Tag Archives: french country

French Inspiration

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Sharon ت

About a month ago, I had the privilege of meeting Pamela Finch from the blog From My Front Porch to Yours in real life! It’s a little surreal to meet the person behind the blog. Pamela is very warm and down to earth. She also has a great sense of humor. It was a real treat to get to spend the afternoon with her.

There was an instant connection as Pamela and I ooohed and aaaahed over the Pink Ribbon House in Houston. We took our time in each room to look at all of the details and take mental notes. As we roamed room to room, I was very taken with the subtle textures and the soothing palette of french inspired grays. This dining room is a fine example. Read the rest of this entry →

breakfast room tour

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Sharon ت

I really enjoy our breakfast room. It’s sunny and bright just as a breakfast room should be. It’s taken some time for me to decorate it to truly reflect my style, but it’s really close now. Perhaps a few more accessories and I might call it done. But if we wait on me to consider the room finished, you’ll never get to see it. So, here it is in it’s almost done state.

And there you have it. I call the decor French Farmhouse. What would you call it?

A few of the things on my shopping list are: a rug to put under the table, some old cutlery for the wire caddy, a basket filled with dish towels to sit on the shelf of the small table, and some plates and a painted sign to add to the wall above the vignette. In due time.

Until next time,

Sharon

Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill

Cowgirl Up @ 1 party at 4 blogs: Cedar Hill Ranch, The Farmhouse Porch, The Ivy Cottage, and Craft Texas Girls

Riverton Housewives Roundup @ The Real Housewives of Riverton

Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Tell it to Me Tuesday @ Creatively Living

Tuesday’s Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Take it on Tuesday @ Romance on a Dime

28 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged breakfast room, DIY, french country, french farmhouse, home decor. Bookmark the permalink.

DIY chalkboard and framing

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Sharon ت

~Make your own chalkboard

1) Buy a piece of masonite board from a craft store. I purchased mine from Michael’s. I chose the size based on the frame that I was going to use with my chalkboard.

2) Purchase some chalkboard paint. You can buy it as a spray can or paint can. It is sold as craft stores, home improvement stores and Walmart. If you buy the paint can, you will also need a paint brush or small roller with a low nap.

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3) Follow the directions on the paint for painting your masonite board.

4) Be sure to season your board by rubbing it with the side of your chalk. Once you erase the chalk, your chalkboard is ready to use.

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5) If you prefer, you can write with chalk paint pens found at craft stores.

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~ Frame your own art

Need to frame the chalkboard you just made? Here are the step by step directions.

1) Use an open back frame you have around the house or purchase one.

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2) Lay the frame face down and place your art inside; also face down.

3) Attach framing clips around the artwork by tapping the sharp end into the frame. The rest of the clip will hold the picture in place.

4) Once your picture is secure in the frame, attach hanging hardware to the back of the frame.

5) If you use hanging wire, be sure that the top of the wire does not show above the frame when pulled up.

For visual instructions, take a look at this tutorial on you tube.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to:

Tutorial Tuesdays Link Party @ The Kurtz Corner

4 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged chalkboard, DIY, diy framing, french country, home decor. Bookmark the permalink.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Sharon ت

When I saw this mirror in Ballard’s catalog,

I was inspired to transform my dining room mirror from this

to this.

I already had the paint in the garage. So, this project didn’t cost me a dime. It doesn’t get better than that!

To achieve this look, I painted the mid section of the frame with three coats of SW Tranquil Aqua, and

left the rest of the frame to expose the “before” color.

I am very pleased with the end result. I’d love to hear what you think.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

Rock and Share @ The Shady Porch

Winter Blues party @ DIY by Design

20 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged ballard designs, DIY, french country, home decor, mirror, painted furntiure, projects. Bookmark the permalink.

Carryin’ On in the Kitchen

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Sharon ت

That’s carrying on as in moving forward, but also carrying on as in cuttin’ up, misbehaving, acting silly. I can explain. At least that is what I was thinking when my daughter walked in on me painting the kitchen in my bra and sweatpants in the wee hours of the morning. You know that feeling you get when someone is looking at you? Well, I was doing a little test painting in the kitchen when I had that feeling. So, I turned around to see my daughter standing there, stopped in her tracks, smiling and asking, “Why, are you painting in just your bra, Mom?” By now, my family is very used to me doing projects at all hours of the day and night. It was the bra part that caught her off guard.

So, back to my explanation. I had splattered paint on my most comfy sweatshirt. In an effort to salvage it as wearable in public, I decided to take it off, rinse the paint out and spray it with stain remover. However, I wasn’t finished with my test painting. So, I carried on.

Now, for the carrying on as in moving forward part of this story. I was browsing through either Ballard’s or Sturbridge Yankee’s catalog when I saw the valance made out of a black, floral fabric. I was determined to find this fabric so that I could make my very own valance for my brand new house. I learned that it was a Waverly fabric and that JoAnn’s carried it. However, even half-price at JoAnn’s was a little steep for me considering how much fabric I needed. Eventually, I found an affordable price at online fabric store. So, as you can imagine, I took great pride in sewing not only the valances, but my very first, and only, window cushion.

