The Frugal Designer

Bird's Nest Display

Ok, by now you have seen the bird's nest display in my Farmhouse Inspired Table-Scape but thought I would just give you a quick run down on how to achieve this, in case you were smitten with it, as I would have been had I seen it on another blog or site.

A simple tutorial on how to achieve the weathered paint finish for the candlesticks is found here.  In addition, you will need to purchase 2 simple and budget friendly bird's nests (from Michael's or your local craft store selling such items) 4" in diameter, each at a cost of $1.99.  Then I used 2 out of the 15 (per package) eggs that came in the prepackaged bag of speckled friends that I purchased from Michael's (cost $4.99 for the 15, see DIY -  Farmhouse Found Object Display for both the eggs and the nests I purchased) though these can be accomplished very easily by painting plastic or styrofoam eggs from your local dollar store or the like.  If you plan to do these on your own (I will provide a tutorial shortly) a color such as Robin's Egg Blue is probably the most pleasing with an Espresso or Burnt Sienna for the speckling that is typically found.

Once you have accomplished the candlesticks (or allocated candlesticks you already own) and their respective paint finish, you will want to focus on your bird's nest display.  To do this, you will need to rough up your bird's nests so that they look slightly more realistic and a tiny bit less contrived.  Bend them, break a few of the  lesser twigs involved - make them look like they might have actually been found in nature.  Then place your egg (created or purchased) in the nest.  If your egg doesn't stand upright very easily, use a bit of peat moss (also can be purchased at your local craft store or as I found it at Target in a package for a reasonable price) in the nest first to give your egg a bit of support surrounding it so that it might stand relatively upright.  If it is leaning it will look a bit weird...

Then you can put on display wherever your hear desires.  For me this was on my Farmhouse Inspired Table-Scape, but since I love aspects of Farmhouse style this is very fitting for me, otherwise as Easter approaches these will have more importance to those of you who aren't already obsessed with bird's and their nests...

DIY - Creating a Weathered Painted Finish

There are may be something in the ballpark of a double digit number of methods possible for creating a weathered painted finish.  In this little tutorial I will give you instruction on a very simple positive application.  By positive application I refer simply to the fact that you will be adding paint to the surface in specific areas rather than removing it (negative app). 

I used this technique on the candlesticks as seen in my Farmhouse Inspired Table-Scape, then used those babies to display my bird's nest with egg.  It took me a whopping 5 minutes to complete this paint process on the candlesticks since the wood absorbs the paint rather quickly.

Make sure your surface is cleaned and prepped for paint...sanded if necessary, wiped down etc.

Apply your base coat of color.  Depending upon the paint used and the furniture or accessory piece you may need more than one application for even and rich coverage.  Or you can always apply this haphazardly to give it that extra bit of weathered-ness.  In this instance I chose to apply it haphazardly, but this is tough for many people to do, I understand that, so rest assured it isn't necessary.

I personally prefer to used latex paints when painting furniture due to the toxicity of oil based products and the drying time necessary etc., however I will not lie...an oil based product will always achieve a better result and the extra drying time is preferable when you are talking about fancy finishes.  It is nice to be able to work your paint around a little and redo any areas on the go and the drying times for latex paint really don't allow for that (unless you are diluting your paint with a latex glaze, then you have a bit more time to work with)

Once you have your piece painted (whether furniture piece or accessory) and it has thoroughly dried, you will need to ready a lighter colored paint.  I won't say that white is my first choice because it can tend to look a little harsh and the object here is to be realistic.  So since I used turquoise for the project above I chose a Robin's Egg Blue for my lighter color.  It needs to be many many shades lighter than your orignal base color but not bright white.  Unless of course bright white is what you have, then I say either go for it or add a drop of your base color to it to un-whiten it a bit.

Now you are going to use a dry brush technique to apply only to the surface areas avoid the nooks and crannies as best you can.  Remember this is what I call an eyeball application and you will adjust and do according to what your eye tells you looks right (I know, tricky right?).

A dry brush technique is when you only very lightly dip the ends of a dry brush into the paint (so that the brush remains relatively dry throughout this process) and you will lightly brush the ends of your brush onto the surfaces of your piece that are the highest or protrude the most. 

