2013 House Tour: Part 1

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Leah Poarch

Man oh man where has the summer gone? I’m in Sipapu, NM this week running with our last camp of the summer and afterward I’m looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation!

Meanwhile, it’s time again for the annual house tour and even I am in shock of how much has changed around these parts in just over a year! Because I’m always up for a trip down memory lane, I thought we’d do a little ‘before & after’ with the tour from 2012.

Wowza. See what I mean? Let’s see, in the past year we’ve created a seating area on the porch, hung some new bird feeders, created not 1 but 2 pieces of garden art and given that sad looking pineapple a pop of color! The patio has gotten new planters, a water hose bin and new house numbers (1 of which has gone missing at the moment. . . .). Personally, my response to these changes was quite delightful as it was quite similar to what I had pictured.

And the front door?

It got replaced in December and a new wreath this Spring!

The entryway got a new coat of paint along with the rest of the living room.

And we made this wall into a chalk wall!This little eat-in kitchen nook has gone through some drastic changes!

We updated the bar, completed the kitchen gallery art and built some eat-in seating after we painted the entire kitchen.

Across from the kitchen table, we added a screen door to our pantry and did a little bit of yarn art as well as adding this sweet command center.

Remember that dreamy recipe nook?

It underwent a pretty drastic renovation and is now put to great use!

Here’s another reminder of the beautiful wall paper that used to grace our walls.

I’m constantly amazed at what a few coats of paint can do!

Last but not least, the dining room. I’ve even forgotten how tan everything was!

We colorblocked our walls and picked up this awesome vintage buffet from my grandparents house.

I also tried my hand at hanging un-framed art and it took not 1, not 2 but 3 attempts!

Most recently, I created the Happy Day art installation and I love how it brightens up the room!

More to come soon because don’t worry, right in the middle of photographing the living room we decided to buy a new couch!

Master Reno: Jewelry Display

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Leah Poarch

As a part of our Master Bedroom Renovation, I sold my large vanity and created this jewelry display using the low dresser from the mid-century furniture jackpot.I started with 2 large frames from my stash. . .

. . . that got a few coats of gold paint.

I picked up some cup hooks and Lowe’s and placed each frame in our vice grip using a washcloth as a bumper. This kept the frame steady enough to drill holes in, without damaging the new paint job.

I drilled holes along the inner rim of the top of each frame, screwed in the hooks and hung my necklaces on them!

I also found this small vase at the dollar store and dipped it, similar to what I did with my Dipped Votives.

It now holds bracelets next to the dessert stand that I found at Goodwill.

This small frame got a fresh coat of paint and now holds all my fabric flowers.

How do you display your jewelry?

Master Reno: Reveal

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Leah Poarch

For a while now I’ve been working on renovating our master bedroom and I have to say, it’s been quite a challenge. This was the last room in the house that I’ve done because for many, many months I didn’t have any inspiration. I wanted some that felt warm and inviting without being too girly and that is where my greatest challenge came. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon navy and coral and I knew I was in love.

Enough of me talking . . . here’s the big reveal!

Our dresser got some custom artwork and a new charging station.

Next to the closets I created a jewelry station.And in the other corner, a reading nook with a certain mid-century hutch.What’s behind all those pillows?

This beauty.

Just as a refresher, here’s what it looked like before. . .

Here’s the after!

Bathroom Update

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Leah Poarch

As most projects go, I have a lot of inspiration in the beginning and am really excited about the ‘reveal’. That is until I get bitten by the next inspiration bug and move onto another project. This is exactly what happened with the guest bath. At the first of the year I had BIG dreams for this space, and even painted a shower curtain and made some art, but did I make that bubble chandelier? Nope. Haven’t even thought about it.

Today I’m here to tell you that I have made a few small updates, here’s what the guest bath is looking like these days.

I finally made myself sit down and reupholster this original-to-the-house vanity stool.

I won’t be posting a tutorial, but the process I used was pretty similar to my recently redone foot stool (or these dining room chairs).

Here’s the finished product and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to do this! Check out this beauty!

