Pretty DIY Lamp Shades

My living room lamp shades were feeling kinda blah, they were feeling too matchy next to the curtains. They're fairly new, so they really didn't "need" to be replaced, I just wanted to pretty up what I had. I've seen lots of lamp shade redo's on Pinterest, from scrapbook paper to fabric, even pre-made sleeves that fit right over what you have. I chose fabric to reach the cozy look I was going for, and since the closest store to purchase fabric is about 30 minutes from home (I told you guys I'm impatient when I get a good idea), I decided to get creative....pillow cases!

Before:

Plain and boring....I know...

 

 I wanted to keep it neutral, and what's more neutral than white? I cut my pillow cases open length wise and also across the closed end so I could get the most out of my fabric. Then I made snips in the ends as a guide, and tore the fabric the rest of the way into 2-3" wide strips.

 

I then wrapped the fabric strips around the shade overlapping each piece as shown and tied a double

knot on the inside of the shade. ( I did this project at my dear friends art shop....if your wondering why there's still Christmas décor out...she's running a sale)

 

I left the fabric loose enough so I could slide the knots down far enough to keep them hidden when the shade is placed on the lamp base.

 

 

After I worked my way around covering the entire shade, I decided to add a little cuteness,

and tie a few knots on the outside of the shade.

 

 

 I love how they turned out! I used 4 king size polyester pillow cases total, which equaled $10..way cheaper than buying new ones. Plus they're one of a kind, and I'm all about that!

 

Hope you all are having a great weekend! Thanks for visiting

and don't forget to leave me a comment.

-Charity

 

Linked to: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 

 Savvy Southern Style

A Stroll Thru Life

 

 

Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for updates!

 

DIY Powdered Laundry Soap

I know you guys have had to see the talk about DIY laundry soap all over blog land. Last year I tried out the liquid version, and hate to say, it was a bust. Not to mention you have to grate and melt a bar of soap, stirring for what seems like forever to get it to dissolve. I quickly realized this wasn't my cup of tea. I've never used a powdered laundry soap, I guess just because my Mom never did, but I thought I'd give it a try. I purchased all of my products at Wal-Mart they totaled around $20. Here's the recipe I chose, after much comparison and research.

 

1-1.3lb container Oxy Clean

1-4lb 12oz box Borax

4-1lb boxes Baking Soda

2- bars Fels Naptha Soap (grated)

2- containers Downy UnStopables

2-1.7lb boxes Clorox 2 Stain Fighter Color Booster

 

Mix all the above ingredients in a large sealable container and add 2-3TBS to each load. I used a kitchen hand grater for my bars of soap on the medium grit side.

 

 

It smells great plus, it doesn't hurt my feelings that it pretties up my laundry counter either (this is only half of what it made)! I also purchased my 2 gallon jar at Wal-Mart. The silver dish is used for "gifts" I find in the wash/dry cycles. And don't let that sign fool you, I do all the laundry... ;)

 

 

I decided on a coffee scoop since it measures exactly 2TBS.

 

 

So far so good, I've used this soap for almost a week now and love it! Try it out and let me know what you think, I'd love to hear your feedback.

-Charity

 

Linked to: A Stroll Thru Life 

 My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia 

 Savvy Southern Style 

Someday Crafts 

 Common Ground

Coastal Charm

 Chic On A Shoestring Decorating

 

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!

 

 

Guest Bathroom Update

Hello all! I'm excited to share with you guys my newly painted and refreshed guest bath. We've lived in our house for a year now and every room needed to be repainted, so far the only rooms I've finished are the bathrooms. I injured my knee last Christmas and just haven't been able to climb much, so its been a slow go on painting. But, hopefully I'm close enough to recovery to start painting more soon.

 

Before:

 

 

The whole house was painted the same creamy tan color. I've always loved the tile color, but the paint choice just made it look dated. Not sure why I cared to watermark these....surely no one would want these pictures as their own ;)

 

After:

 

 

I chose a simple white, even though it required more work I am so glad I did. I just love how the crisp white updated the whole look of the room.

 

I also love how the natural colored baskets look against the new wall color.

 

"Rules for the bathroom", since this is the bathroom the boys use..... I also added some simple candle sticks and a metal gear.

The curtains are a table cloth turned window treatment found at Marshalls. Herringbone is one of my favorites and the blue stripes play well with the robins egg blue tile.

I found this chippy shadow box also at Marshalls (Can you tell I shop Marshalls often?) and added a collection of skeleton keys.

