Pinned and Tried: DIY Boxwood Wreath with B&W Stripe Bow

A little bit ago, I was perusing images of DIY boxwood wreaths on Pinterest. I've been wanting a nice green wreath for my front door that would work all year long, for every season. For some reason, boxwood wreaths are insanely expensive and I've always wanted one but would never pay for one. I came across one image with a black and white striped bow and fell in love. Also, the bow gave me an idea: change it out for seasons/holidays and I would have the ultimate wreath that I would never have to worry about changing, storing, and I could get rid of all my other ones that take up so much space in the garage- triple win! 

The inspiration came from this picture here. I used an old wreath form I already had, I bought two boxwood garlands from Joann when they had a great sale, and I bought 1 yard of black and white striped ribbon. I just attached the garland to the form using twist ties starting from the inside and worked my way around and out. The bow is just clipped on so I can easily change it out. Here is how mine turned out:

Love. (We really need to paint that trim- yikes). As you can see it is a lovely rainy Spring day today.

I hope you enjoyed my DIY Boxwood wreath! ~Rebecca

April Teacher Appreciation {Thanks For Helping Our Students Grow!}

I originally got this idea off pinterest where someone put a live flower in a pot with this phrase. I thought it would be perfect for a Spring teacher appreciation gift. I happened upon these juice glasses at a store called Gordman's on super duper clearance - they ended up being about $1.35 for a 6 pack! Major score! Since I have to supply enough for a staff of 36-38, anything I see less than a dollar is what I try to find, that's about 23 cents a piece. Then I bought tulips at the Dollar Tree, each bunch had about 6-7, so that's about 14 cents per flower, and I also bought the clear bags in the party section, 50 for $2, so that's 4 cents a piece. I bought Easter colored M&M's and Jelly Beans (just in case someone doesn't like chocolate?!?!) and used measuring cups to fill the glasses. Then I printed the phrase on green cardstock and cut them into leaf shapes and attached them to the tulip stems with floral  tape. 

Happy Spring, teachers!

A few living room updates

After being inspired by my visit to Pottery Barn (see last post), I was itching to switch things around on the ledge and see if I could make it look like what I saw in the store. Now yes, I realize my home is not a store showroom, nor do I want it to look or feel like it is, but I have had such a heck of a time trying to figure out how to decorate this space! So after taking some pictures I was interested in taking on this design challenge. The neat thing about this "project" was it cost no money, I simple rearranged everything that was up there and added my big chalkboard to ground the grouping and define the space a little. All I did was look at the pictures I took and tried to recreate what I saw- and I learned a few things! Every grouping started with the tallest things in the middle and moving out toward the smallest things on the ends. 

So here is the BEFORE:

And the AFTER:

What do you think? Does it look like "too much stuff" bunched together, or does it look ok? I am getting used to it...

Also this Spring, I was able to save up some "odd-job/side-job" money and give my living room a little make-over. It was super fun and I love the way it turned out. 

New curtains from TJ Maxx and I sewed new pillow covers from a Target Threshold shower curtain I got on ebay. The fabric has all the colors I wanted in the room- green, blue, yellows, browns, and cute birds too :) The curtains are white with a gray/taupe trellis type design and cool metal grommets on top. Everything was just TOO brown before and it needed some color and style - a breath of fresh air. (Sorry the picture lighting w/ my phone is tricky...)

This was my BIG purchase! I had been wanting a new recliner chair for our living room for quite some time. Don't get me wrong, I still love my old chair but it was truly falling apart and looking quite dingy - it was getting embarrassing! We took it upstairs so I can still enjoy it out of public view :) But when I walked into TJ Maxx one day I was on a mission to find a new chair. My husband was doubtful but I went straight to them and lo behold there it was! Actually, I was looking at another chair but it was quite uncomfortable and did not recline. My husband said "How about this one?" It is a Lane brand which I love and it was pretty comfortable, but it didn't look like it reclined either. Then my husband looked at the tag and said "Well this tag is for a recliner, but you get the idea." Then while I was sitting in it, he said, "Wait a minute!" And pulled out the footrest and sure enough, it was a recliner! I was like "Shut up!" And he was like "No way!" And we were like "Sold!" It was quite exciting :) It was right within my budget and when I got home and googled it, I found out we got it for half the retail price! Sweet! It is called a Lane Fritz High Leg Recliner, and not sure what fabric, in case you are interested. I also bought this pillow while at TJ Maxx to bring in the grays/taupes and blue.