Think of it like this...if something were to lighten over time or build up calcium deposits it will likely do this on the surfaces that most face the elements.  Another added bonus is that by leaving the nooks a darker color you are also in effect antiquing it, since when things age then tend to build up the aged patina in the nooks and crannies while lightening on the outer surfaces.

So you dry brush the outermost surfaces of your piece and you continue until you have achieved an evenness that looks good to you.  You don't want this to be to contrasting or it will look not so real.  You just want a bit of lightening to the outermost surfaces and then be done with it.

If this is a furniture piece (or maybe an accessory as well, this is up to you) you will want to seal your finish to keep it from harms way.  If you want a weathered look, choose a matte finish sealant otherwise you will be giving shiny to something that shouldn't have shiny (it will have worn away in the elements).

Please notice I was haphazard with both steps in the application and that the result is still perfection.  Also note that perfection is not required and in fact is not preferable and that for those of you who tend on the OCD side of life, this is something that will be hard for you to do until you have practiced quite a bit.  You will be my friends who achieve what I like to call organized chaos or uneven evenness. 

If you have any questions regarding any of the finishes or if you would like to attempt a finish I haven't gone over, please feel free to leave a comment asking for that finish or send me an email (top left sidebar of my page) and I will respond quickly with help or instruction

DIY - Bird's Nest Wreath

Do you remember all of those cute little guys I cut out for the DIY - Graphic Bird Prints project?  Well I put them to good use and made a few more in a smaller size for this project.

I purchased an 18" grape vine wreath at Michael's for $3.99 and a package of glue dots for $4.99.  The glue dots were rather expensive if you ask me, but they come 300 to a package and I was feeling a bit lazy, so this was a faster and easier option than my old faithful glue gun.  But for those of you who feel so inclined, be my guest and use the hot glue. 

I used this template at a 50% reduction and then applied them with the glue dots.  So simple and not completely permanent so I can change them with the season, or use the wreath for something else later.  I love things that aren't permanent..makes my dollar stretch and puts a smile on my face!

Farmhouse Inspired Table-Scape

This table-scape involved a bit of crafting and craft store visiting to accomplish but cost less than $15 to create.  If my things weren't still packed from my move, this would have cost me next to nothing.

Items used for this scene: (many of these I purchased for earlier projects)

1. 2 unfinished candlesticks from Michael's - cost $2.99 each

2. 2 4" bird's nests from Michael's - cost $1.99 each

3.  2 blue spotted eggs (15 per package at Michael's - cost $4.99) can be made from plastic or styro eggs...thinking an Easter project for those.

4. 2 or more blue glasses from local dollar store (can be used for candle holders as seen above or for drinking glasses)

5. 4 or more extra small grape vine wreaths from Michael's - cost $.49 each

6. Turqouise and Robin's Egg Blue craft paint from Michael's - cost $.50 each

7. Lt. Turquoise ribbon from Michael's - cost $1

8. Twigs and berries floral arrangement created with stems from Michael's - cost $1.99 each

9. Candles from local dollar store - cost $1 for pillar candles and 2 for $1 tapers.

10. Sand from my local playground

I will provide tutorials on painting the candlesticks and creating the bird's nest display shortly.  Hope you enjoy my farmhouse table decor!

 

Today is the Farmhouse Table-Scape Reveal!

I am excited to share my most budget friendly farmhouse table-scape with you all.  I'm sad to leave the Farmhouse theme, but very excited for my upcoming month's theme as well.  I know you are all on the edge of your seats here...but no I won't tell you in advance. 

Just isn't as much fun that way!

I will be posting my table-scape this afternoon but thought I would share a picture with you all from my Valentine's Day Table-scape, get your excitement going... I will also be giving you guys another crafty project or 2 before we end this month.

DIY - 3D Bird Art

The wonderful gals over at Blazing Lily have created this trio of fabulous 3D birds, for sale in their Etsy storefront, and have been kind enough to share with us a wonderful tutorial on creating some of our own little 3D friends. The bird trio pictured comes framed, with a soothing lavender fill and is priced very reasonably, just click on the image to take you right to their site for purchase and know that I will be envious of their new owner (I would love to hear from whomever purchases them).

