Decorating Archives - Page 21 of 67

arts and craft, Decor Adventures, Decorating

DIY Sheet Metal Vase

Last month I shared an easy way to make faux flowers look real. It’s a simple way to add life and color to your decor. Today we’re going to make a vase for all of those flowers!

You can make containers or vases using a multitude of items. We’ll be using decorative sheet metal and spray paint to hold a faux palm leaf for a beautiful green arrangement. You can add your own creative touch to this quick project with your favorite colors and stems.

Let’s get creative, shall we?

Materials:

Decorative aluminum sheet
Tin snips
Heavy work gloves
Eye protection
Spray paint (optional)
19 gauge wire
Wire cutters
Glass vase
Stems of fake flowers

The glass vase and bamboo sticks are from the dollar store. The palm leaf was purchased at a craft store. The rest of the supplies can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

Instructions:

1. Get a piece of decorative sheet metal from the home improvement store. Wearing work gloves and using the tin snips, cut the sheet to a size that will roll around a glass vase with at least a one inch overlap.

(I spray painted my piece in copper for a different look. If you paint it, you only have to paint one side.)

2. Create a tube with the aluminum so the long ends overlap. Cut 3 small pieces of wire of equal length and bend them in half. Make sure you wear eye protection during this step.

3. Roll your aluminum sheet into a column to fit around your glass vase (making sure the ends overlap.) Once in this shape, insert both ends of a piece of wire through the holes in the overlapped section of aluminum sheet. Repeat with the remaining two pieces of wire. Twist the wire together to hold the sheet metal in place.

4. Twist the wire a few times around itself and trim off the excess with wire cutters. Notice the arrows where the wire is below.

Now your aluminum sheet “vase” will stay in its round shape and you can slip it over a glass vase. Add your greenery and faux flowers.

For this arrangement I used bamboo sticks and a large palm leaf from the craft store. Greenery adds life to any space. Every room should have some flowers or leaves to liven things up.

When using a glass vase inside the aluminum sheet you can add water and real flowers if you like.

Want more tips on arranging faux flowers?

Have fun with your new flowers and see you at Decor Adventures soon.

~ Read Jessica’s Other Posts ~

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July 6, 2016/2 Comments/by Decor Adventures

Decorating, Home Decor

25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted

Hi! I’m Kathy, and I’m so excited to be bringing you this round up of 25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted!

Would you like to update your room with a fabulous area rug? But, the thought of spending hundreds of dollars has you saying, “No Way!” Relax, adding a new design and color to your space is as easy as a DIY painted rug. Join me on a magic carpet ride to see 25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted.

Can you believe this Aztec inspired rug from Nellie Bellie was created from a drop cloth and cut sponges? I will never look at a painter’s drop cloth the same way again.

(via: Nellie Bellie)

Katie and Eric painted this awesome blue duo-toned rug with foam brushes and a stencil. There’s no singing the blues when your feet touch this pretty rug.

(via: MountainModernLife)

Tape and outdoor paint were the only materials JoAnn needed to create this stylish indoor/outdoor rug. The cross hatch corners add a special design touch.

(via Curbly)

This spectacular outdoor rug was created by Jennifer using stencils and spray paint. I’d buy this rug in a store any day!

(via Tatertots and Jello)

Striped rugs are very trendy, but they can cost a small fortune. Tape off some stripes and you too can have this awesome striped sisal rug.

(via: House Tweaking)

Walk this way! Rachel turned this welcome mat from drab to fab by painting it with colorful geometric arrows.

(via: Curbly)

A plain vanilla door mat got its cheery vibe from a stencil and paint. It’s almost too pretty to wipe your feet on!

(via: Pretty Handy Girl)

Sarah wanted to makeover a rug. She devoted a few hours to create this beautiful gray and white offset striped rug.

(via: Sarah M. Dorsey Designs)

Kayla bought a $15 Walmart rug and transformed it into a beautiful addition to her guest room. I bet you’ll be making a trip to Walmart soon to look at their rug selection. Am I right?

(via: Say Not Sweet Anne)

Ten minutes. That’s all Beth spent turning this rug into a bold statement runner. She simply painted a pink and an orange stripe on this rug in her hallway.

(via: Chinoiserie Chic)

Who wouldn’t love this navy and white geometric painted rug in front of their kitchen sink? Elizabeth at Little Black Door shares how you can paint your own sweet mat.

(via: Little Black Door)

Sarah made this welcoming row house door mat in less than 30 minutes using exterior house paint and painters tape. You can’t even run to the store to buy a rug and get home in 30 minutes. Go ahead, break out your paints and give yourself a new door mat.

(via: Sarah Hearts)

You would never guess this brightly painted Navajo rug was originally a pastel colored rug? Learn how Lindsay made the startling change in four hours.

(via: The White Buffalo Styling Co)

Who doesn’t love a colorful chevron patterned rug? Tanya zigged and zagged her way to create this One Kings Lane knock off rug.