And here I have my fun Spring blocks (tutorial here) with new hurricanes I scored at Target on clearance for $5 a piece, my coffee filter wreath (tutorial here), and a cute metal key my sis -in- law gave my for Christmas. The mirror was from Walmart.

So that's my updates for now! Hope you enjoyed, have a great weekend!

Spring 2013 Inspiration: A Roundup of my latest

I don't know about you, but I am more than ready to say goodbye to the SNOW we've been having and say hello to the SUN and warmer weather. Here is a roundup of some of the things that have sparked my interests this Spring. Take a minute and enjoy looking at these pretties.

(They are all on my pinterest boards so if you want to see where they came from, please go there :) )

This week I was browsing for new sheets and I got an email from Pottery Barn for a % off all purchases so I decided to check out what they had to offer. I went to the clearance section and found a set of 2 Plaza(much needed)king pillowcases in sandalwood for $7.99! That's like Ikea prices for much better quality. They come in the mail next week!

I love the picture of this home exterior and thought what a good idea to add the pergolas on each side of the portico to add interest and character instead of doing a more pricey front-porch add-on. We could totally do this to our house since it has the same front design. (With some magical extra funds, of course!)

I absolutely fell in love with this bedroom. I'd like a little more personality in artwork, but everything else seems perfect. It even inspired me to spruce up and clean up my room yesterday and make it look clean and simple like this.

I found this skirt at Downeast Basics on the clearance rack with an extra 20% off. It looks really cute with a jean jacket and some yellow ballet flats:)

Love this super easy handmade card, could easily make with paper scraps.

More eye candy from Pottery Barn - so pretty. I like the idea of adding a soft blue to the Master bedroom color palette, but I also love my all- white bed :)

Super cute. Need I say more, other than I need to get started on some hair accessories for baby girl?

I've been really itching to get out my watercolors and do a few small projects before baby comes. Lots of inspiration found for birds, and a few other things I've been wanting to do.

I scored this set of washi-tape from Pick your Plum for cheap and have lots of ideas of what to do with it! Already decorated my daughter's magnet board with a border of washi tape, wondering if I should put some on the walls for fun? Also going to make a no-sew triangle bunting for the nursery. This stuff is so versatile.

Well there's my quick Spring Roundup. What has inspired you this season?Have a great weekend!

Easter Decor 2012 {part 1}

Welcome to my new home! Here is a peek inside at my humble little Easter decorations. This year is all about using what I have and trying to throw it together while still unpacking boxes!
At the front door you might recognize my house-warming present to myself at the last home which I showed you how to make here {http://rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2011/08/hydrangea-housewarming-wreath-from.html?m=0}.
I'm still keeping up with my homemade Welcome Sign by switching out the ribbons each month which I blogged about here {http://rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-2012-no-cost-welcome-sign.html?m=0}
The vinyl tile was made by my lovely SIL with an entire set of cute tiles for the year. I'm excited to finally have the perfect place to display it on the entry console table. The country bunny and tree were a garage sale steals and the nest and greenery were cheap from Goodwill. A few nights ago I threw together the little egg ornaments using my girls stickers(!), a round paper punch, some ribbon scraps, and tape. {no cost!} My first thought was to buy some tree eggs on ebay but at this late in the game and not wanting to spend money, the wheels turned until I came up with this 'good enough' for now solution.
Across from the front door when you walk in you'll see the piano which I topped with a runner from Ikea and hung my mirror over as a lovely place for seasonal decor. Here I have my favorite garage sale topiaries {http://rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-2011-spring-style-setting.html?m=0}, my dollar store bird {http://rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2011/06/goodwill-dresser-and-dollar-store-bird.html?m=0}, my spring blocks I made last month {http://rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-blocks-part-two-of-reversible.html?m=0}, and a garale sale Easter egg wreath. I got it last year right after Easter and it's so fun to finally put it up!
Then are my faux tulips I love. They just say Spring to me.
I hope you enjoyed part one of this post! Check back tomorrow to see the rest :)

