Stenciled Wall Art

 I showed you the progress I have made on the spare bedroom here.



I purchased these canvases on clearance at Target for about $7 a piece. It ended up costing me less than going to a craft store and buying blank canvases. I knew that I could eventually turn them into something that would work in our house.

I found some inspiration and a free template at jonesdesigncompany.com.

First I used some spray paint primer to cover up some of the leaf motif. Then I brushed on wall paint from our kitchen.

I traced and traced. (I'm a big fan of diet mountain dew. I often have it for breakfast) My lines were not perfect, but from a distance you get the idea.

Then I painted over the lines using a little paint brush. Again, perfection did not happen. The painting ended up taking more time than I expected. I am happy I decided to do this project on a canvas instead of a wall in the foyer like I was considering.

linked: fingerprintsonthefridge, sassysites, somewhatsimple, houseofhepworths, katiesnestingspot

Spare Bedroom Update #1

{I resisted the urge to iron the bedding, but now I wish I did}

Last week I told you about our boring spare bedroom here. I have made some progress. I swapped out the bedding, using a comforter I already had and I improvised with some king size shams from our bedroom. (I am attempting to go the whole month of October without spending money on stuff)

I also hung up the wall canvases that I repurposed. (I will blog about them some time next week)

While watching Secrets from a Stylist, I picked up a good pillow tip. Emily let me know that professional stylists use duct tape on the back of pillow shams to make them look crisp. In the first photo, the pillow on the left is without tape and the pillow on the right has been taped. I think it makes a huge difference.

Emily also suggested that viewers should use ribbon instead. The duct tape sounded easier. I guess our guests will be getting a turn down service to conceal my secret. However, if our visitors are readers of this blog, I will leave the taped shams out since they will likely be proud of my pillow MacGyver-ing.

linked: theshabbycreekcottage, katiesnestingspot, houseofhepworths, shabbynest, fingerprintsonthefridge, romantichome, jaqsstudio, frenchcountrycottage

Our Boring Spare Bedroom

Our spare bedroom has been neglected. It wasn't until this summer that we managed to get some furniture to fill up the space. The result is a hodgepodge of pieces from my single lady days, including a too small night stand and a tiny chair.

{naked, boring wall}

I decided to spruce it up on the cheap. I will share with you a little bit of my progress. I attempted to change the dorm room decor above the dresser. (I have already used the canvases for a different project in the room. I am just waiting for the handy man to hang them)

{place bowl of ramen and three ring binder here}

I found this guy at Michaels for $1.50 I liked his swirls and figured I could give him a makeover.

I stumbled upon this pretty mirror at an antique store. I only paid $22 for this monstrosity. It is big and HEAVY. Because of its weight and size, I postponed hanging it on the wall. I am still debating whether or not I want to paint it. Any suggestions on a color?

I used these rubber grippers to prevent the mirror from sliding off the dresser.

The room still has a long way to go. Hopefully it's starting to look like an adult lives here. I will keep you posted on my other spare bedroom projects.

linked: todayscreativeblog, blackberryvine, skiptomylou, craftyconfessions, southernlovely