On our anniversary getaway a few weeks ago I picked up this shelving unit from Ikea. I’ve been hoping to find a small shelf for several months now and I just kept coming back to this one so we took the plunge and bought it!

When we moved in last year, I quickly figured out that this bathroom was going to need some more storage space. The plumbers installed reliable faucets and sinks. Although the counter is really long, it’s also really narrow which means that after you put a few decorations out guests barely have any room for their toiletries.

And these beauties on top? I purchased them at Hobby Lobby and the ‘upgraded’ them. A tutorial is coming later this week!

Have you made any small progress on a big project lately?

DIY Foot Stool

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Leah Poarch

A few years ago my mom came across and old side table that at one time had a penny finish on the top. It had since be removed, and the surface was in rough shape. The table had a home in my brother’s college apartment but when he graduated and moved on, the table made it back to my mom. I’m not one to let free furniture go so I brought it to my house where it sat for a few weeks.

Instead of trying to refinish the top, I opted to transform the table into a foot stool for the red smoking chair in my reading nook. Here’s the before and after!

To transform a side table of your own, here’s what you’ll need:

old side table (mine was about 24″ tall)
4″ foam, large enough to cover your table
fabric of your choice
paint of your choice
spray adhesive
serrated knife or electric knife
scissors
staple gun

The first step is to remove the legs, this makes it easier to paint and since my table was already the height I wanted, I trimmed the legs down about 3″. The legs on my table were a bit stubborn but nothing a little WD-40 and elbow (or finger) grease wouldn’t take care of.

You’ll then want to paint your legs and any part of your table that might be visible. Now it’s time to attach your foam to the top of your table. I just happened to have this photo adhesive on hand and it did the trick. Generally, you spray a layer on each surface and wait a few minutes for the glue to get tacky, then adhere them together.

Next, using your serrated knife, begin to trim the foam to the size of your table. For me, this meant trimming the corners off to make the square foam into a circle.

*Disclaimer* Be VERY careful when cutting the foam! It can be a bit tricky to get the cut started but do NOT try to use your fingers to help the blade along.

Use your scissors to soften the corners of the foam all the way and trim off any excess foam in order to complete your shape.

Similar to Reupholstering Dining Room Chairs make a sandwich, starting with your fabric, print side down, then the foam and the table top (the latter 2 should be attached). Start by stapling 2 points, here, 1 on the left and right side.Staple the 2 opposite points, top and bottom and then turn it over to make sure that your fabric tension is correct. Lookin’ good!

Continue stapling all the way around, being sure to pull the extra fabric down into pleats.

Enlist your handy husband to reattach the legs. . . .

. . . . and trim the excess fabric from the bottom.Turn that sucker over and prop you feet up, you just made an awesome foot stool!

Have you ever repurposed a side table for another fabulous use?

How to make a camera bag. . . .from a camera bag. . . .

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Leah Poarch

I mentioned earlier this week that I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect camera bag for my recently acquired Sony Nex-5 and today I’m back with the perfect custom solution that you can make out of any bag!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bag or purse large enough to hold your camera and needed accessories
Batting
Fabric of choice
Coordinating thread
Velcro
Scissors
Craft glue
Sewing machine
Iron & ironing board

Let’s start with the bag, my bag just happens to be a vintage camera bag that I acquired from my photo-loving Grandad. (Thus the title of this post.) Like most bags, it didn’t have quite enough padding so the first step is adding enough cushion to protect your camera.

Start by measuring the length and width of the bottom and both sides of your bag. Mine was 3″ wide by 26″ long. I added 1″ to the width and 6″ to the length (3 per side) and cut the needed dimensions from my fabric. With right sides together, pin your sleeve with the pins running perpendicular to the long edge.

Next, stitch along the long edge. . . .

. . . . and turn the sleeve right side out.

You then want to cut strips of batting to stuff into your sleeve. The thinnest batting I could find was 1″ and I wanted something a little thinner so I tore the batting in half to make 2 1/2″ layers.