(via: Twelve O Eight)

Elaine hated the rug she ordered online. But, she fixed that problem with paint and an artistic flair. Now her rug doesn’t compete with her leopard stair runner. You have to see both together to appreciate the true beauty.

(via: OMG Lifestyle)

Roeshel wanted something cushy underfoot. She grabbed some interlocking gym mats and painted them to create a soft surface for under the kitchen sink.

(via: DIY Showoff)

Brittany needed an inexpensive rug for her screen porch. She found one at a thrift store and used chalk and butcher paper to create her freestyle design outdoor rug.

(via: Pretty Handy Girl)

Bethany created this elegant living room rug without spending any money! None, zero, zip! I don’t want to give away all her secrets, but I will say she used a leftover can of spray paint.

(via: Reality Daydream)

I’m in love with Toni’s Painted Vinyl Sheet Flooring rug. Pink Polka dots is the cutest idea for a craft space or a child’s room!

(via: Design Dazzle)

You would never guess what was underneath this colorful doormat. Nope, don’t even try to guess. Let’s just say that Melissa got a hold of it and banished the old design out to sea.

(via: Loving Here)

Amy loved her plush memory foam runner, but thought it lacked style and grace. She gave it a beautiful makeover and she and her runner lived happily ever after.

(via: The Idea Room)

Cassity’s rug was making her feel a little blue. She added a pop of pink by painting color inside the lines of this rug and now she’s happy once again.

(via: Remodelaholic)

Shelley wanted a chic aqua chevron style painted rug. She wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way, so she painted this rug using paint and a vinyl stencil.

(via: The House of Smiths)

Ursula took two cotton kitchen rugs and ended up with gorgeous designer style bathroom rugs when she finished with them.

(via: Home Made by Carmona)

Stacy turned a plain white cotton rug into this vibrant Turkish Kilim inspired painted rug for her foyer. Come on, tell the truth! You never would have guessed that it was a DIY painted rug!

(via: Not Just a Housewife)

Have I inspired you? I think it’s time to pick up those paints and add some fabulousness underfoot in your home. If you have any tips for us rug painters, please share. We love to hear your comments! Have a painted rug you want to share? Leave your link in the comments below.

Happy painting!

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June 29, 2016/4 Comments/by Kathy Williamson

Decorating

Arranging Faux Flowers to Look Real

Although summer is the season for planting outside and enjoying lush gardens, sometimes you also want flowers inside the house too. But without the fuss, possibility of allergies, or need to water. I found a great way to get the look of real greenery with faux flowers.

These days you can find hundreds of faux plants, flowers, and greenery. They are available from many craft and home decor stores. Orchids are popular in home decor because they are beautiful, elegant, and come in many colors. Since the real ones can be hard to maintain, why not DIY some faux flowers of your own and enjoy them year after year.

Materials:

2 Stems of faux orchids
1 Piece of floral foam (meant to hold water, but you won’t use water for this project.)
Container to arrange flowers in
1 Orchid leaves stem
Faux moss
Wire cutters
Kitchen knife

Instructions

1. Grab your container and floral foam. Trim the foam to gently squeeze into the container (a kitchen knife will cut it easily.) The foam needs to fit snugly, but not so tight that it breaks. This will keep your flowers secure.

I found this silver trophy at a thrift store but you can use any sized container that you like.

2. Place stem of the flowers on the outside of the container to judge how where to trim your stems to the correct height. Trim the orchid stem with wire cutters.

3. Carefully stick the stems into the floral foam.

Stick the leaves in, spreading them out to the desired look. You might have to trim the bottom of the wire for the leaves. This is what it will look like when you have the orchid stems and leaves in the foam:

4. Cut some faux moss and arrange it around the stems to cover the foam. You can hot glue the moss to make it more secure or just leave it as is. Faux moss is very forgiving, this part doesn’t have to be perfect.

Bend the orchid stems into a beautiful curve to help them look real.

Place your faux flower arrangement on your favorite shelf, table, desk, or outside on the porch and enjoy your masterpiece!

This is one of my favorite projects. Arranging faux flowers is easy and they look beautiful.

Have fun with your new flowers and see you at Decor Adventures soon.

~ Read all of Jessica’s posts ~

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June 6, 2016/2 Comments/by Decor Adventures

Decorating

Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Garden Party

The weather has been amazing this week! It feels so wonderful to have a spot to entertain on our new patio. Up until last week, we had no furniture for the patio, which meant it was a barren spot. Two things happened that allowed me to be able to pull together furniture and decor. First, my neighbor posted a picture of their old patio set for sale.

I almost ran to their house to pick up the set. The chair frames and table were in good shape. The cushions were brown and had seen better days. But, I knew I could replace them. I handed my neighbor some cash and loaded the furniture into my “I can haul anything” minivan.

Second, I got an email from At Home asking if I’d like to work with them. You’ve heard of At Home, right? Truth be told, I’d never stepped foot in an At Home store. Before I replied, (because I’m serious when I say I am very particular about the brands I work with), I decided to take a little field trip to our local At Home store.

When I walked into those front doors my jaw dropped! How did I not know about this place?

At Home is a huge mega store filled with everything from lighting (two whole aisles worth)…

…to vases…

…to home décor (need a bird cage? Pick your color!)…

…to rugs…

…to furniture…

…and any color pillows (more pillow aisles not pictured)…

…to faux flowers, art, linens, furniture, textiles, outdoor accessories, seasonal items, and much more.

But, as soon as I looked at the price tags I knew I couldn’t wait to share with you. The prices are AMAZING! Nothing is overpriced and the quality is very good. You see where I’m going with this right? You are reading a sponsored post for At Home, but honestly I’d probably shout about this amazing store from the roof tops!

At Home adds over 500 new items EACH WEEK, so there are always new items to discover!

I knew my first project had to be sharing Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Garden Party. Anyone can add a few items to take your patio from this…

…to this!

A few purchases from At Home and the patio looks much better! Now we’re ready for guests.

You are cordially invited to our Outdoor Garden Party. Grab a drink and come join us to celebrate our new patio.

The rooster drink dispenser is one of my favorite items I picked up at At Home. A galvanized tray and some faux lemons help complete the drink stand.

Come take a seat and enjoy the warm weather.

The Tyndale Breeze square cushion adds some color to our patio set.

You would not believe how many cushion sets At Home has right now! One side of the store is devoted to outdoor cushions in all color, shapes, and sizes for your outdoor furniture!

Throw away those old stained cushions. Give your furniture a quick makeover with stylish cushions.

I love to mix and match fabrics for a more interesting look. Which is why I paired another Tyndall Breeze square pillow with a coordinating Wessex Azure Button Pillow.

I may have a slight addiction to throw pillows. But, aren’t throw pillows just stuffed animals for adults? I’ll just explain my decision by saying more pillows mean more comfortable.

The head chairs have one square pillow. Adding a cotton throw softens the dark metal chair frame. You will love how many colorful throws At Home has!

I love the Wessex Azure Back Seat Cushions. They can double as a seat or back cushion and are made of sun and mildew resistant fabric to keep them looking fabulous.

Won’t you have a cookie?

The mosaic votive holder is my favorite. I couldn’t find this exact one on the website, but they have many more beautiful mosaic candle holders.

I picked up a 5 pack of smaller blue votive holders and battery-powered tea lights to fill out the table.

Remember that little area behind the garage? It had no purpose until now.

The large rustic scroll medallion is the perfect size to add interest to that spot.

I added a steel bench and some pillows to complete this space.

Do you recognize the plant stand? It was an old wash stand project from several years ago.

Of course, I couldn’t resist picking up a few more pillows and a decorative pot for our other bench.

To add some lighting, I strung a few strands of string lights between two copper poles (I used City Farmhouse’s idea and added my own style with copper pipe, caps, and hangers.)

Do you know those purchases you make at a yard sale and think, “I’ll find a use for these some day?” I’m guilty as charged! These three trellis screens sat under our house for years until this week. I pulled them out and cleaned off all the dirt.

Then I turned them into an attractive privacy screen. Learn how to make your own living lattice privacy screen here.

For fun, I hung some glass candle holders from the 11 Ft. Spa Blue umbrella. (The price on this umbrella is unreal! Grab one before they are gone.)

Of course, one can never have enough candles for a party. The hurricane vase (currently on clearance) and LED candle were a must purchase.

The faux pyramid boxwood topiaries are a nice addition to help the space feel more intimate.

I added lights and decorations to them for the holidays. At Home has lighted topiaries as well, but I chose to forgo the pre-lit ones.

Feel free to stay awhile, the party is just getting started!

You are welcome to stay all night.

I have a hammock you can crash in.

I hope you enjoyed our garden party. I also hope you’ll make a trip to At Home soon. It is an amazing place to shop for your home.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for At Home. I was compensated for my time writing this post. At Home also provided me with a gift card to purchase items to use in this post. All ideas and words are my own. I was not told what to write.

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May 20, 2016/18 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Decorating

Luxurious Master Bedrooms Attract Buyers

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Create a Luxurious Master Bedroom to Woo Buyers (without spending big bucks) | Pretty Handy Girl

Creating a relaxing and luxurious master bedroom is a great way to attract potential buyers and help you get top dollar for your home. This is the one room (besides the kitchen and master bathroom) that can make or break a home sale. Buyers today are looking for big luxurious spaces that convey serenity and relaxation.

One of challenges I was facing when getting my client’s home ready to sell was to take the master bedroom from cozy to glamorous.

My client’s master bedroom was a decent size, but the three dark dressers in the room left it feeling cramped and small.

To create a luxurious and serene master bedroom I implemented several inexpensive strategies. Read more

May 2, 2016/4 Comments/by Brittany Bailey