Decorating

The Spring Winds Blow

March 9, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 145 Comments

In my twisted logic, spring equals a can of white spray paint and some comfy flip flops. So while my girls recited “The Wind” by Robert Louis Stevenson, I braved the March wind with a can of spray paint and anything I could find in my house that looked worn and wintry. Enjoy my spring ‘fluffing’ while I share this delightful little poem with you. You should memorize it.

I saw you toss the kites on high

And blow the birds about the sky

And all around I heard you pass

like ladies skirts across the grass

O Wind a-blowing all day long

O Wind that sings so loud a song

I saw the different things you did

But always you yourself you hid

I felt you push, I heard you call

I could not see yourself at all

O Wind a-blowing all day long

O Wind that sings so loud a song

O you that are so strong and cold

O blower, are you young or old?

Are you a beast of field and tree?

Or just a stronger child than me?

O Wind a-blowin all day long

O Wind that sings so loud a song

comments closed for Lent

Oh and check me out today at Darcy’s site. She was so kind to post my Greek Goddess Frittata.

10 minutes to a Room You Love…..or…..5 Hours to 5 Rooms You Kinda Like

February 18, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 284 Comments

What you are about to witness has been performed by professionals. Please do not try this at home.

Upon Marcus’ urging and twisting of my arm, I tried a 5 hour energy drink. And then another. And another. No, I’m just kidding. I only had one. But I think it worked. And then to accomplish the purpose of cleaning….. behind and on and around everything, I began the redecorranging. The Nester recommended one room and ten minutes. But with my 5 hour energy drink, I figured I’d make the most of my time. To quote myself, “I removed every last item from every last surface in my house and shifted things around until the five hours were up”. My family wasn’t sure where to sit for dinner or if they were in the wrong house altogether. And here’s the deal. I currently would like to repaint every surface in my house. And all the cabinets. And get new copper countertops. And I’ll probably get around to most of it. At some point. I say all that to say that I don’t necessarily love everything I did, but it’s clean and it’ll do until……….I take another 5 hour energy drink and redo it all again.

This is my attempt at layering frames using mostly black and white. I have a small obsession with dishes and figure sooner or later, I’m just gonna have stacks of them all over. I hijacked that smoochy picture from my living room.

Then I started on the breakfast room. I took the gecko and the oil painting from the bathroom ….the lamp from the living room…….the pitcher from the dining room. I love how the gecko is climbing the wall…….not unlike this homeschooling mama, at times.

I used the fabric off the dining room table to make the window mistreatments…..and the black chairs came from the school room. The pillows on the bench seat, I stole from every room in the house; as various members of my family can testify.

Are you tired of tablescapes yet? Well, I’m still going strong. This one has many borrowed items and even a ‘table’ that was borrowed from the foyer. I’m working on a ‘door-on-the-wall’ ensemble for there. That project may need it’s own separate day and it’s very own energy drink.

I think the hammered aluminum trays are a nice addition here both is color, texture, and shape. Again, notice the layering of the items……which gives it depth and intrigue.

Then I took my mad 5-hour-energy skillz to the bathroom (where you saw the sticks and feathers arrangement earlier this week). This room had a red velvet drape for a shower curtain and the colorful painting and gecko shown in the 2nd picture above. I brought the window mistreatments from the breakfast room (which have officially been in every room in my house now) and softened and ‘cottaged’ up the room with white towels, a white mirror, and my favorite blue star (which is quickly making it’s way to every room in my house as well). This piece of fabric is my very favorite in the whole house….and I bought ten yards of it almost ten years ago for $20 at a thrift store.

My last project was the dining room buffet. I had no plans to redecorrange it, but I found this urn/planter at the antique store downtown yesterday for $15 and it changed my life. In a way that usually only MAC lip gloss can. And since I have no small obsession with words, I love this wall plaque and decided I should not live without it (from T.J.Maxx). Here’s a sampling of what it says.
con-nois-seur: expert. Astute judge in matters of fine or domestic arts. Oh yes I am.

And don’t miss the small detail of the cutest picture on earth. I love tablescapes that are layered…..where you just keep finding great stuff to look at.

So there it is….my favorite tablescape. Complete with frames, words, an urn, a beautiful antique compote and a ladybug and the token stack of books….which if you look closely have the following titles; East of Eden, A Complete History of Christianity, and Genito-Urinary Diseases with Syphilis. Sadly, these would be equally fun topics for me to discuss. Anyone?