For this project you will need: 

1. Fabric for the background - muslin, linen, or cotton would all work well.

2. Fabric for the bird itself and a coordinating fabric for the beak - cotton or linen would be great.

3. Ribbon for the legs.

4. Button for the eye.

5. Thread for sewing.

6. Polyfill for stuffing.

7. 2 Beads for the feet.

Begin by printing out the template, or any bird image that you love, to use as a pattern to cut a bird shape from your chosen fabric. 

Cut out a small triangle of fabric for the bird's beak.  Cut 2 matching lengths of ribbon for the bird's legs.

Place the bird in the desired location on your background fabric and pin it there, making sure the legs and beak are pinned into place beneath the bird's body.

Sew approximately 3/4 of the way around the bird's body, either by hand or with a a sewing machine...and any decorative stitch will do. The Blazing Lily gals use a blanket stitch if you are wondering.

Gently stuff the bird with polyfill and sew the opening closed.

Sew the button on as the bird's eye and thread each ribbon through a bead and knot.

Congratulations, you are finished! Easy peasy, right?

There's lots of room for variation in this project. You could use felt or leather for the beak. You could fill the bird with dried herbs or small scraps of fabric instead of polyfill. You could use a bead or a sequin for the eye. Any sort of pretty ribbon or string would work for the legs, and if you'd rather not use beads for the feet, just tie knots at the ends of the legs. You could add wings—use a small feather, or cut out a wing-shaped wedge of felt or coordinating fabric, or maybe crochet a wing-shaped wedge, and use hot glue to attach your wing to the bird's body. The finished project could be framed in either a frame or in an embroidery hoop—or maybe something entirely different! The only limit is your imagination.

Here are some close up's of the birds for sale, they are a slight variation on the template we have provided, but they show the detail quite well.

Bird Template 2

Print this out for use in the DIY - 3D Bird Art project or any other project you need a little pre drawn friend for!

DIY - Mantle Clock Bell Jar

I recently saw this project on Design*Sponge and was excited to give it a whirl.  It just so happened that I had not 1 but 2 of these wonderful mantle clocks sitting on a shelf in my garage.  A bit outdated but not the kind of thing I could just toss out.  This mantle clock makeover was just the thing for me!  Especially when you consider how expensive those beloved Bell Jars can be.

I wasn't sure which direction to go with the paint...the example I saw used white, I think bronze with a bit of patina would look nice, if I knew where my zinc paint was...I would have chosen that to match my kitchen table.  Alas, I literally have 7 or 8 boxes of craft supplies that are still packed from the move, so using something i had on hand was the deciding factor.  That folks would be a lightish gray colored acrylic craft store paint.  Yes, this will rub or scratch off in time, but I'm ok with that since it means I haven't actually ruined the clock and it can always be restored!

I applied the paint with a napkin and directly onto the napkin so I didn't even blow through another paper plate.  Then I lightly rubbed the paint on with the direction of the metal (around) and across the top (of the bottom) in one direction so that it looks as even as an uneven coat of paint can. 

Now...what to put inside... Stay tuned to see what's in store!

DIY - Bird on a Tree Limb Painted Plate

This project took no more than 20 minutes, and that was with many interruptions from my 2 year old and making dinner.  For the rest of the world, this would have been a quick less than 10 minute, but huge pay off project.  I found this plate at my local dollar store, so it obviously only cost me $1. 

I found this image on www.daddydrama.com, a site to explore for another day. 

I printed it out using letter size paper and started cutting so that I would be left with something of a template.  If you like this image also, right click and choose save image as...then choose a folder that is convenient and save it.  Open the image from your chosen location and print.

I taped it to my plate and carefully held it in place while I lightly painted using a stippling technique (an upright pouncing of your paint brush so that you don't accidentaly move your template aside and paint underneath).  I chose an olive green acrylic craft store paint (less than $1).

Very carefully remove the paper shortly after you finish with the paint so that you don't have bleeding.  Once your paper is removed you can see if there are any areas you might want to touch up.

Since the majority of this images is twig and branch, it doesn't require perfection and is supposed to have a graphic quality.  Don't worry if you aren't a skilled painter, this project can be done by anyone. 

Note: if you purchase a ceramic plate to try this project with, you might want to consider choosing a paint that states it is for use on ceramic. 

