salt and pepper.

CABBAGE BOWL

Transfer dip to cabbage or serving bowl. Serve with veggies and/or pita chips or wedges. 

MAKES 12 servings
***Recipe from-Celebrate with Woman's World-Summer Keepsake Issue pg. 7

I hope you enjoyed my "GARDEN LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS" tablescape and recipe today. Have a wonderful Father's Day weekend!

CHEERS TO ALL THE DAD'S!

Katheen

****Thanks for stopping by and sharing your day with me. Stop by on Monday to see a very cool DIY project!

DIY---SPRING WREATH WITH MONOGRAM INITIALS

I am in love with monograms. There are so many fonts available today that choosing one can be a daunting experience, especially if you have never done it before. Each monogram looks entirely different based on the font that is chosen. Ultimately, the choice is yours, whatever your taste dictates.....there is a font for you.

Monograms have been around for years. Today the single letter and initial monogram can be found on just about anything. In many cases decorators use letters in a variety of ways incorporating them into vignettes, on bookshelves, hung on walls, framed art, stitched on linens, and so on.

I was perusing Jane.com and found a wooden monogram in the exact font that I am most fond of. It  is called French Script. The letters have a beautiful scrolling effect. I had seen this type of monogram applied directly to front doors, walls, and even incorporated into wreaths, among other uses.

I loved the idea of incorporating the monogram into a wreath, hence I decided to make a new Spring wreath for our own front door this year! I purchased a personalized, unfinished wooden monogram, on Jane.com. The cost was $9.99 plus shipping. The vendor email address is:  unfinishedwoodco@yahoo.com

 I decided to spray paint it an off white color to blend with the flowers I had purchased at Michaels.

A few years ago, when we lived in Houston, my favorite garden center was Cornelius on Dairy Ashford Rd. They had an absolutely beautiful gift shop with top notch designers decorating it by season. At that time the designers used the black and white stripe ribbon that I fell in love with. I found the same ribbon in our new Hobby Lobby here in NJ--which ironically I first frequented while living in Houston. (small world) I believe between the addition of the monogram and of this ribbon it kind of "kicks it up a notch"...giving the project a bit of elegance.

It's time to start thinking about what you will make for your Spring front door this year. Don't forget to add that little bit of elegance to your project too!

                                                   Wishing you a day filled with sunshine!

                                                                        Kathleen

To make this wreath you will need:
1-grapevine wreath --Hobby Lobby
flowers/greens--Michaels
Ribbon--Hobby Lobby
Wooden Monogram--Jane.com
Spray paint--Hobby Lobby


***Thank you so much for stopping by The Lavender Bouquet. Hope to see you on Friday!

It's Mod Podge Monday.......Check out our DIY Vases & Springtime Placesetting!

My husband and I traveled to our Florida house this weekend. A little change of scenery from the snowscapes to the beautiful palm trees and 80 degree weather has been wonderful.  Not only did we get to see our Florida friends, but we also got to spend a few days with old friends from our Perrysburg, Ohio days. I think it is safe to say, a good time was had by all!

Whenever I am in the warmth of the South during the winter months, I find myself longing for Spring flowers, and the bright colors of Springtime. With that in mind, I managed to find an interesting DIY project involving Mod Podge. I started with Dollar Store vases.........and one squeeze bottle of Mod Podge from Michaels.

Pour Mod Podge into the vase and swirl it around.

 

 

Swirl to coat entire inside of vase and let dry.

The result is a beautiful sheer pink glossy finish. The actual pink is a bit lighter and more pastel than the photograph.

 

 

I have plans to use these vases with all of my fresh cut flowers up North, but until then I created a Springlike table setting to showcase the vase.  I built this tablesetting using the white Mikasa plate as my foundation, then a Lenox aqua luncheon plate that I purchased in Home Goods in the center, and topped it off with my Noritake wedding china dessert plate. Look at all of that Springtime color!

Now run to Michaels and the Dollar Tree to create your very own easy and colorful vases for your home.

                        Happy Mod Podging.....and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby brother!

                                                                       Kathleen

***Thank you for stopping by The Lavender Bouquet. Feel free to leave us a comment. Please come again!

Countdown to Christmas--Week #4 DIY---Christmas Ornaments

I can't believe this is Week #4 of my Countdown to Christmas DIY projects. This week I am featuring some Martha Stewart Adhesive Stencils that we used to decorate clear ornaments. Along with the purchase of the stencils, I also bought several colors of stencil paint, and small spouncers for paint application. Tiny items like jingle bells, gingerbread men, and snowflakes were added for a little added interest to the inside of each ornament. A pretty red ribbon, tied in a bow was added with a loop at the top for hanging on the tree.

The photo below features a "Merry Christmas" ornament that my 18 year old niece created during our evening crafting. She did a lovely job laying out the stencil and applying the paint with a spouncer. She also crafted two other ornaments, one for herself and a matching one for her boyfriend for a Christmas gift.  She monogrammed one side with each of their initials and then stenciled a Christmas design on the other side. They turned out so beautiful. I am sure he will love her very special gift from the heart!

This is such a fun and easy craft for children and adults gathered around the family table. It is an inexpensive gift that may be personalized for that special someone on your Christmas gift list or just make one for your own tree.

Happy painting!


ENJOY!
K

DIY--Tartan Holiday Pillow

We had a beautiful weekend! The sun was shining and the air had just the right amount of crispy cool to warrant being able to just wear a vest. My kind of weather.......I would be happy if our winters were just like this weekend. Wishful thinking!

My husband and I worked diligently this weekend. Checking off our outdoor list. The garage is cleaned and all of the patio furniture is in. The planters are emptied and stored. We even stacked the wood he ordered for the fireplace. Preparing for winter, yuck, but it is done and something else is checked off my list.

Speaking of lists, I have been gathering my list of DIY's for the upcoming holidays. I thought I would start this early while the selection is fresh and available in the stores. By doing so I can share with you and maybe even give you a nudge to start early too!

I have always loved Tartan plaids, but this year I am really inspired by them.  So inspired I am going to use them in my home decorating this year. I couldn't wait so I got a head start on a fun little project.

It just so happens that Tartan seems quite plentiful at the moment. I saw red, green and white plaids, with the red being my favorite. I did a bit of shopping today at Michaels and JoAnn Fabric. I was able to find spools of Tartan plaid ribbon in various sizes, one of them a flannel 1.5 inch from JoAnn Fabric is what you will see today in my DIY pillow project.

Last year my friend Sharon loved a Christmas pillow that I have on one of my sofas during the holidays. I had purchased it from Horchow a few years ago and it is beautiful, but expensive. When Sharon told me how much she loved it, I mentioned that I thought I could make a similar pillow myself if I just took the time to do it.

Although, it is not quite the same holiday design as my Horchow pillow, it is a festive pillow that cost a fraction of what mine did.

Materials you will need:

1--12 x 16 Pillow form ($4.50) (You may use loose stuffing instead also)
1- 14x16 inch piece of fabric (I used unbleached muslin-$2.78)
1-County Red Stencil Paint ($2.99)
1- spool Tartan Plaid Flannel Ribbon ($7.79)
1 set of stencils $6.99
1 set of small sponge spouncers (applicator for paint) 4.99
***I have plenty of ribbon, applicators, stencils, and paint left for other projects, so taking that into consideration the final cost of my pillow is approx. $15.00

 Directions:


1. Cut 2 pieces of 14"L x 18" W pieces of fabric. (Unbleached Muslin)
2.  Measure and locate the center of the fabric and mark. Place the letters to be stenciled evenly spaced across the material working from the center outward.
3. Tape the stencils in place to avoid shifting.
4.  Pour a small amount of paint into a shallow bowl and dip the sponge applicator coating the sponge with paint. Dab off a bit before applying it to the fabric. Apply as much or as little as you like.
5.  Let the paint dry completely. Then put the piece into the dryer for a few minutes to seal the paint.
6.  Trim one piece of tartan ribbon measuring from end to end of width of fabric.
7.  Stitch ribbon in place and press on reverse side.
8.  With right sides together stitch the perimeter of the pillow allowing a 1-inch side seams AND a 6-inch opening so that the pillow may be stuffed through the hole.
9. Cut corners on an angle before turning the fabric right side out. When turning the fabric right side   out, gently use the point of fabric scissors by pushing the point into the point of the corner of the pillowcase. This allows for a nice crisp point.
10. Press.

11. Stuff the form into the pillow case.

12. Blind stitch the opening closed....touch up with iron if necessary. YOU ARE FINISHED!

 I love my new Holiday Pillow.........

and I love the fact that I saved so much money!

I hope you are inspired to start making some of your upcoming holiday projects yourself. You truly can save alot of $$ by setting aside a bit of time and revving up those creative juices. The end result can be so rewarding!


Share your projects with us on our Facebook page The Lavender Bouquet. Please pass my link along to your friends too!

I would love to see what your ideas are for the upcoming holidays. See you Wednesday!


ENJOY!
K