I like using rustic ladders while decorating. I assure you that towel didn't make it back on the ladder after these shots...boys will be boys, right?

 

There are still a few updates to be made to this room. I would like to add a shower since there is only a cast iron tub, and as soon as it warms up enough to spray paint, I'm updating the gold curtain rod with some ORB. And one day, hopefully some new flooring, until then I will love what I have.

 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting!

-Charity

 

Linked to: Savvy Southern Style

Craft-O-Maniac

Chic On A Shoestring Decorating

 

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

 

 



Vintage Clothespin Wreath

Well Hello! Did you guys think I had forgotten about you? I could so never do that! You all know how busy the Holidays get, I took that time to relax and gather some exciting DIY ideas to share. Today, I made a super cute vintage clothespin wreath that I want to share with you. I'll admit, I'm swooning every time I pass by...... maybe it's why the laundry's caught up ;)

 

Told ya, love it! This window hangs opposite my back entrance door which is in the laundry hall. I call it a hall since it doesn't have a door, and runs parallel to the kitchen. Naturally, clothespins seemed like a good idea!

 

I got all of these supplies @ Hobby Lobby totaling $12, too bad the excitement couldn't wait for 40% off. Not too shabby for such a statement wreath. Of course, the branch was from my own yard so it was free. 

 

I hot glued 49 clothespins to the inside ring of the hoop, getting 

them as close as I could to each other.

 

I made sure they were centered as much as possible. Sorry, my workspace is

usually a mess while I craft!

 

When I got to the last 2, I had to space those out a little more than the rest, since there wasn't enough room for a 3rd. I decided that was where I would hang the wreath from, the ribbon hid the space just fine. When it was all good and dry, I stained the entire piece with Minwax Special Walnut stain. FYI...I know this is asking a lot if your impatient like me, but I suggest staining everything before assembly, and letting it completely dry. I came home to 4 clothespins in the floor, who new stain would eat thru hot glue? Lesson learned!

 

I simply hung the branch with twine from small nails, and attached the burlap ribbon knot with a nail to the top of the window as well.

 

I've always liked chevron, but not enough to use it on big pieces. So, I used this as my time to contribute to the chevron universe!

 

One more look at the cutie!

 

I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday season, stay tuned for lots of posts coming up!

Happy New Year!

-Charity

 

Linking to: Liz Marie Blog 

 Common Ground

 

 

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterst, Instagram, and Facebook! Thanks for stopping by friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Merry Christmas and Many Thanks

I sure hope you all have had an awesome Christmas Holiday! I wanted to thank all of my readers for taking the time out of your busy lives to share some time with me. I truly appreciate you for that! This is a journey I am so eager to travel. Stay tuned for many many ideas for the new year and new start coming!

-Charity

Empty Stocking Fund Charity

Today E, a sweet friend of mine, and myself volunteered @ News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund. This was mine and Little E's first time helping at this organization. I can't explain the amazing feeling I had when I saw the 1,000+ food boxes in rows, waiting to be delivered to needy families in the Knoxville area. It was such an amazing experience to know you were helping families have a better holiday. You can learn much more about this organization *here*. I wanted to share with you guys some photos I took while there.

 

Can you believe these food baskets! Amazing, and sad at the same time. Sad that this doesn't even touch the amount of families in need all over the world. Very overwhelming...

 

This is a third of the toys ready to make some sweet children happy.

 

 

Lots of books!

 

We also worked on lots of cards (roughly 600) for the homebound recipients.

 

A few of my cards.......

 

and some of Little E's cards. He loves the SpongeBob card best!

 

I'll always remember this experience and I hope E does too. Sometimes we all need a reality check, since giving is one of life's meanings. Hope your inspired!

-Charity

 

 

 

Remember to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook also!



I Stained It!

After months of debate, I finally took the plunge to stain the kitchen table top. I wasn't sure if I wanted to paint, stain, or leave it raw. Like I said in the previous post, it was feeling too "Beachy" in it's raw form. I must say, I do love it way better stained. My intentions were to go lighter, but am so glad I chose dark (due to the fact I was out of Minwax Special Walnut, and I'm too impatient).

 

I'm showing you the after first.....since I love it so!



Also glad I chose dark so the color doesn't blend with the trim.

 

Before: In it's raw form. I was also afraid to use it this way, in fear of staining the unfinished wood. I decided that was no way to live, so it had to go.

 

 

The color difference between the chair seats doesn't bother me at all, since it's in the same family.

 

Hope you guys have a great Tuesday!

-Charity

 

Linked to: Liz Marie Blog

 

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!