This tablescape is balanced but not symmetrical. The urn on the right is balanced by the star on the left. The variety of shapes makes it visually interesting. As does the lack of dust and Valentine candy wrappers…..which I had to remove for the picture.

The energy drink just wore off. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Dear Nester girl, I hold you personally responsible for my lack of sleep……but I love ya anyways. And remember dear decorating friends, it’s your stuff….you can move it where you want to. Just do it!

Top 10 reasons why I’m addicted to 5 hour energy drinks

1. Because it’s February and I homeschool.

2. There is only so much caffeine one can safely consume in a day without achieving a heart rate of 150 and numbness of the extremities.

3. Because my house is dirty and I AM the cleaning lady.

4. Did I mention that it’s February and I homeschool?

5. I have ethical and moral and medical hang ups with crack cocaine. I always was a goody two shoes.

6. Because my ADD has gone from ‘I can’t find my keys’ to ‘I can’t find the dog’ to ‘Sir, I’m sure I paid the mortgage’.

7. I needed one more thing to add to the caffeine/sugar/Rock Star addictions I’m currently nurturing.

8. I believe in the power of B12 and placebo.

9. Because I needed one more thing to add to the lists of possible things I could give up for Lent.

10. Ummmm, it’s still February. And I still homeschool.

I’m working on this post for Nesters’ party and it’s not done….so check back later for updates. There’s more mistreating and stealing to come.

Spring Fever

February 16, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 269 Comments

You might assume that all I did this weekend was quote Loretta Lynn. You would almost be right. However, while Stevie had a real fever and cough (so sorry honey…that I gave you all my germs) I had a touch of Spring Fever. And found myself longing for birds and nests and eggs. And this post from my friend The Nester only made my fever worse. I’ve had ‘make sticks and feather’ arrangement on my to-do list for 6 months. When I saw her arrangement, I knew I needed to steal the idea and make it my own. She encourages such thievery. If you consider doing this type of spring project this week, I would encourage you to put on some flip flops and listen to this. It helps to ‘spring’ you right up.

So I gathered my supplies: some sticks, some feathers, a bird, some eggs, and a real life nest (although slightly damaged by my tree climbing children) and began my creating. The industrious bird who made that nest…..used a pipe cleaner. Ummm, I’m a little impressed by that.

This is my first project in an attempt to redo my bathroom without replacing the sink, the cabinet, the floor, etc. Which I would like to do. I want to paint it, but that may have to wait until the kitchen is done.

I add some shells and lotus pods and some starfish….

and a little glass bowl and shells and eggs.

I love this little ‘arrangement’. When I folded the towels, I took them one by one into the bathroom…..so I could keep enjoying this little box of sticks and feathers. More to come on the bathroom soon.

I also discovered tumblr this weekend. I think I’m gonna love it. It’s also a Nester idea. It’s a place to store all your links, favorite ideas, favorite audio, etc. And if you add it to your bookmarks bar, when you come across a link you wanna save, you simply add it to your tumblr list by one click. Just thought you’d like to know!

Laundry Room Reveal……

January 25, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 43 Comments

Edited to add: I’m joining Kelly’s Show us Your House Party. Click here to see more decorating and home ideas. I did this project in January and already want to change it. I. am. so. fickle.

We’ll get to the laundry room soon, but let me show you a few details that you might miss otherwise……this little cutie was sitting on my washer today. I can see why. I just wanna sit in there too. It’s so inspiring.

This is my new motto for laundry in 2009. Very original, I know. Cindy? Cindy has agreed to be my laundry accountability partner….to keep laundry from loitering in the laundry room. It’s a little like the blind leading the blind, but at least I’ll want to sit in there now. That’s a step in the right laundry direction.

and this little bird and starfish ditty just adds the milk to the oreo……

I’ve been looking for the perfect place to feature this beautiful bird that Denise made me for my birthday. Perfect. And thank you kindly Denise.

And Emme wanted to make sure you saw her new skirt….that we finished sewing today. Let it be declared: A seamstress I am not.

I framed the no.6. I do not know why. But I like it.

Elea Grace is pulling on my arm and wants me to remember to show you her skirt too. Cute huh? Albeit a little short. And hence the leggings.

Now I pinky swear that I did not do this on purpose. But this is the only BEFORE picture I could find. I’m sorry it’s so small….although in how much detail does one really need to see a dishoveled laundry room?

