Fall Decor-Pumpkin Decorations

Hello friends! Happy Labor Day to all. It's another balmy 100 degrees here in the Dallas area. LOL sure doesn't feel like fall to me but one can hope.  I recently had a dear client request I make some cute pumpkin decor for her and I thought I'd share with you. These half pumpkins can be found at any crafts store.  They are ready to hang and so cute and realistic looking.  You will need one or more pumpkin halves floral wire wire cutters ribbon scissors vinyl decals or stickers Cricut Explore die cutting machine hot glue assorted fall foliage clear satin or matte sealer (Krylon) First I either cut the vinyl on my machine or bought the stickers from the craft store.  You can find them in the scrapbooking section with all the other stickers.  I picked some pretty flourishes for this one.  Pick out a fall foliage bunch that you like along with some coordinating ribbon.  Place the stickers here and t...

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Painting Furniture and the French Cottage Look-McKinney Furniture Painting Class

I have been so busy with life and all that comes with it that I've neglected my blog. And since tonight seems to be another night of insomnia I thought I'd come and visit with you. I was painting just about an hour ago. A dresser and a roll top desk. I really have come to enjoy painting furniture, fabric, walls - really anything but especially furniture. I also love to share my enthusiasm for this Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, that I started  teaching a furniture painting class. Now I'm not a stockist-so I teach my students about different ways to paint but then I let them try their hand at it using my own personal stash of paint, wax, everything! We have such a blast! August 22nd was my last class since the beginning of the busy photography season for me is about to begin.  I've come to love each and every furniture piece that I paint. It gives me great pleasure to know that someone is enjoying that dresser or desk in their ow...

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Desk Transformation-Drab to Fab

As you may have noticed, I am really into refinishing furniture! I love taking an old, drab piece and painting new life into it. The look of happiness on my clients' faces is priceless. I usually paint using a major chalk paint brand.  This time I was sent a full size sample of the new Mud Paint in Manor White.  I loved it!     This is not a chalk based paint and is acrylic based so I did notice somewhat of an odor but not too bad. I like the way it spread and the finish was beautiful. It does go a long way and I decided to add a little bit of water to make it go further.  It is a bit less expensive than my normal go-to chalk paint but there are not retailers in my area so the shipping fees do add up.  I normally buy my paint locally. I decided to purchase an additional sample size of Manor White to do a chair and a sample of the Charcoal. So pretty.  Here are some before and afters:  (please excuse the blurry ...

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Sunday Funday-Klyde Warren Park Dallas

  I remember as a child I did not like Sundays. It meant boring days right before Monday. Mondays meant school. Nowadays we try to make our Sundays both relaxing and fun. Sometimes we go for a drive. We did just that this past weekend. My husband loves to drive us around and we ended up in downtown Dallas. Now granted, we live in McKinney so it's not like a 10 minute drive.  But it was so worth it. I'd always wanted to check out this cool park that is built on top of an overpass.  It's Klyde Warren Park and it has so much to offer. As soon as you walk up to it you can see the colorful food trucks   You can also check out games and reading materials to play and read while at the park. There are ping pong tables, foosball, mini golf, checkers, Jenga, and more.  Perfect for a leisurely Sunday afternoon. They also have a little dog park for your furry friend.  They have a cool kids area with family bathro...

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Trash to Treasure-Roll Top Desk Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Hello friends! Today I will be sharing with you one of my latest projects a roll top desk painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in  Pure White I have started rehab-ing old furniture and selling it on the garage sale sites on facebook. I'm telling you it's becoming a nice little side business.  I'll be preparing a handy little e-book to share with y'all on how you too can make some nice moolah painting furniture. I got this roll top desk for $25 I had to act fast before someone else snapped it up.  Here's what it looked like before I painted. Notice there is a little bowing at the top. My hubby simple cut a piece of wood and attached it to the back to lift it up. Problem solved. I started out with a vision. I wanted it to look very Pottery Barn-ish in a crisp white with very light distressing.  I bought a can of Pure White at my local stockist. I tell you this little can goes a long way. The key is to water it down a little in a contai...

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Valentine's Day Craft (Day Care Crafts)

It's here-Valentine's Day.  What better way to remember the truly, precious things in life than with a home made craft :) This easy craft can be made for Valentine's Day (you still have time) Mother's day or any day. I made these for my day care moms using their little ones' hand print. You will need a white porcelain tile. And depending on how big you want the LOVE to be that's the size you should get.  Mine is 6 inches high X 8 inches wide A sharpie (red is what I used) Metallic paint (Martha Stewart carries some nice ones. But any metallic paint will do) red acrylic paint Clear polycrylic top coat or Mod Podge to seal I used my Cricut Explore to cut the stencil but you can easily get stencil letters at any craft store. First I go my  red acrylic paint and spread some on a disposable paper plate. I grabbed the little one's hand and gently pressed it into the paint. Next I pressed it gently onto the tile careful not to smudg...

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