Where We Get Inspiration

I cut this photo from a Layla Grace add more than two years ago...

I have been "addicted" to decorating magazine for many, many years...Unfortunately, some of my favorites are no longer published....and I miss them..

The countless inspiration blogs and the women behind them now provide me with an unlimited selection of creative ideas...


I decided to transform a vintage dresser I got at a yard sale a couple weeks ago...

First, I practiced on a wood plaque..

and then I finished the dresser like this...

Here it is in my space with a great vintage thrift store lamp that I added a new drum shade to..

Here's a few more found treasures that went to the space..

This beautiful Johnson Brothers covered bowl that I found at a yard sale right out of American Pickers..

This is one of those things that I would love to keep for myself, but will try to sell it first...

Here's a sweet little vanity or night table lamp in the sweetest shad of pink that I added a vintage doilie to the shade...


It's sitting on the night stand that I brought last week...

and here's some fun "texture" balls I made with Styrofoam, some leftover white chenille fabric and some twine..

and then I found this great print of two boys fishing and painted the frame barn red...

It really makes the print stand out...

Weeds...

they are everywhere!

It's so nice to have a piece of land, but the weeds this time of year can be daunting.

So...with the weather cooperating, my husband and I spent 4 or 5 hours working together to weed two very large planting area in from of our guest cottage on Saturday morning.

It is quite a job and one that I honestly dread. But, as in the case with most chores like this, it felt wonderful to get it DONE.

Our reward?

We bought this little fountain that was on sale at Home Depot.

After we were finished weeding we set it up.

I love the way it looks. We just moved some small river rick around it, placed an old piece of metal that our daughter found on our property and added my little angel.

I added some annuals and transplanted some Irish moss and thyme from other areas in the yard

It helps to give yourself a little "reward" when you are facing unpleasant tasks like weeding, even if it's a nice cold glass of ice tea.

I can now open my kitchen sink window and see, and better yet, HEAR my little fountain.

It makes me happy and remind me that weeding is just part of having a nice garden....sigh..

The Desk AFTER Pics - FINALLY

Here's the way she started out.

You may remember her from a previous post (about 7 weeks ago?).

I found her at a yard sale. She was just the right scale for our Master. I just need a small desk for my laptop and personal paperwork.

Diane and I sanded her down, removed her hardware, primed her, and then did the modeling paste treatment on the front of the drawers using laser cut paper.

After some distressing and added some glaze for age and character, she has been moved to her new home for a whole new life.

This chair was a yard sale find that was recovered. It was taken to the consignment store. I decided to bring it home on Friday since it hadn't sold and I really think it works here until I find something that I like better.

The shadowbox above the desk has a photos of our daughter that was taken the very first time we met her.

I also put one of my favorite petticoat slips of hers that is now way too small. I just couldn't bear to part with it--(all the memories of her twirling around in it).

I hung it from a wooden pant hanger that I painted and used the modeling paste technique with a little of the cottage blue paint added.

There are also some baby shoes with a couple special hankies tucked inside and a broach that belonged to my Great Grandmother.

We hung three ledge shelves and added a few accessories -my daughter's handprint, my grandmother's little jewelry box, some gloves made by my great grandmother, the baby doll I found at Farm Chicks in Spokane, and a very favorite photo of my Grandmother.

Isn't it a great feeling to complete a project like this? This little space in my home will always be a reminder of what (and who) really matters in my life. I want to add a few more family photos and put things away in the drawers that don't have to be mixed in with kid's school paperwork, junk mail and bills.

A space all my own.

I must admit, I really have the "bug" now. I love going to yard sales and searching for treasures that are ready for a new life. In this day and age of disposable furnishings, these great wood pieces are sturdy and have withstood the test of time.

Now isn't this better than buying a desk that takes 7 or 8 hours to put together with weird directions and wrenches? You can stay within a budge and still end up with a quality piece.

It was worth the wait.

Thanks to Diane for all her help moving this one outta the garage and into the bedroom. She is such a great partner. NOTE: She know has the "bug" after spending a couple weeks of "junking" with me and helping me with my space.

Don't you just love it?

This project was inspired by the wonderful Flea Market Trixie. Her blog is so much fun and her tutorial for this project was clear and easy to follow. Thanks so much Trixie!

Hope your week is off to a fabulous start.

One More Glimpse

Had to share just a few more shots from The Farm Chicks.....

I am feeling totally inspired. I found a few more thrift store treasures yesterday and I've been working on some of them today.

I'll be sure to share them with you when they are done.

Enjoy the images....