Burlap Art

Who would have thought something that usually holds potatoes could be totally chic?! I have wholly been sucked into the burlap obsession trend.  I love how it adds texture and depth to whatever you use it for.  I have a large roll of burlap which I used to decorate our food table at our house-warming party. Recently I had been thinking about making some burlap art. I had some leftover fabric paint and alphabet stencils so I went to work!

I had two white frames lying around and felt they would be perfect for a burlap art project.

I started with washed and ironed burlap.  I figured the material was rustic enough but I should probably clean it up. I washed the burlap on gentle in cold water. Then I measured and cut an 8 x 10 section of the fabric.

I decided to stencil one of my favorite songs, “You are my sunshine”.

For the second frame I wanted to use the border.  So I used the border as a measuring tool and then stenciled our initials inside the frame.

Here they are completed. I like how they turned out, very shabby chic! This project has only intensified my love of burlap!

A Mothers Day Gift

I am a meeting planner by day and a ruffle loving, DIYer, party planning blogger by night. I love finding unique ideas that make life’s little moments more special.

 

 

For Mothers Day this year I wanted to do something special for my mother in law. We always get her a hanging plant, for her deck. She has a green thumb, so I knew I wanted the gift to continue to be a plant. I decided to try making these shabby chic terracotta pots with my in laws house number on them. I thought they would look really cute on their front porch. It was defiantly a learning experience for me, there were a few moments where I thought this DIY might end horribly wrong. I will let you know what not to do so if you decide to recreate you won’t make the same mistakes I did. In the end it worked out really well. I planted lavender and an annual flowering plant, here is how they came out.

I started out with just the plain pots and some simple exterior white paint. I used a spray bottle of water and watered down the pots as I applied a thin coat of white paint to make it more of a white wash.

The first coat I felt like was just a little to thin, it was a little too shabby not enough chic.

I like how they turned out after the second coat of white wash. I lightly sanded them after this just to give them a little texture. A word of caution make sure you use the really fine sand paper, I first used thick sand paper and it scratched the pots. Next came the hard part, painting the numbers on. I tried free hand and it turned out horrible!!! I decided to take the easy route and use stencils.

I had a hard time finding the right letters for the No. So I bought wooden ones and traced on the pot and then painted it in. I then used the stencil for the numbers.

I am really happy with how they turned out, I think I might just have to do these for our house as well!

Dreamy Bridal Affair

I am sure most of you have noticed my recent obsession with anything vintage and shabby chic. The San Diego bridal vendor exhibition had all the elements I love about bridal decor, chic, girly with a flair of vintage. I love the rough exposed walls contrasting with the soft feminine touches. I found these pictures so inspiring, and I hope you do too! If you want to see more about the vendors that pu on this gorgeuous event, head over to Luxefinds!

Vintage Chic Candles

You know me and DIY thrifty, I can’t get enough of it! Using mason jars as candles was an idea I loved right away. Thrift stores and Good Will would be a good place to find the mason jars, add any color ribbon and voila you have yourself a shabby chic candle holder. Use them to illuminate walkways or arrange on tables. To prevent the wax from sticking fill about 1/8 of the jar with water at the bottom, before placing the votive inside. Since these are just glass the jars can get very hot. Here is a mason jar inspiration board that has some of my favorite ideas.

Inspiration Photos: Martha Stewart, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Apartment Theraphy, Adelyn Stone, Better Home and Garden.

 

If you want even more mason jar DIY check out these articles:

• Chalkboard Mason Jar Numbers (weddingbee.com)
• DIY: Homemade Votive Candle Holders (mysubjunctive.wordpress.com)