"Summerizing the House"

I don't know if "summerize" is a word, but every year, when the weather takes a turn towards summer, and you know this time it's going to stick, usually sometime around Memorial Day, I get an urge to clear out all the heavy, dark accessories that are still left after the Spring purge.

Things like quilts and dark pillows and too many chotchkies.

 In the dining room, I went all white with just a little color.

 I brought in 6 white chairs and 2 turquoise chairs for the ends.

A white cloth on the table with white candles and a 

white pitcher filled with lavender keeps it simple and fresh.

In the guest room, I replaced the pink quilt with one that feels like summer:

Grandmother's Flower Garden in reds and yellows and blues.

 The mantle felt too heavy, so I lightened it up by 

removing some of the stuff.

Much more "summery"!

Pillows and quilts were removed or changed out

in the family room as well.

Maybe it only makes a little difference,

but to me it feels lighter and less cluttered and ready for summer!

Burlap and Paper Light Fixture

Things have been so busy around here lately, I haven't had time for any projects.
However, I did manage to make this new light fixture for the living room,
since I sold the orb light I had made for this spot.

I had a light kit and an old lamp shade, so I thought,

"why not try something?"

I didn't like the look of the chain and cord, so I got out some

burlap strips and sewed up a cover. The sewing was easy,

 just tedious since you need so much if you want it to

bunch up over the cord. It is kind of a hassle getting it

over the chain, however, you just need to keep at it!

 I kind of liked the bare look, but I decided to use some 

old dictionary pages to make the shade.

 I just hooked them on with some little clips.

That way, I can make changes whenever I want.

For instance, I am considering using some old family photos,

 I'm just not quite sure how I will do it.

 I added a little burlap ribbon around the top for an accent.

It's one more small step in the refreshing of the living room

that I am planning.

The next step, as soon as I get some time,

will be to cover those 2 chairs in front of the bookcases.

 I am thinking of using burlap and either linen or matalise.

Then it's on to the ceiling paint and crown molding!

Paper Wreath

 Look at my new find!

 A beautiful paper wreath!

 With little pearls and white hydrangea blossoms!

I found it at a fundraiser for a local church,

so, not only did I get a beautiful new accessory for my home,

I also contributed to something important!

Happy Day!

Ugly Duckling Chair Turns Into A Swan

I picked up this little chair at a yard sale a while ago.

Cute little thing, but, oh so dated fabric!

Not to mention ugly!

But my daughter wanted it and picked out

 some cute new fabric for it, so I went to work.

A little inspection showed up some screws that held the top pieces together,

and a few quick staples took care of piece # 1.

The finished back.

I had to poke through the fabric in order to screw on piece # 2 ;

a skewer worked well for the job!

I added a piece of foam to the seat to give it a lift

 and stapled the new fabric into place.

 Then I drove the new little chair up to Oregon to its new home!

Just goes to show, almost any chair is worth saving!

Working on the Hall Bath

I have recently begun work on the hall bath. I'm not finished yet, but I couldn't wait to share what has been done so far! When we moved in, we replaced the vanity and painted everything white, that's about it. I didn't know what I wanted to do in there until I found my inspiration:

this grey and white shower curtain from TJ Max.

From there, I painted the vanity grey,

added beadboard wallpaper and painted the top part of the wall,

and started to add some details like a French picture,

fleur-de-lis tp holder 

and towel hook,

and a mirrored window to create a feel of more space in this small bath.

There's still much more to do, like all the trim!

But I am so happy with what we've done so far!

 Can't wait to get it all done!