BEFORE

Now for the how-to……

Paint the Cabinets

1. Do not under any circumstance be afraid to paint cabinets. Just sand ’em. Then paint ’em. Husbands don’t usually like this idea but Stevie can testify to all you rule-following men: It’s cheaper than getting new ones. A lot cheaper. Paint away, he says. I used an electric mouse sander and went over them once with that. I then used semi-gloss Valspar paint and painted two coats. I’ve had that paint for a while so the name and number of the color have since rubbed off. There’s a generous amount of it in my hair if you’d like to take a strand for matching. Just find a color you like and go with it. Don’t stress. It’s just paint and if you hate it, you can paint over it. I’m a lover of all things distressed, so after letting the 2nd coat of paint dry well, get out your trusty mouse sander and begin to sand the edges of the cabinets. You’ll have to hold the sander in creative positions to avoid sanding the ‘body’ of the cabinets. Sanding just the edges–but not every single last edge–is what makes them look ‘worn’ but not poorly painted.

Notice the sanded egdes.

As for the LAUNDRY sign, I bought the sign at Hobby Lobby. Normally 19.99 but if you get it at their half price week, even better. I then made a ‘frame’ using 2 different kinds of scrapbook paper which I just taped to the wall. I then hung the sign over that. I’ve made similiar signs and decoupaged scrapbook paper onto plywood and then hung the sign over that. But I wasn’t sure I if I’d love this paper in the room so this was a less permanent option. I still think I need to find paper that has some robin-egg blue in it…..but I think it turned out pretty good.

Paint the Walls

Paint the walls the color ‘Foxtrot’ (satin finish) from the Valspar collection at Lowe’s. I j’adore this color. I painted my dining room this color 2 years ago (2 days before Thanksgiving) and it is like eating a thick creamy vanilla shake. It’s the most wonderful vanilla ice cream color you’ve ever seen. Thick, rich, luscious. I would swim in a vat of it. As a matter of fact, I look like I’ve been swimming in a vat of it. I am a very messy painter. And I’m not a patcher. I don’t like spackle (although I’ve thought of using it on my face occasionally). So I usually find something to hang over the imperfections. If your a patcher, by all means, patch away.

Creatively use fabric to dress the windows:

I did actually line this beautiful yellow toile (which I found at an antique store in town for $5.99 a yard: I used 3 yards for this project) with muslin to make it ‘hang’ prettier. I started sewing it together and about half way through, my needle on my machine broke. This my friends is why I don’t sew very much. I always run into mechanical difficulties. But no matter, I shall not be derailed. I hung the treatments by using upholstery nails and pushing the fabric directly into the wall. I just made the pleats as I went along.

I then took this pom-pom trim (from Hobby Lobby) and used the same upholstery nails to add it to the top and cover up my unfinished fabric. I took the rest of the trim and tied it around the fabric about 1/3 of the way down from the top. I added a tassle to consummate the love fest between the fabric and pom-pom trim. Notice that I hung the mistreatment about 10 inches above the top of the window to lengthen the look. The Nester will have to look on and be proud. And although I’ve been mistreating windows for years, I feel like she gave us all needed permission to do it with pride. So thank you dear Nester.

I spent about $90 redoing this room and $15 of it was on this pom-pom trim. But it adds so much and gives the room a finished look. (Never mind that just to the right of the window, I still have painting to do. Never mind that) I bought those ‘king and queen’ canvas paintings at Hobby Lobby on clearance for $4. And that cute little tassel for $2.

So, without further adieu, I present to you my laundry room (that reminds me of an Oreo cookie)…..which sadly I cannot fit into one picture.

Before you even say it, here’s a few things you should know.

1. You don’t even want to know what’s behind those beautiful black distressed cabinets.

2. The other side of the room is undone–unpainted, unorganized, undecorated.

3. This project is a trial-run for my kitchen redo….which will be coming in February—I hope. I’m busy picking paint colors and praying to win the lottery.

4. My blog makes me look more creative and more productive than I am. I spent 3 hours Saturday evening in a semi-comatose state on the sofa surfing the net. That said, I’m able to accomplish what I do because I stay home ALOT. Being home is the key to making home projects happen. It’s not for everyone. It’s just how I function best.

5. I seldom do anything by the book. I actually bought a curtain rod which I will probably return because I like my make-shift window treatment better. And our cordless drill needs a new battery.

