Spring Decorating

Do you have a more rustic style of mantel? Here's a great way to bring in the feeling of spring to an otherwise darker area. I absolutely love the banner! To visit Lori at Dining Delight, click on her mantel above. She also has the link to the free printable for the Spring banner!!!

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Spring Decorating

I'm not sure where you live in the world, but in Northeast Pennsylvania, it feels like we live in a deep freezer! So.....Over the next few weeks, we will be bringing a few spring decorating ideas to help get through the last leg of winter.

To kick start this series, here's a beautiful, rustic spring mantle posted by Alice of Thoughts from Alice. To see how Alice put together her mantle vignette, click on the photo above. Alice also has lots of great ideas, printables, DIY and so much more. We know you'll be spending lots of time visiting.


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How to Sew an Envelope Cushion Cover

One of the easiest beginner sewing projects is making pillows. How about making covers that can have the insert removed for easy cleaning and changing out for the different seasons, holidays or just a room makeover? The prettiest way to do this is by making an envelope style back for the cover.

For complete instructions, complete with lots of pictures, visit Deanna at SewMcCool by clicking on the graphic above. This would be a great weekend project, so pull start going through your fabrics and get started today!

Deanna also has an Etsy shop with the most adorable patterns. Click on the graphic below to see her offerings.

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Shabby Chic Shelf

I love the look of a seasonal shelf and nothing says summer better than shabby chic pastels! It's the perfect mix of colorful memory and rustic ease.

 

Meandering through Goodwill last week I stumbled across an outdated shelf made of solid wood with simple lines.  At $3, the price is right for an up-cycled trash to shabby chic treasure! 

The supply list is short with the usual suspects. 

*Paint *Paintbrush  *Garbage bag drop cloth  *screwdriver 

*150 grit sandpaper *damp cloth

Set out plastic garbage bag as a work surface.

Using a screwdriver, remove any existing knobs.  These knobs are perfect for reusing so I set them aside for the finishing steps.

Sand the entire surface, front, back, and underneath.  Surfaces that have a coat of varnish can still resist paint so it's a good practice to sand with the grain and again against the grain.  This will give the new paint a firm grip.

Wipe away all sanding residue with a damp cloth.  Be sure to wipe inside drawers and pockets just to be sure any cobwebs aren't left behind.

Apply paint.  The first layer always looks weak in coverage.  Let this first layer dry completely before adding more paint.

A note about good paint:

 I can be found frequenting the oops paint section at both Lowe's and Home Depot for cast off colors at a great price.  These stores also offer small sample sized containers for as little as $2.49 if a specific color is desired.  Getting paint and primer in one cuts the workload in half.  This particular color was a sample marked down to 50 cents.

Once the second layer of paint is dry, lightly sand, and wipe residue.

 Shabby chic distressing is added by sanding the edges until the wood shows through.

Reattach the drawer pulls and wallah!  The shelf is now ready for beachy decor!

Add some pretty "prop" soaps by wrapping everyday soap in pretty scrapbook papers and bundling together with twine..

A few extra sea embellishments and a crisp linen backdrop complete the summer shabby chic vignette.

This quick up-cycle can be completed in less than 2 hours for instant summer appeal. Try it out on a forgotten shelf in your own home :)

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Give 'Em The Slip

Last year's chair cushions showing their wear?  Don't throw them away!  Give them a quick, easy-peasey facelift with slip covers made from an old button-down shirt.

Spring has sprung across the country and as we dust off our front porches, entryways and fave outside spaces we realize Ewwwwwwww- the winter has taken a toll on those seat cushions!

  I always cringe at the thought of spending money on generic over-priced cushion covers!  Everything needed to spruce up this seat is already at home.

What You Need:

Old cushion

Sharpie Marker

Old button down shirt (or a button front full skirt works well too)

Cotton or poly batting

With shirt buttoned, turn shirt inside out, lay flat. 

The button side of the shirt will be the slip cover bottom.

Place the cushion on top to use as pattern.

 With Sharpie marker, trace the cushion's shape Remember to add extra room (usually and additional 1-2 inches) to allow for the cushion depth.

Cut 1 layer of batting the same size as the fabric, place against wrong side of top layer.

Pin all three layers together.  Stitch 1/2 inch along the outer edges.  Reinforce with a zigzag stitch.

Unbutton all buttons and turn slip cover right side out.  Press. 

At this point, embellishments can be added such as simple knots, buttons, or decorative hand stitching. 

 Place old pillow inside new cover.

Re-button bottom side, place on chair, and enjoy!

Rut-roh- Now the rest of that corner needs a face lift!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl