Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

:)...

Painted Faux Pumpkin

Well, it's here ...the first day of FALL!  So, I'll say to everyone "Happy Fall Y'all!"  Because that's how it's often said down here in the south, ya know?! ;)  

I've been thinking about Fall arriving, and making changes to my home decor that reflect Fall.  Much as I want to hang on to summer, it's officially over now and I'll long for it until I celebrate its return next year!  Still, I have been planning for Fall and my home's decor changes with a few projects.  

Today is a perfect day to share this project, because what says "Fall" more than pumpkins?  I got busy with my paint supplies and a cheap pumpkin I scored from the thrifty Antique Mall I visited a couple weeks ago. 

I bought both of these pumpkins on that day.  I loved the little bronze pumpkin at first glance, but the other one, the creamy white one, it looked very different from the way it appears here.  But, I got it with full intentions of giving it a make-over and now it's all painted up with a new look.  I think it's just perfect now and so pretty!  My perfect, pretty, painted, pumpkin!

I use a lot of neutrals in my home decor so it's only natural that I love the white pumpkins and neutrals for fall.  So, that is the direction I went for fall.  Some of those faux pumpkins can be a bit pricey for the bigger sizes.  But, after finding the pumpkin for next to nothing in cost, I wanted it even though it wasn't quite the look I was after since I knew I could make it over with paint.  A little chalk paint along with some clear and dark wax had it looking fabulous in a short amount of time.

I began painting with great excitement and anticipation of its transformation, then I realized I didn't take a before photo of it!  UGH!  I did manage to put down the paintbrush and capture a glimpse of the two different colors of the top and bottom, and a few photos of the process. 

I had already decided that I wanted to have some of the green still showing after I painted the pumpkin, so I started painting just about where the orange appeared and I didn't paint all the way up to begin with.  

I carefully painted the top area by dry-brushing the paint very lightly there, using a small artist brush.  I had more control that way, and could apply the paint in small amounts.  I just played around with it until I had the look I was happy with.  

I painted a couple coats in varied thickness, I felt that would also give it some texture.  Pumpkins aren't perfectly smooth, after all.  This photo is just after finishing the painting, and after washing my brushes ...the paint dries pretty quickly!  I let it sit a while longer to allow it plenty of time to dry thoroughly before the next step, applying the wax.

Here it is all finished, after the waxing.  I gave it a coat of clear wax, then after dry I buffed it lightly with a soft cloth.  I added dark wax, lightly and sparingly, in different areas one spot at a time, then wiped it off immediately, controlling the amount.  I found it was a bit too dark in a few places so I used the clear wax to help remove some or tone it done.  I finished with another coat of clear wax that I buffed to a nice shine, after all of the wax was dry.  And, just look at that shine!

My pumpkins are looking right at home here now.  They're perfect!  I'm so glad I was the one to get both of them the day that I found them.  I'm still smiling every time I look at my pretty white pumpkin ...that 'I' painted!  

It was overall an easy project, and I will most likely be doing more.  I love the results! 

Easy DIY Chalkboard

Chalkboards are popular items these days and can be found just about everywhere!  They are very easy to make ...so why buy them when you can create your own?

This is a very easy project!  All you need is some chalkboard paint, an old or new picture frame, big or small, or use an old piece of framed art ... not a piece of museum worthy or priceless art mind you!    

I used my chalkboard for my wine theme display!  I just wrote the words "Wine Time" and drew a glass of wine on the chalkboard.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  And, of course I can erase it and use it again for another message.  That is what I like about chalkboards!

~ Easy DIY Chalkboard ~

I used a frame I bought recently, it was only a few dollars and I liked the oval shape of it so I grabbed it up having the idea in mind of making a chalkboard out of it.  I had learned earlier while buying some Annie Sloan chalk paint that it could be used for painting over glass.  I first considered that, although I wanted to reserve the glass for this frame for future use, and I had already purchased some black chalkboard paint from the craft store for this project.

I opened the frame, removed the glass and paper layers, and decided I would simply paint the inside of the back cover of the frame.  I had thought about cutting out a piece of thin board using the glass as a template, but I decided I didn't need to take extra steps when the inside of the back cover seemed all too perfect to use instead.  I love shortcuts!!

If using an old print or piece of framed art, and it's smooth, you could paint right over that, too!

I painted three coats per the instructions, which recommended each coat be painted in a different direction, allowing time to dry between each coat.  I used a foam brush, and 'craft smart' chalkboard paint that I found at the craft store.  There's a vast amout of chalkboard paints available, whether a spray type or bush-on type, just follow the directions on the type you choose.

Pretty simple, quick, and easy!  And, that's about all you have to do to make your own chalkboard!

But, before use you'll need to prep or condition the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire surface, simply lay a piece of chalk on its side and it will cover the board fairly quickly, then wipe it all off with a chalkboard eraser or paper towels.  If you don't do this step the board will look as if it can't be erased, causing a ghosting effect of what written on it the first time!  If that does happen you may need to re-paint your board, which is an easy enough fix!  