P.S. I took a picture of my finished result before the paint was dry, so it looks a little spotty.  To touch up,  I continued to add layers of paint as each dried, and used the stippling technique even though I had removed the paper, since it adds paint rather than removing it as regular brush strokes can.

DIY - Graphic Bird Prints

This project couldn't be easier and might even be done for next to nothing.  Old magazines, paper, fabric, just about anything can be used to create these cute little bird cut outs.  I am providing a sketch that can be used as a template, but you can use any bird image or other image you fancy.  Just print out your image and then cut it so you have something to trace onto your paper or fabric.

I chose cross stitch fabric for my background because I liked the color, it came prepackaged and had a texture I liked.  It was $3.99 for a 15x18" rectangle and I used the glass from my frames to cute 2 pieces to size.  You can use inexpensive poster board, cardboard would be interesting, or anything you have around the house that will give you a surface for applying your shapes.

I found 2 rolls of gift wrap at Michael's yesterday that were wonderful and  wonderfully priced at $.99 per roll.  They acted as the jumping off point for the color story I was working with for this project.  I also purchased a 54 sheet pack of heavy card stock, patterned papers, sized 4x6 because I don't happen to have access to magazines at this point in my unpacking.

I traced, I cut, I arranged my little friends in a way that was pleasing to my eye, and then I measured for placement.  This was the most difficult part of the project, but I began by finding the center in each direction and roughly measured my fabric in thirds.  I used Scotch Mounting Squares, that I cut in half, to apply the birds and give them a bit of depth.  Hang and enjoy!  

 

Bird Template

Right click on this image and choose Save Image as, then save to a location of your choosing.  Go to that folder and open the image.  Choose to print from there and select 4x6 as the size for the DIY Graphic Bird Print Project.   This doesn't mean that you need 4x6 paper but that when you insert letter sized paper, it will give you an image of an appropriate dimension. 

DIY - Farmhouse Found Object Display

  I think having a collection of mementos from family vacations, events, or everyday life is a wonderfully romantic notion and keeping them sealed in mason jars is so perfectly farmhouse and fabulous.  For this month's theme, nothing could be more precious than a "found" bird's nest.  It's February and a real one is not to be had, so I created one from items I purchased at Michael's.  I purchased a Mason jar for $1.99 as well as a 4" wire wrapped bird's nest for the same price.  I found the most wonderful package of 15 spotted eggs in various colors for $4.99.  I only needed one for this little project, but I have big plans for the rest!

Before I placed the nest inside the jar, I gave it a roughing up, if you will.  I wanted it to look a little less perfect and a little more realistic, so I broke some of the edges and pushed out the center a bit. 

I had to give it a bit of a squish to get it inside the mouth of the jar, but once inside it sat at a perfect for display.  I chose an egg color I liked, and that went with my home's decor best, and placed it inside the nest.  I actually used the sheer green ribbon that came on the package of eggs, to tie around the  jar, and figured an antique looking tag hanging from the ribbon would be an amazing way to label the object's origin and date of find (if it actually had one, but since it doesn't...a fake set of details will work just as well).

A series of these jars each with something different and beautiful tags to journal their wares, for display on a shelf, would be quite amazing.  Start your own collection, either real or imagined from far away travels or important moments in time and enjoy this budget friendly  manner of 3 dimensional scrapbooking.

 

Kickoff to Craft Week

Today marks the beginning of a very crafty week of Farmhouse Fun!  I'm off to my local craft store to find some supplies for this very craft filled week of goodness.  See you soon!

 

{Image Source: www.petslobby.com}

DIY - Tab Top Panels

There is nothing that says Farmhouse quite like a tab top curtain panel.  Something simple in a beautiful fabric...maybe linen, or a pale colored sheer.  The beauty of designing your own window treatments is that you can customize both the style and the size to fit your needs precisely.  Honestly with the no sew hemming products available...you don't even have to be that great with a sewing machine to pull this off. 

Click here for a very comprehensive and easy to use set of instructions and materials.  

Start with something simple in a fabric that won't show mistakes too obviously and if you mess up...who cares...just love the fact that you made it yourself!

