Welcome to Our Home

For years people have come to my home and always been very complimentary. I always thought of it as more of a cordiality. Recently I took part in our neighborhood Christmas homes tour. Over 250 people came into my home. When I saw ladies taking pictures of my ideas, I realized that I truly do inspire others. Sometimes I come up with ideas, and my husband really thinks I'm taking things a step too far. Like 5 months after we moved into our brand new home, I wanted to paint all the fireplace wood work and mantle black. Well, 4 years later we still like it and show guests the 'before' photo. We are all inspired by something. So, as I share things on this blog, I hope you duplicate, improve and are inspired to take your decorating just one step further. Enjoy!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Metal Frame Re-Do

First, I am so thrilled to finally post something again on my blog. I love doing this. I have oh so few followers, but I don't care! It's been over 5 1/2 months. Nina-Li is here and adjusted well to us as her new family and I can begin doing things again slowly that I love to do!

A few weeks ago my girlfriends Sheri & Sarah and I went to a High & Dry Home Goods sale. Sarah cashed in some B-Day money and I took in some ideas. One was I loved the way she used red on old metal pieces and antiqued. So easy, & oh so cute! So, when I was at Goodwill and found a scratched-up white metal frame, I had just the idea.

My plan was simply to do what I stated above, spray it with red and antique. Quick & Easy! In the middle of the short project I had idea #2. Unfortunately, like many project I forget to take a before picture, I get so anxious sometimes. So, this is the proof it was old ugly and white, the back part that I didn't finish.

So, after I spray painted this metal frame red, I added chalkboard paint! The metal part of the frame that is typicaly behind the picture got three coats.

Once everything was dry, I antiqued it using this antiquing medium from FolkArt. I have used this product for years and love it. But, it is becoming harder and harder to find. Even on the plaid paints website. I can only find it at Hobby Lobby & afraid it will be unavailable eventually. So, if you find it, stock-up! The color is apple butter brown. They have one or two other colors, and I do like them all. This is just my favorite. All you do is put a few drops on it and paint it on. Let is dry for a minute or so and wipe it down. It is easy to use too much. I advise only using a little bit, allowing it to dry for a short time; before using a lot and allowing 2 or 3 minutes of drying time. You can always add more but cannot take it off as easily. I also like to use this for decoupage projects.

What I love about this is that I can use this as a small magnet board, hold pictures in it, or use it as a mini-chalkboard. I LOVE IT!


I believe in inspiration. I believe taking one idea and turning into something a little different. I believe that the highest form of flattery is duplication. Sooooo MANY of my ideas come from something I have seen. However, this little, simple project I thought of all on my own. Well, other than the red inspiration. So, I hope you are inspired and I really hope that I will be back soon. I have a headboard and a small bench I want to combine into one large bench. Can't wait!