Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

Frugal Friday~

Hello all! Welcome to this week's edition of Frugal Friday. So what am I talking about today?

Repurposing dresser drawers.

As I was driving down the street about a week ago, someone was throwing out what I could tell used to be a lovely old dresser. But it was trashed. And I mean trashed. Half of the drawers were missing and the two that were left looked a little worse for the wear.


"What a waste," I thought as I drove by.


Now this is a street that I drive down often. And a few days later, the dresser was still there. But this time I had a flash of inspiration. I pulled over and looked at the two remaining drawers. They were actually in pretty decent condition aside from the pulls which were falling off. So I pulled the drawers out...with a LOT of effort...and loaded them in my car. I have only finished one of them so far, but I couldn't wait to share.

Here is the first drawer before I set to work on it. I could see its potential. Pretty details...excellent craftsmanship!

I started by removing the hardware (which had been replaced, and really wasn't in fitting with the style of the dresser). Whoever replaced the hardware had filled the old holes with putty - and didn't do a very good job at it. So after I took off the handles, I used the screwdriver to scrape the putty out of the original holes.

Then I gave the whole drawer - inside and out - a coat of Nantucket White paint by Ralph Lauren. I only used one coat because I wanted the drawer to look old and used. I even left the holes which the new hardware had made.

The drawer had this wonderful keyhole on the front. I painted lightly over it and then used a sanding block to gently rub away bits of the paint. Isn't it gorgeous??

Then rather than adding handles - I strung some black and white check ribbon through the holes. An idea I shared here. I'm still debating whether or not to add casters to the bottom, although I think I will probably leave it as is.

So, my dear readers, what would you do with this little beauty? To see what I did, you'll have to come back next week. (I know, I'm so cruel to make you wait...)

Edited to add...here's what I ended up doing...

Linking to DIY day at ASPTL~

This I Love: Window Shopping Edition~

Last week I stopped in at one of my favorite stores. Can you say Tar-jay? (Everything sounds better with a French accent, don't you think?) I had my two littlest kiddos with me, but they were surprisingly subdued, so I was actually able to look around for a minute. Usually, if I have those two with me, we dash in, go right to what we need, throw it in the cart, and sprint through the checkout before the screaming starts or Mr. Three tries to launch himself out of the cart. But for some reason, they were content to let me look around. I found a few things for my wish list that I thought I'd share with you all today...

First up, this elegant Aluminum Beaded Cakestand. It was nice and heavy, and so pretty! Perfect for holiday entertaining.
This is the "Elegant Neutral" bedding in the Simply Shabby Chic line by Rachel Ashwell. This picture really doesn't do the bedding justice. It's a soft beige damask with hints of blue. Very understated, very pretty and a little less girly than many of the Shabby Chic options.

Some of you may recall that Mr. Two is a dinosaur fan. Well, I found this adorable dinosaur muffin plaque (that's what they called it) reminiscent of the great baking pans at Willi*m's Sanoma. Wish I'd found this BEFORE his dinosaur birthday party. They also had butterflies and cars. So. much. fun.

Again, from the Simply Shabby Chic line, this Ruffled Swiss Dot curtain panel. Can you say love?

And then this Ruffled Shower Curtain...again by Simply Shabby Chic. Reminds me of something from Anthro. This would be perfect in my bathroom. mmmmmmmm.

And finally, I have to admit that my T*rget didn't have this chair. But as I was rounding up photos on-line I remembered it from seeing it before (I think it is sold exclusively on-line, but I could be wrong.) Isn't it pretty? Loving the blue toile-ish bird print. sigh.

Hope you all had fun window shopping with me today! Let's hope I'm able to get my dresser drawer repurposing project ready in time for tomorrow's Frugal Friday post...the weather has not been cooperating with me.

And finally, you still have time to enter the drawing for one of my ticking rosette pillows over at Heather Bullard's blog. Hurry over and enter!

Have a great Thursday~

London

Har varit i England några dagar på höstlovet..

och inte vet då ja..men tog inga bilder från inredningsbutiker..??!

äum..kan vara för att "allt" finns i Sverige..hmm..nåja

det som INTE finns i här Sverige är Harrods..

Jag blir lika förvånad varje gång jag är här,

lika häpen över att det finns en sådan

enorm rikedom i vår värld..

Harrods
Egyptiska trappan...
helt otroligt "sjukt" egentligen..hehe
fast väldigt vacker att åka i

upp & ner

upp& ner

Upp & ner

På Harrods finns Exklusiva lyxuiösa sängkläder
för flera tusen pund


Versace
men kika in på deras hemsida här

Vet ni..det roligaste av allt var nog deras
avdelning för djur..
Vad sägs om att köpa en "elvisdräkt" till lilla hunden?
eller kanske inte en päls nu till vintern?

Dom små djuren hade självklart egna dressing room..
och vill man ha mera sällskapdjur så kan man
köpa små "poppies"direkt från den stora glasmontern..
ja det e sant..dom har djur till salu på varuhuset..
här finns ju "allt"..