DIY - Hourglass Curtains

A fabulous solution for those beautiful french doors, or the window you prefer the curtains not to hang down past, the hourglass curtain is surely a great fit for Farmhouse Style.  There are many great tutorials on curtain making to be found, but this one I provide here is very comprehensive and easy to follow in my opinion.  www.alternative-windows.com provides several free tutorials and also sells a book of curtain making instructions that includes some of my favorite designs (triple pleat for example).

My favorite aspect of the hourglass curtain is that it isn't just about the fabric, you also get to add a bit of trim, ribbon or other material in order to bunch your fabric in the center.  This is a great spot for a bit of panache.  Think beads, a pom, a beautiful antique tag, get crafty and creative here.  If it can be strung, it can be hung...

Click here for the instructions and materials required.  Have fun!

{Image Source: www.theblindalley.com and ehow.com}

It's all About the View, and Maybe it Shouldn't be?

That's right, you guessed it, today is all about window treatments for completing the look of your room.  I will begin with a short shopping list of panels that can be purchased, for reasonable prices, and will follow with links to fabulous DIY tutorials on creating your own curtains, throughout the day.  Something for everyone.

Since my style theme for February is Farmhouse, I will tend toward those treatments that fit within the style, and I will continue in the future to add and display treatments that fit with the styles to come.  I hope these posts will inspire you to create or purchase your own perfect window dressings, that fit your home's personality best, and lead you on your hunt to stores and sites that will aid your pocket book in retaining some of its fluff.  Window panels can be outrageously expensive, but there is just no need to participate in that vicious cycle!  

Let me begin my shopping post by saying that you should most definitely check stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, HomeGoods, Marshall's etc. as they frequently have screamin' deals on panels that actually occasionally come with 2 to a package!  Since each store has different merchandise I am not able to display their available wares for you...but will suffice to say you should definitely go and take a peak, it will be worth your while.

My second note of importance is that you must always pay attention to the packaging, to determine if 1 panel or 2 are what you are getting.  Don't be fooled by the fact that the picture on the front shows 2 panels and that most of the time windows always need at least 2.  Retail is not always common sense and is usually about nickel and diming (spelling?) you where possible!

Now on to the fun stuff...Click on the images below to take you to the place of purchase for each of these images.  I have kept the prices under $30 (with exception to the last one which was $39.99) and was even able to provide an option under $5 for a pair of curtains!  They are listed in order of price, from least expensive (the top of the list) to most expensive.  I've included rod pocket, tab top, tie backs, sheer weight, linen and black out lined panels...some are even reversible and many come in different lengths and colors so definitely click around a bit! 

              

Indoor Herb Garden

Nothing says Farmhouse Style like growing your own indoor (or outdoor) herb garden.  If the price is right, on a prepackaged set up, you may even save a little on the purchase of those herbs for your cooking needs.  Don't usually cook?  This may be a good foray into finding your inner Julia Childs.  Don't care to?  Still... an indoor herb garden provides beautiful greenery for your home decor.  Nothing can raise your mental state like living plants in and around your home. 

I am going to share with you a few nice prepackaged gardens.  You will want to keep these under about $15 since building you own will be more cost effective at that point and you can pick and choose the herbs that fit your cooking style when doing so.  I hope to share a fun DIY Herb Garden Project with you later this month (so I guess that would be next week).  For now start thinking about your particular needs and determine if a premade set is suitable.  Some come with very nice vessels and could not be reproduced for less than they sell for, it's the vessel that makes the difference here.  You need to ask yourself "would I find pots of this caliber, or that I like as well, if I were to create my own?".  If the answer is no and the herbs that come with it fit the bill, then making your own is only beneficial for the healthy aspect of crafting.  I am a true believer that crafting and building is good for the soul, so to speak.  

You can click on the images below to head on over to their place of purchase.   I also threw in a couple of cute pots that would be great for starting your own garden and are reasonably priced.