The day came that they were ready to install. Instant disappointment. One, I hadn’t visualized them being so short on the windows. It left a lot of white blind showing. Two, I had fallen out of love with the fabric. Sigh.

So, four years later, I’m still living with these window treatments because I made them. The night that I was test painting, I was trying to see if a lighter paint would cheer up the look in the breakfast room.

Here’s my test paint area and the waverly valances. (Sorry, no pics of me in my bra.)

This pic was taken the next day after I had purchased those BH&G cafe tiers from Walmart; hoping to draw attention away from the heavy black. In the end, I took down the waverly curtains and exchanged those cafe curtains.

I’m giving myself a little time to live with the redo. I absolutely loved it the first night. Now, I’m starting to question if I really like it. What’s wrong with me? Please tell me you’ve been through this.

If all stays the same, I will reveal the breakfast room redo in a few days.

Until next time,
Sharon

3 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged DIY, fabric, french country, projects, sewing, waverly, window treatment. Bookmark the permalink.

Marshall’s Home Goods in the Master

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Sharon ت

I ran into Marshall’s Home Goods the other day to get just one thing: a globe for my Dad’s Christmas present. There wasn’t much time to spare. I had about an hour to get in and get out. I certainly got the most out of that hour!

Not only did I find the globe I was looking for, but I also got this chair.

I instantly liked it for the tufts, the fabric and the curved lines,

as well as the fact that the stain on the legs of the chair matches my bedroom furniture.

So, I snatched it up! I know what it’s like to admire something and it be gone when I go back for it. I wasn’t going to take that chance again. Of course, the price was right or it would still be at Marshall’s.

That’s not all! I also really liked this magnetic memo board. So, I got it, too.

Anything with script on it grabs my attention. I also liked the soft color palette. Oh, and the best part is that later that day when I was browsing the latest issue of Ballard’s catalog, I saw what looked to be the exact same memo board! SCORE!

Both of these great finds are now gracing my master bedroom.

I paired the chair with the mirror that was above the mantel in my family room. Now I’m looking for the perfect little side table to complete this corner.

After rearranging all of the art in my master bedroom, I was able to create a space for the memo board. I’ve heard it said, that if you really like something, you will find a place for it. I agree.

It feels like a new room. Love it! I have a few more things to do in my master bedroom. Then, I’ll give you a full tour.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to these parties:

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

French Inspiration Thursday @ The French Cupboard

Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

9 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged budget decorating, chair, french country, home decor, home goods, marshall's, master bedroom, memo board, projects. Bookmark the permalink.

Pallet Project

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Sharon ت

I did it! I finished my first pallet project. I’m excited to show it to you. So, let’s get right to it.

Y’all are quite familiar with what they look like. So, I don’t have a before photo of the pallet. But, here it is after giving it a faux drift wood finish.

Here are a few close-ups.

I am so, so pleased with the way it turned out! I already had all of the paint in my garage. So, this project was (cue Oprah’s sing- song introductions) Fuh-reeee !!

I had been wanting to do something to make my fireplace wall stand out. I think this pallet makes a great “impact” piece. So, the mirror that hung above my mantel was replaced. (Check back Thursday to see how beautiful the mirror looks in my bedroom.) Now, I didn’t want to leave the pallet blank. The original plan was to transfer a recent family photo onto canvas, and hang it on the pallet. But when I saw this mirror in Ross, I decided on it instead.

Here are the directions on how to create a faux drift wood finish.

1) Scrub the pallet to get it as clean as possible. I gave it an all over wash with dish liquid and warm water. Then, I used a general purpose cleaner on the tough spots.

2) After the wood dries, paint the pallet with the base coat color. (I did not use a primer because I wanted to see the wood grain.) This will be the darkest color in your color palette. I used “Charcoal Sketch” by BHG.

3) While the paint was drying, I mixed some of my base color with “Antique White” by BHG to lighten it a little. Once you’ve created your second color, add 1 part water to 2 parts paint to create a glaze. I painted the glaze on with a paint brush and then used a paper towel to slightly rag it off.

4) Next, you will use the lightest color, for me that was the “Antique White” by BHG, and dry brush it onto the pallet. Make sure your brush is dry and that you dab off most of the paint onto a paper towel before painting. You don’t want much paint on your brush. I also recommend brushing very lightly. You can always add more if you need to.

5) Once the pallet is dry, it’s finished! You can seal it if you choose. I did not.

This is an example of a project that I never would have tried if I hadn’t been inspired in blogland; in particular, by Debbie @ Debbiedoo’s Blogging and Blabbing. Thanks, Debbie!

Speaking of Debbie, I will be linking up to her Newbie party ,as well as:

Trash to Treasure Tuesdays @ Kammy’s Korner

Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

Rock and Share @ The Shady Porch

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

More the Merrier Monday @ DIY Home Sweet Home

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

23 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged DIY, driftwood decor, faux finish, french country, mantel, mirror, paint, pallet, projects. Bookmark the permalink.

Wahoo, WUSLU!

