Entry Re-Do

If you have been reading my blog, you know that the entry "area" is the most challenging part of my home. It's not really a hall way, more like a little nook.

You walk in the front door and BAM! you're right in the living room. But, I wanted a piece that you could set your keys, or display pictures, etc.

So here is the change that this area has gone through.

I love the piece lightened up, but I was not liking the plates.

And I thought the lamps were to modern.

I like this better. Yes, both lamps work.

I did not even realized I only had one on until I uploaded the pictures.

I still like it!

Our Lil Man's Room

So here's the deal, we have a two year old, who you guessed it, is rough on stuff.

All stuff.

So I wanted good quality furniture for his room that did not break the bank.

The bed was a deal and it has held up wonderfully.

But.... it's black.

And his room has drak walls. It's a little dreary in there for a little boy.

So I painted it.

Primed.

Nice coverage, with Primer, two coats of blue and a gloss.

The dresser however was another issue.

We bought a huge one, I mean one that was almost the size of his bed. There was no room in there for him, his toys, his bed, his toys, a chair, and his toys.

You get the picture. So I sold his enromous dresser and bought a smaller one that could still hold all of his cloths.

Here's the hardware.

Before drawers.

Forgive me, once I get the motivation to start a project there is no turning back, so after I start, I then remember the camera.

Drying.

Complete.

I like 'em!

Green with Envy

Well, I hope that's the way you feel after you see my latest transformation of furniture. 

I wanted to add a little color, not to brighten it up but to change the simple colors, I always choose green.

But the hubby gives me a big, fat VETO, before I even get in the car to get the paint. But I had an idea, I would "tone down" the green before he saw it.

Wish me luck!

Here is my $20 Craigslist purchase. 

Yes, $20 for the set.

I primed right on top, now roughing it up for me.

Remember, I have to surprise the hubby.

With fingers crossed, of course.

Second coat of green paint.

I think the green is on the relaxed side, but still kinda bright for my placement in our living room.

I slathered on a very generous layer of dark walnut stain.

Mostly, because I like it.

And, because I don't want to do it twice.

After about 10 minutes, I normally wait the longest possible, because again I only wanted to stain it once, but I use a large amount so I did not wait this time.

I wiped it off slightly, and still did not think the green was aged. It looked more covered up to me.

So, I rubbed some more.

And then a little more.

That is the best thing about the stain, you make it the color or aged look you want.

So I stopped rubbing.

This is what I got.

I like it.

And so does the hubby.

Lantern Overhaul!

The other day I headed over to IKEA to find some cute, cheap decor. Something to summerize our home and brighten it some.

I have been reading The Nester's tips and really like her ideas.

Of course I love ALL of her ideas, but this one I had to try.

Ok, I try most of them, anyway.

This lantern was the cutest and it was on sale for $5.

I had to have it. Though it only came in red, navy blue and forest green, there was no way it would work with my brighting plan.

So I walked away only to find the dang cart I was pushing, pull me back over and pick one up.

I COULD PAINT IT!

So here it is right out of the box.

Green and all.

Out to the garage we went and I used my best, most favorite white gloss spray paint money can buy.

No, just what HL had in stock.

Assembley was required.

Thank goodness it came with directions! HA!

So I thought, on the mantle it will go, but the thing was too big and I knew a little two year old would throw a ball in that direction and glass would go everywhere.

So no go with the mantle.

Then, came another fabo idea, I could place it over the TV with one of the cutest globe lights that IKEA has ever made.

Then I placed it inside.

I think I like it!

Lamps Once More

My original post about these fab-o lamps.

This picture is after I painted them black, but still had a small problem with the border ribbon on top. It was brown and beige striped.

And it stayed that way for weeks.

Shhhhhhh!

But then I grew tired, oh so tired.

Every time I walked by the lamps said to me, "oh please do something about this up-matchingness!"

Yes that's a word.

So I did.

I am loving this detail!

Before:             After:

A Little Canvas Art

I have been wanting to try this form some time and since I am smack dab in the middle of brightening up the ole living room I thought what a better time then now.

I went to my local HL and bought to canvas that were the closet to the size of the doormat I already own.

I picked the cheapest kind plus 30% off sale I got these for less then $10.

I used a semi-gloss paint in a gray that I already had as well.

Just rolled it on and it took no time at all.

Sorry I did not get a pick with the mat on the canvas.

I spray painted over with white, but the 1st time, yes the first time, I sprayed too heavy and it leaked out and made a mess. So I had to start over.

The second time I took my time and did two light coats and it worked out well .