 

Farmhouse Floral

There are 3 types of floral arrangements that speak to the farmhouse style, in my opinion, and they all seem to fall into one of two categories: minimal and bare or big and bunchy.  The first isn't really a flower arrangement at al,l but an arrangement of branches and possibly even branches with berries or small flowering buds.  The second would be a loose arrangement of something droopy like long stem tulips or a a big and happy bunch of hydrangea, maybe even ranunculus or peonies.  Third would be the ever so farmy bunch of wild flowers, completely unkempt and ungroomed, and all of these kept in an unconventional vase type.  Think ceramic vases, milk jugs, mason jars, mint julep cups (see my Valentine's Day Table-Scape for an image of these) but mainly, think outside the box here.  The flowers or branches themselves, in a farmhouse inspired arrangement are only half of the picture.  Farmhouse arrangements place an equal importance on the beautiful, utilitarian, or rustic nature of the vessel holding the arrangement.

If fresh flowers are something you can afford to purchase and arrange regularly, then you should enjoy the beauty that brings to your life.

If that isn't a realistic option for you (me included), you don't have to go without.  There are options friends!  One of my favorite options is the ever so wonderful buying of a real plant for keeping inside for as long as it will thrive there and then transfering it outside to my garden.  For me this is a relatively short period (2-3 months so really not that short) since I am not successful as a potted gardener (can never get the watering right).  Hydrangeas are a perfect choice for this!  You can purchase a small plant from your grocery store, nursery, maybe even your hardware store for $20 or less (aim for $15 if possible).  You can then place the plastic pot they come in, inside of another vessel, or you can treat it in one of several ways outlined in my DIY Beachgrass Beautiful post.  If you choose a potted plant that comes with a paper wrap you like, then you won't need to do much to it for it to look nice with your decor.  If you aren't in love with the paper wrap it has, try turning it inside out and placing it back over the pot (rinse first to remove an dirt residue).

If you would like to make your own arrangement stick to larger flowers and less of them, or do a minimal branchy arrangement.  These will be your least expensive options.  If you can cut from your yard, do so, but clean and dry well before bringing into your home.

I will provide some links below (click on the images) to sites selling well priced flora and containers, some seperate and some completed already.  If you like the look of water in a clear vase, WalMart sells a package of resin in their floral department (or aisle) for $5.  This is a great way to make your own realistic arrangements for a quarter of the price (or less sometimes).

Keep in mind that if a pre-made arrangement is priced well but isn't quite right for the look you desire you can dismantle it and use its parts.  I do this quite a bit with floral arrangement because I find the flowers themselves to be a bit pricey on occasion.  Also, places like Michael's regularly place floral items on sale with heavily discounted prices, so check in frequently to take advantage of these sales.  The image at the beginning of this post is a weekly ad for my local store marked down by 40%. 

The items below are a perfect example, priced between $15 and $24 from Walmart, you might not be able to purchase this many  stems and a vessel for less than this.  Keep in mind that stems of silk flowers can run between $1 and $8 or more.   Before you buy something to dismantle it, count the stems and make sure you are getting a good deal.

 

Priced at $5.99 from Ikea, these individual faux plants or herbs might add just the touch of green you need.

Priced at $2.99 per stem from Ikea, these Ranunculus would look wonderful in a vessel with no more than 3 stems necessary or even placed individually in bud vases.  A series of small vases or jars, each with one flower stem, and scattered about would be wonderful.

Also priced at $2.99 these hydrangea from Ikea come in beautiful colors and would look wonderful, beheaded and in a shallow dish or bowl.

This bundle of birch branches is priced at $13.99 for a bundle of 25 and stands 36-48" in height from SaveonCrafts.

 

This bundle with red berries is priced at $7.99 for a group of 4-5 branches and stands at 3' in height from Saveon Crafts

Below are a grouping of vases and vessels from Ikea priced between $1.99 and $2.99, you just can't beat those prices (unless you are shopping at your local dollar store of course)!

 

 

These are priced a bit more ranging from $4.99 to $19.99, but as you can see some of them fit the farmhouse theme quite well.

   

Check your grocery store for a package of well priced Mason Jars, they will most likely be in the baking aisle and are used for canning.

TJ Maxx, Ross and other discount stores will also have a nice collection of glass and ceramic decorative containers...and don't forget about your local dollar store, their prices can't be out done, quite literally!

Weathered Wood in a Budget Friendly Snap? We shall see...

