Decor Inspiration

I've done my very best to stay away from pintrest because I know its going to be a time-suck...but it IS full of lots of lovely and inspiring things, especially when you're trying to redecorate your home. I love my family photos but I am sick of how they are being displayed right now tons of pictures in 1 plain, boring black frame. I've got 4 of the darn things and I just really want something different. I love the idea of a gallery wall...but I dont want it to be organized or match I want pure chaos, tons of different frames, maybe a few different colors, lots of texture and as many photos as I can fit!

Here are some of my inspiration photos from pinterest and the web.

I really like the bold mix of art, photos, frame sizes..so much to look at, very interesting! 

 Baylor Says

Ok, this is probably a bit much for me...but this is the FEEL i'm going for.

 Shelter Interior Design (blog)

I noticed a lot of the "how-to" for gallery walls have fun things added like letters and unique decor pieces..I love these birdcage frames.

 I have tried to track down these birdcage mirrors, i found them on pinterest and tumblr but no one seems to have an origin link. So please, if you know where this image is from or where you can find these birdcages let me know so I can get this linked correctly.

 This is exactly what I want, lots of photos, different frames and sizes and that little chalkboard in there is precious!

 our fifth house (blog), found via pinterest, they didn't link the original post and I couldn't find it..sorry.

 love the mix of vintage photography and art prints..i may have to try some of that too

 design hole online

this is probably what my hubs would like to have..still organized but random..that may be part of his OCD..hehe

 Martha Stewart via The Creative Mama

This is so fun! I love this..i love everything about it.

 design hole online

lots of purdy frames found here, i can also see some old family photos..we dont have any of those but that would be fun to add to a collection.

 design your interiors

I like how different everything is on this wall...but i don't like how it goes all the way to the ceiling..but not the floor..

apartment therapy

here is one I'd want to add to my wall, I wonder if you can get it in custom colors... 

ashleyg

since the gallery wall will be right to the right when you walk in the front door it would be fun to greet people as they look at the photos, maybe with a "hello" sign.

williamdohman

Next stop is the thrift store to find interesting frames to paint, I want to do black, white and gold. Wish me luck!

Halloween Maternity Shirt DIY

I was drooling over these super cute maternity shirts for Halloween. But by the time I finally found a site that had them (originally found on pintrest) they were sold out of the generic or "boy" versions of the shirt. And the Iron-on one I saw on etsy was $16, plus $7 for shipping to get it in time for Halloween..and I would still have to buy a shirt. 

So I decided to make one myself. It can't be that hard...right? 

I went and found a cheapo wal-mart shirt, it was about $6, I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I spent $13 total on this project.

  

I picked up some puffy paint, its glow in the dark...oooh spooky!

Using this photos on this photo

 

I stood in the mirror and marked the shirt with a piece of chalk where I wanted the ribs to end and where I wanted the baby bum to fit.

I made a template from paper.

  Then my hubs cut it out for me, isn't he sweet?

Then I just filled in the template with puffy paint, reversed it for the ribs so they would be close to identical.

 

Then I just free-handed the middle, you know. the only part that isn't straight..haha

 Now just add the baby template

 Fill in with paint and add a face

 And because hes a sweet baby BOY I added a little blue bow-tie.

 It kind of annoyed me that the little girl shirts had bows on the head and the boys didn't get anything, especially when they look so cute in little ties..awwwww. 

(I also forgot the baby's ribs when i took these first pics..but I added them later)

I completely forgot to get a "good" pic of me in the shirt but you get the idea.

The shirt glowed REALLY well, all I had to do was turn out of direct light and I was all a glow. The shirt was a big hit, I wore it to work. The best part (other than the price) was really pretty easy, the hubs and I did it all in about an hour, then it takes 4 hours for the paint to dry...and for the price, you'd be silly not to DIY your own shirt. 

Well that's what I did for Halloween, did any of you DIY yourself a costume this year?

Easy Wreath DIY

My friend and I bought some Halloween wreaths last year when they were 75% off, not like they were expensive in the first place. It was just $4, full price for the little black wreath and $2 a piece for the little sets of ornaments. But I thought I would attempt to make my own ornament covered wreath this year. It was even easier than I expected it to be. You really don't have to be skilled in anything to make your own wreath. You can use the same style for a christmas wreath as well!