Next it’s time to cut strips of the batting. Since my sleeve was 3″ wide I cut strips that were 2 3/4″ so they would fit snuggly inside.

Next, on one end only, create a finished edge by rolling the unfinished edge inward. Press the new seam.

Double stitch your finished edge and attached a piece of velcro. It doesn’t matter which side of the velcro you attach to the sleeve, I chose the ‘hook’ side.

Now it’s time to fit your sleeve to your bag and make measurements for the second unfinished edge.

As you can see, I had to trim several inches off of my sleeve. Trim your fabric and batting to fit making sure to cut the batting about 1″ shorter than your fabric so you’ll have enough fabric to turn under. Repeat the finished edge process on this end, double stitching the fold and attaching the velcro.

Now for the back piece. I cut a rectangle that was slightly wider that the back of my bag and double the length. Here it is folded over.

Then, cut a piece of batting that is exactly the size of the back of you bag.

Insert the batting inbetween the folded fabric, like a pocket and stitch around the 3 open edges.

Now you’re ready to assemble! I put the back piece in first with just a small piece of velcro at the top with the idea that the sleeve would mostly hold that piece in place.

To attach the sleeve, cut a piece of ‘loop’ velcro, line it up with the hook piece on the fabric. Attach the adhesive side to the bag and let it set overnight.

Attach the other end of the sleeve and you’re done!

I made another shorter sleeve to serve as a divider between my camera and extra lens.Enjoy your new custom bag!

The Mid-Century Jackpot

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Leah Poarch

Last weekend we hit the mid-century furniture jackpot and I’m so giddy with excitement, I couldn’t help but share the find with you!

I’d been watching a posting on Craig’s List for about 3 months (apparently Abilene isn’t a hot bed of mid-century furniture lovers) and the seller had lowered the price from $350 to $225.

We arranged to meet the seller and after looking at the furniture and seeing that it was in really rough shape, the Craig’s List King offered him $150 for the whole set. . . . . . and he took it!

The set includes a chest of drawers, a night stand, a low dresser and this hutch will find a home in our Master bedroom renovation.

I’m not sure where the rest of it will end up just yet but I just couldn’t pass up these beauties. Did you see the gold, color blocked, tapered feet? The top drawers with recessed pulls? The hardware? I’m pretty sure it’s original and what’s left is in great shape.

You had me at tapered feet.. . . . .. .

Find any amazing Craig’s List deals lately?

Color of the Year: Emerald

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Leah Poarch

This year Pantone named Emerald as the color of the year. . . . .

. . . . .isn’t it just dreamy?? Since I’m usually looking for an excuse to paint something our entertainment center got a fresh coat!We started with hiding our TV cables the hard way and then acquired this dresser from my grandparents’ weekend home. The mirror and the first 2 drawers were removed.

Using the drawers as a template, Phillip traced and cut 2 shelves for the top.

It then sat in our living room for about a month until I worked up the courage to actually paint it. The first time I showed Phillip the paint color he said, “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . I won’t say anything until you get done.” I took it as him saying, GO FOR IT!!!

I had some of Valspar’s Wet Pavement in Satin left from painting my Vintage Serving Tray so I started by spraying the interior gray and painting the interior of the drawers. If you paint the drawers guides, be sure to give them a lite sanding before replacing your drawers so that they will still slide in and out easily. Then the fun began! The color I purchased was Valspar’s Luscious Green in Gloss and it t took 3 coats to get a smooth even, finish. I opted to paint the legs gray which I’m not too crazy about but I’m hoping they will grow on me.

As per usual, Leland came to help. . . .until he tried to lick the wet paint and I kicked him out of the garage.

Now that all is said and done, this beauty sits in my living room.

Before I painted the dresser I found this tag attached to the back and was overjoyed to find out that it was the original sales tag when this piece was sold to my grandparents. Judging from their address, my guess is that they purchased it in the mid-50’s.

The drawers now hold movies, video games and kids toys for visiting friends.

Have you repurposed an old piece of furniture? I’d love to hear about it!