I ran across instructions for creating that beautiful weathered wood finish a few years ago and honestly haven't had a chance (or a piece of furniture or excess wood) to give it a try.  The instructions are not furniture specific, however, if it works...would be the most budget friendly and DIY friendly method of finishing wood in existence.  Most of the time creating those beautiful finishes we all love so much is really labor intensive, taking days at a time to finish with drying times etc., not to mention a fairly decent level of experience or a major artistic touch.  Finishing wood is not easy folks....no matter how you slice it.  But...I may be able to alter that fact for you all, should my idea actually work as I am hoping it will. 

I am bullying (ok, begging, pleading, and whining is probably more accurate) my husband into dragging my boy and I down to Lowe's so that I might get the necessary ingredients for giving this easy as pie finish a go...

Stay tuned!  If this works, you will all be very, very happy readers...I just know it!  Especially those of you who have hopped on over from Ana's site Knock Off Wood, share her love (and mine) of Farmhouse Style, and are willing to venture into the world of building your own furniture!  I promise to find you the easiest and most comprehensive list of furniture finishes... I think a little "Go Team" is in order here... 

Image Source: Turbo Photo

DIY - Plans for the William Sonoma Kitchen Island

This piece has always been one of my farmhouse favs!  Oh how I adore it!  In her post, Ana of Knock Off Wood states that she built this for her sister for around $100!  This normally retails for $4500 and she built it for $100!  If that ain't budget friendly, I don't know what is.  Take a look at the plans, and run, don't walk to your nearest hardware store!  One of the pictures below also shows how this kitchen island is being used in an office with a hutch...oh how very versatile.

 

DIY - Working Plans for a Toddler Farmhouse Bed

Ana over at Knock Off Wood has kindly posted plans for a Toddler Farmhouse Bed and I couldn't be more excited for this!  

I have recently been notified (as many of you out there probably already know) that the "lifetime" crib I purchased is a sham, since the store I purchased it from (Babies R Us) doesn't sell the toddler day bed railing and you can't order it directly from the company...oh and did I mention it isn't sold online anywhere that I can find either?  Yes, you are reading this correctly...I purchased this crib almost especially for the toddler day bed that it converts into before my little guy is old enough for the full sized bed convert...and now I am mad!  These cribs aren't cheap mainly because of the convertibility they offer.  However without selling the products necessary to convert it, this renders the dang thing useless once your child is old enough to start climbing out.....arrrgh!

Anyhoo...enough of my ranting... Ana breaks the furniture pieces down step by step and includes a complete list of materials needed.  Wonderfully simple and easy to understand, not to mention budget friendly.  Imagine what amount of satisfaction you will have once you complete your own piece of furniture and get to enjoy it.  Yahoo!

 

This is what her plans look like, easy to use and beautifully done!  The photo at the beginning of the post is a picture of a bed one of her readers constructed, so you know it is completely doable!  Check out her site when you have a furniture need, you just might find something that works.  Making it yourself, is almost always a more budget friendly option. 

Oh Little Garden I Covet So Much

Pictures like this make my inner East Coast Gal or Midwesterner heart sing with covetous joy!  Don't you love just love this garden?

{Images via countryliving.com}

Frugal Farmhouse Lighting

Lighting is a very vital element in a well designed space, but there is no need to spend your life savings to complete the look.  Below I have provided pictures of several lighting options ranging from $5 to $39 (the one exception being the intro image which came in at $49 at Lowe's) from a couple of key retailers (IKEA and Lowe's-or I would have been at this all day) that carry affordable lighting options.  Given the eclectic nature of Farmhouse Style, I have chosen a few of those lighting options that embrace the era of farmhouse living in all it's glory.  The looks range from Industrial or Utilitarian to Shabby Chic and all work well with Country Living Decor.  Notice I have chosen mainly wall, pendant, and ceiling lighting...this was done on purpose, since other than the occasional table lamp or task lighting, wall and ceiling lighting would have been the norm.  I would also note that antique or rubbed bronze and brushed steel or brass would have been the typical finishes for lighting during this period.  Anything that has any of those finishes will most likely fit in well even if it isn't perfectly matching, since lighting would have been inherited from earlier generations (though most likely lantern and candle lit) and would have been likely mismatched throughout the house.

Images ordered: Floor lamps, table lamps, wall mounted, flush ceiling mounted, pendants, and chandeliers.