Pillow Giveaway~

Hi All! Just popping in to let you know that Heather Bullard is giving away one of my Rosette Pillows over at her blog. Hop on over for a chance to win! She will be announcing the winner on Monday.

Last Minute Halloween Project~

I remember as a child loving the fact that I had a dedicated Trick-or-Treat bag to use when I canvassed the neighborhood on All Hallow's Eve in search of sugary treasures. Now, I have nothing against those plastic pumpkins that so many tiny goblins use to stash their goodies. In fact, that's what my kiddos have used in the past. But this year, I thought it would be nice to give them their own Trick-or-Treat bags.

Three of my four kiddos were sick yesterday, so I thought this might be a good project to entertain them, since they had to do little more than sit around and watch mom. The Princess did help me by playing "Vanna" and displaying our supplies for you.

First thing needed...designs to put on the bags. I found the three sweet vintage images on The Graphics Fairy blog (so many great images there)! Mr. One wanted something more spooky, so we found a free skull and crossbones clip art to use for his bag.

Second...you will need to get some photo transfer paper. My favorite brand (because it works the best of all the brands I've tried - hands down) is Avery. Simply print the images on the transfer paper with your ink jet printer. Just remember if your image has text on it, you will need to reverse the image first. (notice the "Trick or Treat" graphic third from the left.)

Finally, you will need a canvas tote bag. These can be purchased inexpensively at your local craft store.

Then just follow the instructions you find on the transfer paper box. That's it. Easy peasy.

The fun thing about this project is that the bags are one of a kind! And with the different designs for each kiddo, there won't be any fighting over whose candy is whose. Hooray for that !

Have a great Wednesday~

Ironstone~

Photo from News-Antiques.com


I have had some readers asking about Ironstone China. Although I don't pretend to be an expert on Ironstone, I do love it. Especially White Ironstone.


Last year, I found this lovely White Ironstone soup tureen at my town tag sale for a steal at only $5. But did you know that White Ironstone is only one type of Ironstone?



A LITTLE HISTORY

Ironstone was first developed as a less expensive alternative to costly bone china and fine porcelain. The Ironstone that we are familiar with today was first patented by Charles James Mason in1813 in Staffordshire, England.


Photo from One of a Kind Antiques

Ironstone is made of white clay with pulverized flint or feldspar and slag left over from iron-smelting. These additives resulted in a strong and durable product that was difficult to chip. After 1827 when Mason's patent ended, many other potters began making Ironstone. The Ironstone was decorating with transfer patterns (especially the popular blue willow) or painted designs. The plain white pieces that we love so much were not common in England, as they were mostly produced for export. In the 1840's these plain pieces were exported to the US and Canada where they were valued for the fact that they were plain, unfussy, and durable.

Photo from Ruby Lane

Backstamps can help to identify the age and manufacturer of a given piece of Ironstone, which in turn help to attach a value. Value is also based on rarity and condition of a particular piece. A quick search of the internet yields many sources for collectors to help them identify the approximate age, manufacturers and value of various pieces.

Here are some links to interesting Ironstone information (try saying that three times fast.)

http://www.whiteironstonechina.com/

www.thepotteries.org/types/ironstone

www.marthastewart.com/article/white-ironstone

Have a great Tuesday~

Gift idea~

If you've read my blog for any length of time at all, you probably know by now that I am a bit infatuated with silhouettes. And of course, I have a little thing for pillows as well.

Please welcome the latest addition to the Shabby Nest line of pillows. The Silhouette Pillow - of course yours would feature a custom silhouette. I actually made this one for the Princess for Christmas. Shhhhh. (don't worry, she doesn't read my blog unless I drag her over to look at something I've posted.) I adore the tan on white and the ruffled edge.

I can make a customized pillow for you (or your little Princess...or anyone else on your Christmas list). I just need a profile photo of said individual. Offered now in my Etsy.

Edited to add: I've had some of my pet-loving readers ask if I can do pet silhouettes...Sure...if you can get a good profile pic of your pet, I can make a pillow!

Coming up this week on the Shabby Nest...

• Ironstone
• Window Shopping
• Repurposing Dresser Drawers

Have a great Monday~

Saturday~

Photo from Country Living

After playing chauffer to ballet rehearsal this morning, this house of mine is going to get a thorough cleaning! My kitchen might end up looking as spic and span as the one in this photo! Lovin' those galvanized bins...I have one....wish I had lots of them.

Here's wishing you all a productive (or lazy depending on your mood) Saturday!

Frugal Friday~

With only one week left to go until Halloween (I don't know about you, but these things just seem to come around faster every year) I thought I'd share a few more inexpensive Halloween/Autumn decor ideas.


First up, this sweet candy corn garland. I posted about the ins and outs of making one of these babies here. But Ms. Susie has a great tutorial here. Just know that your fingers will be VERY sticky by the time you are done making this...of course, it really looks festive hanging on a chandelier, so it's worth it.