Happy Crafting!...

Candlestick Lamp make-over

I picked up this Candlestick Lamp at a thrifty Antique Mall I recently visited.  But, it wasn't looking this pretty when I found it!  I gave it a new look with a much needed make-over!  You may be asking, "Didn't she just do a *Candlestick make-over?"  Yes, I sure did.  However, this one is a different style, and I used a different technique for its make-over.

I like its new look and just as I had hoped it fits in well with my decor.  It's easy to find room for this little pretty just about anywhere in my home.  And, seriously, can a gal ever really have too many candlesticks?  Candlesticks and candle holders are great items to give a makeover.  Many possibilities and different looks can be achieved.

I think I see more of this in my future.  Yep, I'm sure there will be more!  I have a whole new outlook when I see something as I envision what it could look like, that then becomes the goal.  Transform it into something I will love ...like changing it from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan!

This is how it looked when I found it!  Well, actually after I gave it a good cleaning that is.  The brass was looking aged and the beaded lamp shade was quite dusty, but overall in good condition.  On the day I got this they were having an in-store garage sale with lots of items reduced and this little lovely was on the marked down table of goodies.  I easily agreed with the two dollar and fifty-cent price of it, and I quickly added it to my must-have cart of thrifty treasures.  My crafty mind was planning its make-over and thinking of how pretty it was going to be afterwards.  

The lamp shade sparkled like new after a good cleaning, but the brass base needed some TLC!  I had just purchased some chalk paint in a color called 'timeless' and decided this was as good a time as any, to try it out.  And, I knew chalk paint was the perfect choice for giving this piece a new look.

I began by giving the brass a coat of the timeless chalk paint, and then let that dry a while.  Next I did a little dry-brush painting using white chalk paint over the first color, then allowed that to dry.  I applied a layer of clear wax over the paint and let that sit a while to dry before buffing it with a soft cloth.  I distressed it by removing the paint in a few areas and exposing the brass underneath by using a non-scratch scrub pad.  I love how the distressing reveals some of the brass underneath.  I finished by adding very minimal amounts of dark brown tinted wax in just a few spots, then quickly wiped it off with paper towels, followed by buffing over the whole thing with a soft cloth once again.

A close-up of the paint and detail.

I just knew when I picked up the 'timeless' chalk paint color I was really going to like it.  This paint technique proved to be just the look I was going for and it was actually better than I had imagined.  This being my 'experiment' piece, I can't wait to use the same technique on another project I have in mind for it!  My crafty mind is making plans again, as always!

I enjoy sharing these projects because I believe ... if I can do it, anyone can!

*You may also like this Candlestick make-over 

    

Thoughts and Things - This week ... Oh G...

Gals - Gowns - Grands - Goodies, and Guys ...Oh 'G'

It's always a good week when I get to see both of my daughters in the same week!   That certainly doesn't happen often enough since one lives an hour away here in Georgia, and the other lives over two hours away in South Carolina.  It's not so bad now that we have many ways of connecting, and even seeing one another, with the help of phones and video.  

My daughter from SC came to visit for a few days, we had a nice time spending one day shopping my favorite Antique/Thrift shops, scoring greatly I might add!  And, I'm pleased to say that I now have some new projects and will be sharing those here real soon.  We topped off our day with a delicious Italian meal at a favorite restaurant, my early birthday treat for her birthday next week since we won't be together to celebrate it then, and later we enjoyed some glasses of wine out on our back porch.  The weather has been quite enjoyable of a morning and in the evenings, too.    

Here's a little peek at some of the thrifty treasures I scored.  I have plans to use them as my home decor very soon, and I have some makeovers to do on a couple of them first before I share them!

The next day we met up with my other daughter so we gals could all go wedding gown shopping with her, and one of her bridesmaids!  Exciting times planning a wedding next year!   We have gone looking at wedding gowns one other time before, but this time...

She said YES to the dress!

Bridesmaid/Friend, Mother of the Bride, Bride, and Matron of Honor/Sister

She sure did, and it's so perfect!! It was a very special moment, filled with many tears and lots of joy! "Even the 'Bride' cried!" I am now even more excited for the big day! 

~ I'm so happy for her!

>>> <<<

I sent some goodies home with my daughter to give to the grands, since they were at school and unable to visit along with their Mother at this time.  

Sometimes it's the little things like "getting a bag of goodies sent from Grandma" that makes an ordinary day, extraordinary!

And, seeing their happy smiles are the sweet reward for me! ♥♥

>>> <<<

This guy, my guy, had a birthday this week!  However we didn't get to spend it together because he was on the trip of a lifetime! ...traveling Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago, along with a good friend of ours, via their motorcycles.  They took over two weeks to do the route, spending some nights in hotels and some camping out.   I say "I am the best wife ever!"  He just got home today and has lots of photos and video to share, and numerous stories to tell. 