 

   

Inexpensive Farmhouse Inspired Prints

While I perused the available prints at art.com, for works that evoked a farmhouse feeling, one thing came to mind repeatedly: there are no set parameters for farmhouse art.  I found myself drifting through birds, landscapes, country still-life's, even modern photography and pop art and always finding a common thread.  I have striven to choose art from a variety of styles, in the hopes that it will inspire you to seek art of your own that speaks to the farm girl or boy in you, and prompts you to take peek at what is available, and learn to love art like I do (if you don't already).

All of the prints pictured below run between $5 and $50 depending upon the size and format you choose (print, giclee, poster, etc.) and can be found on the art.com website, a fav of mine when looking for art prints or artistic inspiration.  

 

           

DIY - Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

My first DIY project for this month's Farmhouse theme, is not my DIY at all, but is that of the amazing Heather Bullard.  If you aren't already familiar with her, you probably should be!  She has a boutique selling the most beautiful wares, and is a West Coast Editorial Contributor for the about to debut Flea Market Style Magazine, which has already sold out of the pre-order copies...not to worry though, it will be available on newsstands February 23rd, and I personally can't wait!  Definitely check out Heather's blog, she has fabulous photography and lots of wonderful ideas like this wonderful Mason Jar Soap Dispenser tutorial.  It wonderfully fits within the farmhouse collective and gives me such an exciting use for all of the random jars I have purchased and collected over the years!   

Run, do not walk to your nearest antique store or thrift store to purchase old canning or mason jars.  If you can't find an affordable assortment of old jars with which to do this project, buy new ones (check your grocery store) and make them look old by distressing the lid.  This is so easily done with a whitewash glaze.  See my tutorial on whitewashing, refer to the section regarding glazed whitewashing (section 3.), and simply substitute the latex paint for a paint that will bond to metal or tin. Your local hardware store can direct you properly to just such a product.  Make this a very watery glaze (try 3 parts water to 1 part paint) and lightly wash your glaze over the lid and voila and old jar you have made!  Once you have aged your jars..proceed to Heather's DIY post, and you will forever be that much more excited to wash your hands! 

Farmhouse Inspiration Board

I love a little visual inspiration, and right now while I am channeling everything that is fabulously farmhouse, I thought I would share with you all some of the images that are getting my creative juices flowing. 

Images from Country Living

 

Farmhouse & Fabulous in February

For those of you who live for an estate sale, thrifting, that wonderful mix of old an new, big substantial pieces of furniture with some hints of wear and tear...you are obviously on my level when I say that I just love Farmhouse Style!  In my younger years I never would have imagined saying these words, but as my design knowledge and experience has matured so has my understanding of just why I love this style, and how eclectic and all encompassing this style truly is. 

Let me preface this inspirational piece by saying that every culture...and I mean every...has it's version of a farmhouse style, because every culture, and again I mean every, has evolved from an agrarian way of life (or still exists in one).  That being said, the way this gets interpreted in the design world is through purpose of piece and a celebration of the materials used to build and finish each and everything available in the days of old.  There wasn't room for excess and everything was kept for generations of use, as building a new piece or buying one was not so much of an option for subsistence level living.  

There is a wonderful simplicity in farmhouse style and a melding of that which typically resides out of doors and those things found within.  French country, Swedish design, Cottage Chic, Traditional, Spanish colonial, Coastal Chic and so on and so forth all have an inclusion in this style with rustic and substantial furniture that stands the test of time.  Layer of painted finish upon painted finish, weathered or distressed woods, and farm living crockery and cookery all find a home Farmhouse Style.  If you think you hate this style, I make it my mission to expand your knowledge and understanding of how the styles you do enjoy, have their roots in farmhouse, or at least some definite common ground.  You just might be surprised at what you find!

I will be providing inspiration throughout the month and giving you tips and tricks for creating this look without breaking the bank.  Below, I introduce those of you who don't already get this in the mail, to the inside cover of the Potterybarn catalog from last month, as well as some images from around the web:  Farmhouse...it's all around you!

   

{Images from: www.sacmag.com, www.countryliving.com, www.movingdesignz.blogspot.com, www.ehow.com, www.potterybarn.com}