Next up, my literary pumpkin. Again, this is an idea from my archives that I posted about here. I just love these little guys. I am NOT into gory Halloween decor, so this happy fellow fits the bill just fine. Remove the construction paper face after the holiday, and you have a unique sculptural piece for the bookcase!

And finally, the beauty of autumn flora. Cut some autumn berries and place them in a clear pitcher of water. So simple, but 100% autumn.


I love, love, love this idea. Nestle some sugar pumpkins in a basket with dried hydrangea. Unexpectedly gorgeous!

And you can liven up your window boxes/baskets by stuffing them with seasonal gourds and fall leaves. Here's a little hint: fake leaves from the dollar store look realistic from a distance, keep their color even in the rain, and don't dry out and get crunchy.

Have a great weekend~

Inspire-Me Thursday~

It's been a while since I've done one of my Inspire-Me posts, so I thought it was about time.

I'm constantly on the lookout for inspiration for my bedroom. It seems to be a never-ending work in progress. But my research does yield some wonderful eye candy. Thought I'd share some pretty rooms with you all today....hope you enjoy!

Things I love about this room....that fabulous damask wallpaper, the mirror above the bed ( I can't tell if it's Venetian or not, but I love the shape), and the soothing neutral palette with that little punch of pink.

This room is over-the-top feminine. I love it. The hubby, not so much. But it has more of that damask wallpaper...subtler this time, but just as fabulous. I adore the upholstered headboard, the dressmaker's form and the aubusson rugs over the sisal. The layering is perfection!

This room intrigued me because of its rustic simplicity. The beadboard is delicious. The repetition of the three floral prints above the bed hanging from ribbons and knobs adds serenity.

I'm a sucker for pale on pale color schemes. This bedroom is...simply...dreamy.

Always on the lookout for great children's rooms too. I love this one because it has a perfect balance between whimsy and sophistication.

Not so into the bedding in this room, but I am intrigued by the idea of hanging a print OVER a mirror.

I love this room for the mix of rustic and elegant. The chandelier, the settee, the upholstered bed against the plank walls. Very intriguing.

All images from Country Living

This room appealed to me on many levels. Love the ticking. Love the blue. Love the mirror. The embroidered linens scattered about give the room a feeling of history...plus, I just love me a monogram!

So much to think about.

Have a great Thursday~

Tablescapes and Modern Art~

I received a package in the mail from Sarah at A Beach Cottage containing some lovely place mats and napkins that I won in a giveaway. They were so pretty that I felt inspired to set the table for a festive fall dinner.

The mix of patterns and textures gave interest to the neutral color scheme.

The place mats rolled and tied with a bit of twine created a casual feel.

Mismatched silverware is perfect for casual entertaining (of course, at my house, I'm lucky to have enough silverware to go around with two little boys that love to stuff it down heating vents....I have to clean them out every week or so...)


And one of my favorite place card ideas...this is just a piece of kraft paper torn against a straight edge and nestled in the prongs of a fork. So simple....casually elegant.

And on the menu...a perfect fall meal...beef stew and muffins with cinnamon streusel topping. One of my sharp eyed readers is going to mention the fact that there are no bowls on the table. I prefer to bring bowls to the table already filled...prevents spills from messing up the pretty linens.

Bon appetit!!

And finally, as I was trying to get mounds of laundry folded yesterday, I noticed that it was quiet. Too quiet. Because I have the toddler demolition team still at home during the days, I knew that a quiet house couldn't be good. So I hurried to the kitchen and found a very proud Mr. Two (4 years old) who showed me his latest "sculpture". Yes, he did call it a sculpture. I had to immortalize it here on the old blog. (Although I am now out of tin foil.) That little kid is going to be famous one day!

EDITED TO ADD: Apartment Therapy featured The Shabby Nest and The Frugal Friday Linky Party yesterday. Here's the link!

Have a great Wednesday~

A Place of Her Own~

Do you have a place you can call your own? I don't mean your house...or even your bedroom. I mean YOUR place. The spot where you can go to escape the world. Where you can create. Where you can daydream. Where you can stash your creative supplies...your books...your magazines. Whatever it is that feeds your muse. (Or just helps you relax.) Do you have that spot?

This chair is the closest thing I have to a space for me...in my whole house. Sad, but true. (Good reading light, though, and very comfy so I can't complain about that!)

But this girl has dreams. I have dreams of an office/studio all my own. Where I can close the doors and be alone with the part of me who designs and creates and dreams.


Someday I'm going to have that space. But for now, with 4 kiddos and three bedrooms, that space IS just a dream.

I've been thinking of creating a studio of sorts out of an old armoire. Painting it a happy color...a robin's egg blue or a crisp, clean white. Outfitting it with cubbies and storage and desk space. I think that an old armoire might be just the solution I'm searching for in my not quite palatial surroundings.

And so, my dear readers, do you have a space all your own? Do you have any ideas for creating a space all your own where no space exists? Tell me what you think...

Have a great Tuesday~