6. Oh and the two missing knobs, they’re still drying. This project is hot off the press.

If you have any further questions, email me at ediewadsworth@hotmail.com

Hugs and love and a blessed day!

BTW, my wonderfully creative and kind friend Patty has a new blog! You’re gonna love her.

Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful? sing it with me

January 21, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 31 Comments

I am absolutely in love with my new blog!!!! My blog is a girl, BTW, and her name is Grace. And Grace just got a brand new look. She got her hair colored and her nails done and a brand new dress from Anthropologie. And the cutest Coach purse you’ve ever seen. So while Lyndsay was making my ‘Grace’ most beautiful and lovely, I was painting the cabinetry in the laundry room. I sanded it (with my very own electric mouse sander) and then painted two coats of black paint…and then sanded it again. I love distressed cabinets. I will finish it with something, but I’m not sure what yet. I also painted the hardware silver and have plans for vanilla ice-cream colored walls and yellow toile window mistreatments.
And while I painted and made the best beef enchiladas ever (they will get their own post soon) the teens were out of school again, so they horsed around…..
while the little ones played in the very slight amount of snow there was…..
and Caiti cleaned out her closet (pics to come)……and took pictures of my ongoing
project. So while Lyndsay did her job most fantastically……..and finished……..here I stand, on the washer painting the cabinets while the washer goes through the spin cycle. At least I have an excuse for it not being perfect.
Now, I need your help. It has been my lifelong dream (about 3 months really) to have three columns on my blog. I have coveted 3 column blogs like crazy. I have dreamed about 3 columns and have nearly lost my very own little blog trying to achieve 3 columns. Grace has always apologized to me for being two columns. Now, I have 3 columns and there’s a little problem. I also want the post column (where the main body of the post and pics are) to be larger. They call it ‘stretch’ in blog lingo. I can’t have stretch and 3 columns. Apparenly having your cake and eating too is not for blog world. Grace can either keep the new dress from Anthropologie or she can keep the Coach purse. But not both. So what I’m gonna need you to do is go visit BrownEyedFox and see ‘stretch’ and then come back and let’s chat. 3 columns? Or stretch?

And then go visit Lyndsay’s site and be amazed. She has very tasteful graphic designs and she’s so prompt and wonderful. I first emailed her on Sunday night. And here I am on Wednesday all made over. I stand in awe. Actually, I stand on the washer and paint. But still in awe . Of my beautiful new blog….and my beautiful new cabinets.

Friday Fotos (on Saturday)…..

January 11, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 14 Comments

One of us makes Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. You will need to write this recipe down and make them soon. And email me one. K?
2 sticks butter 1 c. mini choc. chips

1/2c. brown sugar 1 T. milk

2 c. a.p. flour 1.t. vanilla

Mix, scoop into balls and then mash with a fork. Bake for 10-11 minutes at 350. Your welcome.

While one cute one among us tugs and chews at everyones’ heart strings. This little chunk-a-munk is a riot. Oh.my.word. He is for sure without a doubt the sweetest dog. Ever. He’s barely 10 weeks and is sitting at the door whining to go potty. He falls all over himself. And has grown 6 inches or more in 2 weeks. He CANNOT eat his food fast enough and he has eaten 2 board games, the book of Job, and the finish off my dining room table. Okay I exaggerate but he is a maniac. And has completely won me over. He is a big bundle of squishing belly and velvet fur and we are smitten.

And some of us do not know our limititations. My BirTday cake from my friends. Don’t laugh. Yes those are canned peaches and yes that is red ‘gel’ icing. And yes the cake was very wet. I do not know why. But now you know that when you go to a Mexican restaurant and order something…..stick with enchiladas and queso. Do not venture into birthday cake world. Americans have a corner on the transfat buttercream icing market. We do not mix peaches with cake. And we do spell Birthday with an H. We didn’t get our obesity problem eating this kinda cake, I promise you. All that said, Thank you my sweet wonderful dear friends. I love you and laughing about this cake made my week.

One of us reads while standing up. And walking. Or doing the splits. Or hiking one leg up onto the sofa. Or while doing ballet. I kinda prefer sitting. But to each his own.

And others of us start random games of scrabble and try to invent words such as smod.

While one in particular of us practices her culinary skills on mom’s cake.

and the 39 yo among us beats the January Saturday doldrums by decoupaging a barn star…..

with pictures of the kiddos.