A year in the making – 1 Year Blogiversary

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Leah Poarch

365 days ago, a dream of mine became a reality.

It started probably a year before that when I stumbled across a blog called House of Hepworths. Who even knew DIY blogs existed? It was the first one I’d ever heard of and I was instantly infatuated with Alison and her amazing DIY skills. I was hooked. I read every post she’d ever written and waited anxiously for new posts to be published (yeah. . . I was kind of a creeper). I began to dream and really think, I could do that!

At the time we lived in a tiny 2-bedroom duplex whose owner barely let us install a ceiling fan (it had NO ceiling fans. . . in the middle of west Texas. . . . yeah, not smart) so I knew a DIY blog was out of the question as long as we lived there. Time went on and I began to follow other blogs like I Heart Organizing and Primitive and Proper and as the DIY bug grew within me and I worked on small projects around our home.

In January of 2012 this all changed when, through a series of God sized events, we bought our first home. I was ECSTATIC. Long before we moved my head began to spin with renovation ideas, paint colors and flooring options. (Side Note: I didn’t join Pinterest for a long time because my friend Katie told me it was like my brain on steroids. She was right.) I immediately knew the time had come to launch my very own blog, and that my friends is how it all began.

I was so excited I had probably 2-3 posts written before we moved. That’s right, in two weeks time I packed our entire house, we cleaned our new house, did all the techy stuff that goes along with starting a blog and I wrote several posts. Maid Easy offered a good house cleaning option. Oh yeah, and we both worked a full time job. Needless to say, we were pumped about this dream coming true.

Over the past year we’ve learned a lot. A LOT. We’ve learned about working together and communication. We’ve learned that if you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to want something to drink. We’ve learned that I am a mouse. . . .and I want a cookie. We’ve learned that I have big dreams and can always see the final product where as Phillip never sees the final product and often says things to me like,

“You aren’t finished with that project. . . are you?”

“You want to paint what?”

“Those things don’t match.”

Yet he always loves the result. It’s been an entertaining year of growth and discovery.

I’ve learned 3 things about myself over the past 12 months;

I love to dream up big projects and see them through to completion.
I love writing about what I’ve done. I do the staging, shooting and editing. . . .so that I can write.
I love that there are people out there whom I’ve never met who actually read the things I write. It never ceases to amaze me.

So to you, faithful reader, thank you. Thank you for reading, dreaming and learning with me. You are the reason that I continue to write so thanks for the encouragement and love.

Speaking of love . . . . wouldn’t you just LOVE to win a new purse?? I thought so.

Without further adieu, the winner is. . . .Heather Jernigan!

Heather be sure to check your email for prize details.

Here’s to many, many more DIYing years to come!

Vintage Serving Tray

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Leah Poarch

As we cleaned out my Grandad‘s house, I came across lots of great vintage finds, most of which I shared with you last July. On later trips I found a few more pieces that I’d like to share today.

This awesome orange arm chair was tucked away in a corner my entire life and I never even noticed it! Although I do love the orange, an upholstery job is in store as well as some love and care for those beautiful tapered legs. They are the screw-in type and although they aren’t stripped, the fitting is VERY loose. Anyone have any experience fixing a similar problem?

This vintage tray was another hidden gem that I found, in all places, stuffed in the attic, covered in dirt. It was next to my giant piece of original art that was the source of great agony last fall when it took, not 1, not 2, but 3 attempts to hang it in my dining room! Today the tray is getting a makeover!
It cleaned up nicely but it definitely was showing it’s age.

One of the handles had broken off but my awesome wood-working father-in-law was able to make a new one over Thanksgiving.

The x-stand was also in rough shape and missing one of the fabric brackets.

After a few coats of paint, here’s the final product!

The tray was sanded and paint with Valspar’s Wet Pavement in Satin. I got the paint plus primer and it worked wonders!

The stand I left as natural wood and gave it a good rub down with Murphy’s Oil Soap. I made new braces out of some gray webbing that I picked up at Hancock’s which allowed me to make sure the stand sat completely level, it was a little wonky before.