I Can Make That: Pottery Barn Rustic Bunnies

I received my lovely spring PB catalogue in the mail and I'm in love with its simply beautiful green & white, tulips & bunnies goodness.
I went thrifting with a friend the other day and snagged this cute terra cotta bunny for $1 so I can give it a "weathered white glaze" and make it look just like these $39 - $49 "Rustic White Bunnies."
Not bad, eh? What inspires you?

Paper Pinwheel Wreath

My S-I-L loves Spring and is here today sharing this super adorable Pinwheel Wreath.

Hi! Thanks for letting me share today. I love 2 sided scrapbook paper and almost had to pinch myself when I saw the idea for this wreath. So let’s get started!

1. Cut (12) 5" x 5" squares of your favorite 2 sided scrapbook paper.

2. Measure in 2 1/2" from each corner toward the middle.

3. Cut the lines on the squares. This will leave the middle of the square uncut.

4. Take the left corner of each square and glue it to the middle of the square. Repeat with all the corners.

5. Place your wreath on the counter. Mine is 12” and is cut from foam core board.

6. Arrange your pinwheels and make sure they look great.

7. Glue your pinwheels on going around the wreath and kind of tucking them under each other as you go.

8. Glue a button to the center of each pinwheel.

9. Add a ribbon or a cloth to hang and enjoy.

Happy Spring it’s only 3 days away – but who’s counting?

More St Patricks day blocks: Leprechaun Hat

This one's easy! Just cut your wood into a square and thin rectangle. Follow the same steps you used for the blocks (see previous post) and use coordinating scrapbook paper if desired. Cut a "buckle" out of black vinyl and attach.

Spring Blocks {part two of Reversible Lucky Blocks Tutorial}

To see the tutorial for these blocks, just check out my previous post! If you've already done the other sides, then just finish by adding your paper, mod podge, and Spring vinyl to the reverse side and your done!
I absolutely love how these turned out! I cant wait to display them with some nice green topiaries and a jar of lemons or a sweet little bird and coordinating eggs.
You could also do the word "Easter." We chose "spring" because it works all season long. And since the papers coordinate on both sides, it wont be difficult to switch them within our decor for March and April.
Check back soon for one more St. Patty's day wood project, because I just can't get enough of these cute blocks!

Lucky Blocks {DIY St Pattys Day Decor}

I saw some "lucky" St Patricks Day blocks a long time ago and kept it in mind for a future project. Thanks to my SIL, this project became possible! And I love how they turned out!
For this project you will need: wood blocks, scrapbook paper, paper corner rounder punch, paint, mod podge, brushes, vinyl lettering.
First cut your wood to the desired sizes. We did 6 blocks so that we could make them reversible (other side revealed in near future post!) but you could also do 5 blocks with one wood shamrock cut out.
Then find whatever green scrapbook paper you'd like to use. Thicker is better when working with modge podge. Tip: look for reversible papers which make it easier to color coordinate. Cut to size to match blocks, deciding which order you'd like them in. Punch corners with rounder if desired.
Paint the sides and edges of blocks, the rest will be covered with paper. If you dont do reversible blocks and the backs are blank, I would paint the backs also. I chose to paint them an off-white because I wanted a very light, Springy look. My SIL painted them brown which looked great too. Let dry 15 - 20 minutes.
Apply a very thin coat of mod podge to block faces and let dry 15 - 20 minutes.
Apply another thin coat of mod podge this time to both the blocks and the back sides of the paper, making sure you coat the edges well, working quickly. Apply paper to blocks and rub down, making sure it is smooth, even, and there are no bubbles. I used a popsicle stick for this then went over it again with my fingers, especially for the edges of the paper. Let dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
Apply a thin-ish coat of mod podge to top of blocks, over paper and let dry 15 - 20 minutes.
When completely dry, apply vinyl letters and shamrock. Stand back and admire your finished project!