What you'll need. 

Flexible/sturdy wire. we went for 20 gauge, jewelry quality but thats just what we had lying around. You could probably use 22 or 24.

Wire working pliers 

1 pre-made wreath of any size

2 packages of ornaments or other decorations that can be attached with wire

I'm going to apologize for the crappy pics. I tend to craft at night so I didn't have natural light to make it look nice.

 18 in Wreath

 Ornaments (I bought more than I needed)

 Wire & pliers, I would suggest 3.5-4 in strips of wire

 after a little bit of experimenting I discovered the easiest way to get them on was to pre-string them with the wire and then wrap the wire around the metal band of the wreath in back and give it a good twist. It can be as loose or as tight as you want. If its loose the ornaments will be a little more visible. Don't worry about them being a bit "floppy" because you can hold them in place with the "branches" of the wreath.

 Then you just repeat the process all the way around. You can also try grouping your ornaments together 2 or 3 to 1 longer piece of wire and hang them in cluster.

Here is my finished product. I had that little bat hanging around so I just added him to the top and ta-da. A cute and easy wreath that's much less expensive and more fun than buying one pre-made in the stores.

Pussycat Makes Bagels

Ever been curious about making your own bagels? I know I am. And the Pussycat Vintage Blog is full of great recipes, fun finds from etsy and gorgeous goodies from their shop. Check out their Bagel "How-To" and treat your family to some homemade goodness!

 and take a shopping trip in their newly stocked shop

Last day for the 20% off sale

Hey everyone, its nearly June (if you can believe that) and we're on the last day of the 20% off sale. I've got a ton of new items coming to the shop, this thursday thrift post is going to be huge. Lots from the 60s, 70s and 80s. I'm going to be listing lots of accessories this week, already hats and some purses in the shop. I've got lots more bags to come.
Here is a pre-preview, preview for you.



I'm extatic about whats coming. I hope you are too. I'm saving a few pieces (including the Lilli Ann) for autumn, but there are only 3 or 4 so this next couple weeks will be full of warm weather pieces.
I'd also like to mention that my hubs is purging his collection of vintage (and new) games and systems ebay. here are the pics and links, the auctions are only up for another 2 days so if you're interested please make a bid (or two).
oh, and this creation is in my etsy shop. Its an N64 modded into a Darth Vader TIE Fighter (and it is blowing up tumblr right now) Its my hub's first modded console, he's got more finished and in the works. He's going to make more and put them in his own shop. I think they're awesome and I've had nothing but positive feedback about it and he loves doing it...so its a win-win-win.
System Shock Rare PC game in unplayed mint condition
PS2 slim lot with memory cards, controllers and lots of games
Nintendo 64 lot with tons of games and colored controllers (I'm sad to see these go, i love the colors!)
Fallout New Vegas collector's edition with collector's edition guide

Thanks to everyone who's supported myself and my blog. I've got lots of posts for this week including outfit posts from when we had some lovely weather and my first product review on some handmade panties. And of course we'll have another giveaway in June from the wonderful Iron Orchid Vintage. I'm getting back into the swing of things so be ready for lots to read! :) talk to you all again soon!

Persnickety goes Handmade

Our amazing sponsor Persnickety Vintage has got a great new line of handmade accessories with vintage style and materials (something I've always wanted to do). Lots of bright colors and florals that are great for summer! Have a look, won't you?






There are more styles available in her shop and of course all that great vintage.
These were just so fun I had to share them with you! This one with the black rose is captivating. I am in love with it!

I want to DIY

I've been looking for something to DIY lately. Although I love making my brooches I was thinking of finding something else to try and although I'm not big on the whole "wreath" thing (because it seems a bit too cool for me) this looks way too fun not to try.
The Bleu Bird Vintage blog is always filled with fun, kid friendly crafts and this one I think I will tackle and I thought it may be something you would be interested in too.

it seems really easy and perfect for spring, photos or even a wedding.
See the whole "How To" HERE on the Bleu Bird Blog.
Here is Ms James wearing her finished wreath
It turned out super cute.
I know there is always a large selection of silk flowers at the thrift from other's unfinished DIY's so I can pick those up for a steal. I may even make a few and have a giveaway...how does that sound? Sounds like good times to me :)