Look-A-Like

I am always on the hunt for household items that look unique. When I found my glass lamp I was ecstatic! I knew it was similar to a pottery barn lamp that I had seen (pictured below). The cost of the lamp below is between $184-$229, the high cost is due to the crystal.

BUT... if you do not care about the crystal and want a similar look. I found this slightly smaller glass lamp for $20! I like the size because it is my bedside table lamp and it will go with any changes I make in the future!
So... always be on the hunt for what strikes you as something you might enjoy in your own house. I just like to compare my finds to high end merchandise. I always ask myself... how can I recreate that and make it my own? Happy Hunting!

Make Your Own Gift!

This year I decided to make my gifts for some co-workers and friends. While downtown in my favorite store I saw these beautiful starfish for sale with a very fine glitter on them. I examined the price tag... 9.00 each! So then I examined the starfish more closely to see if I could replicate it. I had to order the starfish from an online store, they were White Finger Starfish. Once I got the starfish and made a visit to my local Michael's I was all set to go!

Step 1. Purchase your starfish. These are 3-4 inch starfish.

Step 2. Using Crazy glue, attach the string to one of the "arms" of the starfish.

Step 3. Using Tacky Spray, completely cover the front of the star fish.

Step 4. I put my glitter in a bowl and then placed the sticky side down into the glitter. Make sure all the glue is covered up with glitter. I used "Recollections, Extra Fine Glitter, Blanc Rose"

Step 5. Set aside the starfish on newspaper to dry. Feel free to cover the other side as well, I did not do this.

Step 6. Using a CLEAR sealer, spray the starfish with the spray. This keeps the glitter on longer. You do not have to do this, but it does seal the glitter better. Do not spray too close, the aerosol will take off the glitter! Let them dry for about 10-15 minutes before wrapping or hanging. Now you are done!!!

I did make 25 of these starfish and with the cost of materials, these starfish worked out to be about 80% cheaper than the ones I saw in the store!

I did find some nice tissue paper and antique white ribbon and wrapped up my gifts for all my wonderful coworkers and friends!

Let me know if you need any other information about how to make these! They are fun and easy to make and they are made by you! I think I might make a deal with that store next year and sell them MUCH cheaper and still make a profit!

Onion Lamps

During hurricane Irene we lost power for 7 days. Eric and I actually did not mind the power outage and actually enjoyed our nights spent talking by candle light (OoOoO). What really lit up our living room were our onion lamps. The onion lamp is a traditional lamp that was originally made out of tin and mica for the glass. The purpose of the lamps were initially designed as a light to burn whale oil around the 19th century and were used by railroads and shipping companies. Back in the 19th century the lamp actually did not give off that much light! However, the 7 nights we used our lamps they actually gave off plenty of light. The onion lamps still hang in our living room ready for another power outage! We liked the "nautical" look and it is better than having an empty hook!

Free is always good

The previous owner left lots of items behind for us. When talking over coffee one morning with my husband, I was explaining to him that I wanted some real nautical items and not just reproduction. My husband then said that he saw an old anchor in the basement. I was very excited to hear this and requested for him to bring it up right away!! Next thing I knew I was staring at an old anchor. Eric suggested to clean it up and paint it white, but I loved the old salt staining on it... that gave it that old used feeling that I love. So, I placed the anchor in the corner of our living room. Although it looks lonely in the picture, it ties in perfectly into the room and often people over look it! Also what I love is that is was free! So, look through your old basements, sheds, crawl spaces.. you may find something worth using!

Dining Room Ceiling

Before

During...

Here is the finished product!! I usually have it a bit more dimmer than pictured. Got it on sale at PB!

Finished!

When we bought our house there was no formal dining room. As you can see by the first picture there was a ceiling fan and the room was staged as a living room. We decided to convert the living room into our formal dining room which was right off the kitchen. Why have two living rooms?! The room is not completely finished, but it has come a long way!

Eric had to take down an off centered ceiling fan (YAHHH!) then snake the new wire into where the chandelier was going to hang. After the wire was in place, we went through the long process of patching and sanding the holes. Finally, we painted the light blue ceiling... to "ceiling white". The previous owner had a thing with very BOLD color and painting ceilings! As you can see we went with a neutral wall color. I can check on the exact color if anyone want's it, but we always use Benjamin Moore!

Never a dull day with two pup's wondering around through the ceiling dust. This was everywhere!!

Trunk

I love old trunks... you can find them for pretty cheap at flea markets or maybe a yard sale. For a smaller beat up trunk with leather pealing and missing shelving inside do not pay more than 20-25 dollars for it. For a more decent piece with partial/full stickers still attached but still with some ware and tear, about 40 dollars. Also, ALWAYS try to negotiate the price!! I always try to lowball the price and then play the "I am new at this game" in order to ward off any offense I may have caused. I also point out all the things wrong with the piece to make my case. If you are looking for a specific trunk, some are more valuable than others and it's worth doing your research ahead of time!

Once you bought your trunk, it is easy to clean it up. Using mild water and a soft cloth wipe down the trunk. Then using fine steal wool and butchers wax thinly smooth on the wax on all parts of the trunk, the wood, metal and leather. Avoid the stickers and latches. This is a cheap way to protect the trunk and bring out a richer color! I do not have a before/after picture, but the leather looked grey in comparison!

I originally bought the trunk for a coffee table... but it is too large. It's now our media center! Lesson learned, write your desired measurements down before you go out scouting! Lastly, after you bought your trunk do your research on it. I was ecstatic to learn that my trunk was made locally in CT!

Wall of Frames

I love the look of old vintage picture frames, so I decided to create my own wall of frames. I got the majority of my frames from Homegoods, some at wal-mart and a few at my local secret antique warehouse. All the frames are different, but have the same vintage feel. Next, I decided on the theme of the wall. Seeing how I just got married I decided to dedicate the wall to our time together leading up to buying our house. Each picture is sequenced in order by our time spent together. My husband had the pleasure of measuring and leveling. What is great about this idea is that it is unique and you can change out pictures throughout the year! My wall of frames is in my dinning room.

Hidden Potential

This corner hutch was left behind. Seeing how I love the rustic old feel of furniture, I decided to take some of my stress out on this ugly 1970's piece of furniture and make is feel old, used and loved!

Under Construction

Not only is our house underway... my blog has been transformed. Originally the purpose of this blog was for a technology class I was enrolled in. Now that the class is over... I felt I could transform the blog into something I am very passionate about... my little cottage home!

I am someone who loves to decorate and I try to include old 1920's flare and seashore cottage all into one... and most importantly, as cheaply as I can. Enjoy our renovations as well as other ideas that you could incorporate into your own home!

Most of all... I hope you enjoy our renovations as much as we do!