He sent me this photo when they were at the midpoint.

These guys have been on quite an adventure!

Now it's time to enjoy our weekend, and then all should be back to normal around here, whatever that is?  I'll be back real soon with some makeovers that I can't wait to share with you!

I hope you are having a great weekend!

Hostas - A beautiful favorite

I love my Hostas!  These plants are an easy no-fuss type of plant and that works real well for me!  I definitely recommend them, especially if you are a no-fuss in the garden type, like I am.  I don't spend hours working the garden, I want instant gratification most of the time and little fuss, you know?  I like plants that almost take care of themselves.  And, this is one of them!  

There was a time I'd spend hours on end in my back yard gardening and such, but now I find I like to spend more time enjoying it, rather than working it!  I learned along the way to choose more plants and flowers that require less of me, but still give me something I can enjoy.

One of my favorite no-fuss plants are Hostas, because for one they are a perennial (comes back every year) and they really are an easy care plant.  And, I also think they are beautiful, plus they just get better and bigger every year!  They are ideal for the low maintenance gardener like myself!  

These plants are very easy to divide and replant around your garden.  They are a shade loving plant, but mine get ample sun and still do well.  Hostas can be planted in the ground or in pots.  They make a nice potted plant too, either big or small.  Whether planting in the Spring, Summer or Fall, these plants will be ones to enjoy, and to look forward to the next year and those to follow!  

Hostas flower late in the summer with tall shoots and trumpet-like flowers on the top, mine are white and purple.  The flowers change the look, they can be left alone or trimming them works well if you like, and you can use those cuttings as arrangements indoors, although trimming them is not necessary.    

My Hostas were looking like this a few days ago.

By winter they look like a dead plant, but not to worry, they will be back next year!  I get excited when I see them popping through the ground, because I know they are going to be beautiful in no time at all!
  

Early in the spring they start popping up through the ground.

Within just days they come in fast.  

This is a good time to divide them, but you can divide them almost anytime once they emerge.

In no time they fill out nicely.  I like that they get bigger every year.  I was given these three Hosta plants from a neighbor years ago who divided some of her Hosta plants.  I have divided these and used them on the other side of our deck, and in another planting bed.  And, I took some of the divides to Indiana years ago to share with my Mom, back when she still lived there.  These serve as a nice base plant and I can fill in around them with annuals, either in the ground or in pots.

These Hostas are on the other side of the deck which I mentioned, and were divides from the original three plants given to me by my neighbor.  I don't have to fuss with these at all and they look this beautiful!  I love that!   

And, I love my beautiful Hostas!...

Peanut Butter Caramel Dip

I have a tasty treat to share today!  Well the info all about it, anyway.  I enjoyed every last bit of what I made of it earlier all by myself.  But, had you been here with me I would have shared my treat with you.  I really would have!    

Doesn't it look yummy?  It is! ...or was!    

I noticed a recipe printed on the lid of my Smucker's Peanut Butter for Peanut Butter Caramel Dip.  Yum!  I was salivating as I read through the ingredients, while I made note of what would be needed on my next trip to the grocery store so I could make 'my own' version of the recipe.  I was making plans!

I love Caramel Apples and this dip got me thinking that it's almost that time of year when they start to make an appearance.  Dare I use the 'F' word and say Fall, even though we do have the better part of September to enjoy the remainder of Summer yet, since Fall doesn't officially begin until the 23rd of this month.  I don't really hate Fall mind you, I'm just one who likes Summer much better!

I altered the recipe printed on the lid above!  To make my Peanut Butter Caramel Dip I picked up some crunchy peanut butter, because I only had smooth at home, and I thought the crunchy would give me more of a 'caramel-apple' appeal.  After all there are usually nuts on caramel apples, and that's just one more thing I like about them.  I left out the cinnamon, and I used the regular sweetened caramel topping.  Actually, I didn't even see any of the sugar-free variety at the store, and I figured I'd prefer the regular caramel topping anyway.

I only used about two tablespoons each of the first two ingredients since I was making this only for myself, and I also added just a couple teaspoons of milk (you can use honey if you prefer to not add milk, either way works, I've done it both ways), this recipe can be altered to your preferences, and I sliced up one apple for dipping.  The Gala apples are a favorite of mine and were perfect with this delicious dip, but I'm sure what ever type of apple you prefer will be good too.

    

Peanut Butter Caramel Dip

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter, crunchy or smooth 

1/2 cup caramel topping

2 tablespoons milk / or use honey instead

2 apples cored and cut into wedges

Directions:

Mix peanut butter and caramel topping in bowl until blended.  Stir in milk to make a smooth consistency, adding more milk as needed.  Serve with apple wedges.

Makes 2 to 4 servings

   

Enjoy!...