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Sharon ت

A few weeks ago, an eagerly anticipated package arrived at my home.

I couldn’t open the box fast enough to see the lantern I ordered from WUSLU.

I set it out on the breakfast table and admired all of the details

like the metal lid with the finial and ring on top,

the functioning latch,

the finish of the wood and the beautiful glass panes.

After I finished admiring the craftmanship, I got out the stepladder and set the lantern in its spot.

I am enjoying how the rustic elements of the lantern compliment my daughter’s western art.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to:

Tuesday’s Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

3 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged daily deals, french country, home decor, projects, rustic lantern, WUSLU. Bookmark the permalink.

Cock-a-doodle Candy Dish

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Sharon ت

My Mother-in-Law saw this little bowl in Hobby Lobby and thought of me. Can you guess why?

I love the colors in the rooster and the black background.

It wasn’t long before I decided it would serve as a candy dish.

Then, I played around with it; setting it in different places in the kitchen. I finally decided to put it on the counter space between the kitchen and the living room; making the candy accessible from all directions.

This was an inexpensive and small gift, but I was so delighted to receive it.

And my family is really enjoying helping themselves to some candy.

Todays lesson is this: Today is Black Firday. You might just be getting home from shopping: feet aching, mind reeling, and mood dropping in disappointment that you didn’t find just the right gift for Grandma. However, let’s not get so caught up in the gift giving that we miss out on the true meaning of Christmas. “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to
all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David
a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”–Luke 2:10,11. This is the greatest Gift of all.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to:

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Potpourri Party @ 2805

Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense

4 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged candy dish, french country, kitchen, projects, rooster decor. Bookmark the permalink.

Nothing Heavier Than a Dinner Plate

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Sharon ت

Those were the doctor’s orders after my recent surgery. Once I woke up in recovery, I asked the doctor how long was I supposed to go without lifting anything heavier than a dinner plate. He replied, “Eight weeks.” Like a two-year-old being told “no,” I shook my head in disagreement, and I asked him if he was joking. (In my defense, I was under the influence of anesthesia and pain meds.) Imagine my dismay when he said he was not joking. : (

Since I was in a drug induced sleep for the first week, following the doctor’s orders was no problem. During the second week, I still wasn’t quite up to seeing what I could get away with physically. But during these last two weeks, it has become increasingly difficult to be a good patient.

A few weeks ago, my Mom switched around some of my wall hangings for me. All of the cast-off’s have been sitting in the garage waiting for a new home. Then, as I was blog browsing on Kammy’s Korner, I realized my stash in the garage was like hitting the jackpot! Cha-ching!

So, I thumbed through the pictures, trying to decide which one I could use to frame this candle sconce I’ve had stashed away for years. My mom bought it at a garage sale and passed it on to me. It’d been so long, that I was ready to give it away.

Back to finding a frame. This is the one I chose for this project.

I tore off the paper backing and popped out the picture, leaving me with a blank frame to refinish.

The picture that I removed from the frame found a new home in one of those frames that is used to display children’s artwork. It has a magnetic closure, which means I can easily change out the picture anytime. I love the way the white matte brings out the white flowers in the picture, and I think the black frame ties it all together nicely. ( It reminds of when I use to outline my coloring book pictures). And look at how the colors bring out the granite!

I took the sconce outside and sprayed it with primer, then with an antique white paint. I had a Lucy (as in Lucille Ball from “I Love Lucy”) moment while I was painting. The paint can nozzle got stuck on spray, and I couldn’t figure out how to get it to stop. The air filled with a cloud of paint. I kept trying to duck away from it so that my clothes wouldn’t turn white. All the while, trying to keep the can aimed at the sconce so that all of my paint wouldn’t evaporate into thin air. Finally, when I had finished painting the sconce, I turned the can upside down and pushed. Whew! I was never so glad to stop hearing the hissing sound of paint being released out of a can. :)

For the frame, I used a combination of paints that I have in the garage, and made up the “faux” of the finish as I went. First, I tried stain. Didn’t like it. So, I painted the frame aqua. Then, I used the stain again as an aging glaze. Hmmm, not what I had in mind. Then, I decided to dry brush the details of the frame with gray. That was more like it. It’s not the best faux finish job in town, but who is going to stand right in front of the frame and study all of the details of my paint job….besides me.

My original plan was to paint the wall space inside the frame gray. My family said no to that…something about how I’m always moving stuff around…“wah-wah, wah, wah-wah-wah” (Charlie Brown’s teacher’s voice). I compromised, and attached a remnant of linen fabric to the back of the frame. I intend on replacing the linen with something a little darker…perhaps burlap.

I put it all together, and tahdah….

For a tutorial on how high to hang pictures, select the tutoring tab on the menu of my homepage.

Today’s lesson is this: Try to appreciate times of rest. We get so antsy when there is down time, but rest is a gift. And I believe forced rest is a gift from God. He knows His plans for us. So, I should trust Him and thank Him when he provides built-in breaks into my day.

Disclosures: 1) None of the tools or materials that I worked with were heavier than a dinner plate.

2) cloudy day = not good pictures

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to: