design for home

Khazana: Curated treasures on Lyndale Ave | Minneapolis

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Serendipity it was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One weekend we were walking around, exploring the streets of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndale_Avenue" target="_blank"> Lyndale Avenue</a> in Richfield and next minute we were entering the door to a store with a giant hot pink lotus painted on the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K7jXrAssAKRral3XY-vOz8RtuzSET-LIiEBCOEItyOTl4IXM0gK2LPzP4y1NDGa2MRLohbFBmm8N_Ae1B_cuEby8XlqIqGBTEv9FAolHE33WbRAAjx_Shd8eXB9SnCD3DT4L3JLfrcA/s1600/k2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K7jXrAssAKRral3XY-vOz8RtuzSET-LIiEBCOEItyOTl4IXM0gK2LPzP4y1NDGa2MRLohbFBmm8N_Ae1B_cuEby8XlqIqGBTEv9FAolHE33WbRAAjx_Shd8eXB9SnCD3DT4L3JLfrcA/s1600/k2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walking into the store we were enveloped in the fragrance of floral incense and a welcoming smile by Kelly the hostess at <a href="http://www.khazana.com/" target="_blank">Khazana</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we got talking she mentioned that she followed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rang-Decor-Interior-Ideas-predominantly-Indian/170896452937464" target="_blank">Rang Decor </a>on Facebook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Serendipity it was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gOUdFn5k89oGZd3xLP_1Zg41LSrTbztO7eDWBxnSQZnqdWRiDh4M1kQw2qgtByYLQBcux0YTYahcWd22EQ0wN__AbcRHpVEJ6ltaHgIWuuyUiOCbwu9QKiTo5uUWMZf175KRHs2RRbw/s1600/k1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gOUdFn5k89oGZd3xLP_1Zg41LSrTbztO7eDWBxnSQZnqdWRiDh4M1kQw2qgtByYLQBcux0YTYahcWd22EQ0wN__AbcRHpVEJ6ltaHgIWuuyUiOCbwu9QKiTo5uUWMZf175KRHs2RRbw/s1600/k1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The exterior view of Khazana. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHnSW8iyUjlP3QpwUyL4XZ45PelTmzWxIX-w7rLyRdhhoRP9hmCw-O8qsVCN9nne_S0UXbieJ_F2vbht7BTcpxoojBhWicj9NSQQYFEMGBvZ_CEV9FLM-Z37rjSuL-pN5coLk_5hQocg/s1600/k4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHnSW8iyUjlP3QpwUyL4XZ45PelTmzWxIX-w7rLyRdhhoRP9hmCw-O8qsVCN9nne_S0UXbieJ_F2vbht7BTcpxoojBhWicj9NSQQYFEMGBvZ_CEV9FLM-Z37rjSuL-pN5coLk_5hQocg/s1600/k4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prayer flags fluttering at the entrance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeR0n3R7xSgbwyFtjekW-PUHZbaqpNTVCKjxRC_del0f0BpF0IX4N6_o_GtvRpIIh2fY1WnzzNKROdjBVQRCV0k4S4Vq69MCW21jhpNBL4Du5AWP3RjkxyoITnuJ1yI217kaBTyu_kdw/s1600/k6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeR0n3R7xSgbwyFtjekW-PUHZbaqpNTVCKjxRC_del0f0BpF0IX4N6_o_GtvRpIIh2fY1WnzzNKROdjBVQRCV0k4S4Vq69MCW21jhpNBL4Du5AWP3RjkxyoITnuJ1yI217kaBTyu_kdw/s1600/k6.jpg" width="640" /></a> Khazana was born out of a passion for collecting art and stories. Here is the story of how Khazana came into being... Anju Kataria grew up in India, but traveled extensively with her family from a young age, always collecting things from her travels. <a href="http://www.khazana.com/" target="_blank">Khazana</a> was born on Nicollet Avenue downtown in it’s first incarnation.  For the last twenty five years, Anju and her husband Ashu have continued to add to their incredible and unique collection, preferring to work directly with artisans and support local craftspeople, both in India and locally. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2HIjA2Yc9WZ8FBQVDU-sWj4NpG41m6Y_qy7JMn-JvDXIJXSqOBzqsYtkaEkVICJTeEgOCUoQIbRogaSWcyv0u2gHax22rXGzpzm1y8JW0_oSNMIcJnjpt85Nk5L4pknP6rPALOgrny4/s1600/k7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2HIjA2Yc9WZ8FBQVDU-sWj4NpG41m6Y_qy7JMn-JvDXIJXSqOBzqsYtkaEkVICJTeEgOCUoQIbRogaSWcyv0u2gHax22rXGzpzm1y8JW0_oSNMIcJnjpt85Nk5L4pknP6rPALOgrny4/s1600/k7.jpg" width="640" /></a> Khazana literally means 'treasure' and the store is a curated collection of treasures brought here to help tell the story of the people and places they come from. Khazana has a wide array of pieces but is known for textiles, bronzes, exotic jewelry and original artwork. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuvU5J63pgxhJqrKt2lb5XuTYuA29pQtdjdcDsVqRrUoxDT1CooIxYregEMJo-TDKBgjOlU7aIJKSnJ0rqlkQnp8ABxpaJTnw44SLLln_NxaeCYZ8oLoAa0J6_gribqeudFJv8CyUuhk/s1600/k8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuvU5J63pgxhJqrKt2lb5XuTYuA29pQtdjdcDsVqRrUoxDT1CooIxYregEMJo-TDKBgjOlU7aIJKSnJ0rqlkQnp8ABxpaJTnw44SLLln_NxaeCYZ8oLoAa0J6_gribqeudFJv8CyUuhk/s1600/k8.jpg" width="640" /></a> Three years ago <a href="http://www.khazana.com/" target="_blank">Khazana </a>found it’s final home on Lyndale when the Kataria’s bought a space Anju had loved for twenty years. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_BqarqHrfTjbmlwuXssjS4p4lo4bL4TS5K0qJkUCV0XcRvIIDy9PGvJ7wgYXDKkcgP_ZjbuYTDqSnZ_FWout-iHE8W2_Fy6Tgn3xGo4a2vZ63LwnS0RZslfRxq9SPBJbxVc6WwP45x4/s1600/k5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_BqarqHrfTjbmlwuXssjS4p4lo4bL4TS5K0qJkUCV0XcRvIIDy9PGvJ7wgYXDKkcgP_ZjbuYTDqSnZ_FWout-iHE8W2_Fy6Tgn3xGo4a2vZ63LwnS0RZslfRxq9SPBJbxVc6WwP45x4/s1600/k5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fun Bollywood-inspired products.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUwdLCpmZfBijEA-GloeYvbuzOdBqtKU-B8_TvdJAcUVtTDHQD8H0UrMkcJWGuHp06d5tMNi0zIrK_-rsAIMQfEf1J3EdtCBTdMlGKVzuwuy1TrbwEKOKkKK6AI10AfRoOE973-dd8EA/s1600/k3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUwdLCpmZfBijEA-GloeYvbuzOdBqtKU-B8_TvdJAcUVtTDHQD8H0UrMkcJWGuHp06d5tMNi0zIrK_-rsAIMQfEf1J3EdtCBTdMlGKVzuwuy1TrbwEKOKkKK6AI10AfRoOE973-dd8EA/s1600/k3.jpg" width="640" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vintage Mirrorwork Textiles.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GoFPA5TnVMnDseD3qeglgvq9f4xkMdp_33aFIV3-AbC6h1JG7XJz5DcPS_ZBYqWiWKzRitg7QL54vBdJA9c6VBDKmRa3oXjmrSfKP4iRxExNZfg5W5sFcMrzdZQ9spCJS-zJm6fVXyM/s1600/k9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GoFPA5TnVMnDseD3qeglgvq9f4xkMdp_33aFIV3-AbC6h1JG7XJz5DcPS_ZBYqWiWKzRitg7QL54vBdJA9c6VBDKmRa3oXjmrSfKP4iRxExNZfg5W5sFcMrzdZQ9spCJS-zJm6fVXyM/s1600/k9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnrha_iDA2cXmc3oayJtLzGSkneDg9zZU959KeyvuW66oylu3BCriBhNAJiPlnHWXRf6TVShwT69uBqPFfT9CTmnEC57V6FkdYri3N9ofBTvomgD9y6F0gDY-CGA7vV-Ar1S7VvFS3LY/s1600/k10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnrha_iDA2cXmc3oayJtLzGSkneDg9zZU959KeyvuW66oylu3BCriBhNAJiPlnHWXRf6TVShwT69uBqPFfT9CTmnEC57V6FkdYri3N9ofBTvomgD9y6F0gDY-CGA7vV-Ar1S7VvFS3LY/s1600/k10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Incenses. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcCukfphmGrXiG2PsIQj8hi6W8IKiTxYZkEpUy-gxh-t88YzoPtXWMBf6mpg-WC4UNUW2pFASmWsIMWp9vQ7J4CamH9UH01JM5Fd-Fm4Ujoml8w8_1MmK-1Sei98ZOGIT9riLBL1xwe0/s1600/k11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcCukfphmGrXiG2PsIQj8hi6W8IKiTxYZkEpUy-gxh-t88YzoPtXWMBf6mpg-WC4UNUW2pFASmWsIMWp9vQ7J4CamH9UH01JM5Fd-Fm4Ujoml8w8_1MmK-1Sei98ZOGIT9riLBL1xwe0/s1600/k11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Madhubani art and textiles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_n-zlimYLeQ5q1zWPxtzffUs7ZCZHTXIkjxf9tmW8VRS4kjdRxyobZozaauwauBLp2zqEa6EoCv99KZ6quNGFEttPyJeh_isqFQau3Pg18l1Ise7Kb_vfrPjBN0QjSsPTbc2-DYbPis/s1600/k13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_n-zlimYLeQ5q1zWPxtzffUs7ZCZHTXIkjxf9tmW8VRS4kjdRxyobZozaauwauBLp2zqEa6EoCv99KZ6quNGFEttPyJeh_isqFQau3Pg18l1Ise7Kb_vfrPjBN0QjSsPTbc2-DYbPis/s1600/k13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fair-trade handcrafted silver jewellery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafxsLwnmWm-s2rd2gIHFpLqDC6pNO3_8k_1Rog4sHwvJ6cUFRIPhiHJqJaZSpY5XVtdGSw4yj6DdlqLzmhF0dZdUQlVidJ8jn1kchqtmMu3KpnxvvAsBERmP9gXvE2WMxQpv1oiW94gc/s1600/k12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafxsLwnmWm-s2rd2gIHFpLqDC6pNO3_8k_1Rog4sHwvJ6cUFRIPhiHJqJaZSpY5XVtdGSw4yj6DdlqLzmhF0dZdUQlVidJ8jn1kchqtmMu3KpnxvvAsBERmP9gXvE2WMxQpv1oiW94gc/s1600/k12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> 'In the last year we have begun to add more classes and interactive activities in an effort to expand how we can tell our story in the community, and provide a space for others to come and tell theirs.  We plan on offering a travel component this year and are looking forward to being able to take people to the source of these incredible pieces. We have tried to create a beautiful place where people can walk in and feel as though they have stepped into a calm and inviting, and inspiring space.  We invite you to come experience it, and we look forward to seeing you!' ~ The lovely people at Khazana <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWNr-z6ch-v62eig3HcOMh06N6n8k4YXVrv_Lz3ubFa3ATjpxM-Lbz1tYc2EBz48Tg94-ahj_dUCntMsJrv4xLYeiSqL8SISqgge0BInzNeCeE6MVI-97AcmHPq-Isc29r-7sq-jRgP0/s1600/k14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWNr-z6ch-v62eig3HcOMh06N6n8k4YXVrv_Lz3ubFa3ATjpxM-Lbz1tYc2EBz48Tg94-ahj_dUCntMsJrv4xLYeiSqL8SISqgge0BInzNeCeE6MVI-97AcmHPq-Isc29r-7sq-jRgP0/s1600/k14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> So if you find yourself in Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis or are looking for unique gifts do drop by <a href="http://www.khazana.com/" target="_blank">Khazana</a>~ A true treasure trove. You can follow them on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KhazanaMinneapolis" target="_blank">Khazana</a>. ( Images by Arch) <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D38775094%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8714180058110721456%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-vC5z6hRPoVY%252FVMedFMaOWAI%252FAAAAAAAAO-8%252F_Ka86xXchP0%252Fs1600%252Fk14.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7316px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D38775094%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8714180058110721456%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-vC5z6hRPoVY%252FVMedFMaOWAI%252FAAAAAAAAO-8%252F_Ka86xXchP0%252Fs1600%252Fk14.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7316px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>

Khazana: Curated treasures on Lyndale Ave | Minneapolis

Serendipity it was! One weekend we were walking around, exploring the streets of Lyndale Avenue in Richfield and next minute we were ente...

7:50 AM

Haven 2015!

<img alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-30 at 11.58.35 PM" border="0" height="82" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S5B8HMqjOII/VMxlWaqWAeI/AAAAAAAAufs/b7cGZn7enXA/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-01-30%252520at%25252011.58.35%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Screen Shot 2015-01-30 at 11.58.35 PM" width="500" />Yes it’s Saturday and I’m blogging! :) This is just a very quick announcement to let you know that our annual blogging event, <a href="http://www.havenconference.com">Haven Conference</a>, is back again this year! <a href="http://www.havenconference.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" src="http://www.havenconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2015Haven.png" /></a> As the button says, it will be held from July 16-18 – this year at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. And tickets will go on sale this Monday, February 2nd at noon EST!   We are thrilled to announce our main sponsor, Home Depot, joining us again: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-67k3LQKr9ko/VMxlW9guwRI/AAAAAAAAuf0/jqEh36565Qo/s1600-h/THD_vivid_orange%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="THD_vivid_orange" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LDjnrGzg008/VMxlXl6h2VI/AAAAAAAAuf8/YYVnJLzahZc/THD_vivid_orange_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="THD_vivid_orange" width="300" /></a> And our keynote speaker this year is bestselling author and blogger <a href="http://acuff.me">Jon Acuff</a>: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rP8fafp6CAk/VMxlYOwt_HI/AAAAAAAAugE/8StY8u8I1iM/s1600-h/AcuffHeader4.jpg"><img alt="Acuff-Header" border="0" height="108" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yd94wT117kM/VMxlY2-TBKI/AAAAAAAAugM/L6I0YNR3lu0/AcuffHeader_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Acuff-Header" width="500" /></a> I’ve heard he is an incredibly inspiring speaker and I can’t wait to hear him! As always our sessions will focus on blogging, decor and DIY and I can promise you will learn a lot from those and fellow bloggers who attend! You can keep up with news and announcements via our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HavenConference">Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/havenconf">Instagram</a>: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-czYmLzNdTcY/VMxlZbJpATI/AAAAAAAAugQ/7i085gpCpkA/s1600-h/HavenInstagram12.jpg"><img alt="Haven Instagram 1" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hzjwqQ2qfJw/VMxlZwQINyI/AAAAAAAAugc/l7nOVmSHd3w/HavenInstagram1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Haven Instagram 1" width="300" /></a> Now have a great rest of your weekend!

Haven 2015!

Yes it’s Saturday and I’m blogging! :) This is just a very quick announcement to let you know that our annual blogging event, Haven Conferen...

6:01 AM

Dark Door Trim

Hey there all and happy Friday! I’m editing this post to let you know I changed it up from the original content. Above everything else my goal is always to blog with integrity – and whether I believe I’m doing that at all times doesn’t matter if even a few question it. I shared a knock off project today that struck a nerve with some, and even though most were incredibly respectful about it, people were going back and forth in the comments so I chose to just remove it. I can take criticism, I just don’t care for drama. :) I’ve shared knock off projects for years now and will continue to do so – but I decided to remove this one just to avoid any more back and forth (and I took down the comments on this post for that reason as well). So…this post is now a super lame one with two pictures about the door frame I painted in the mud room. It’s very exciting, I know, please calm down. I have to tell you – <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/12/paint-and-floors-mud-room-progress.html">painting the beadboard</a> in this room a darker color (it’s called Reflecting Pool) was a out of the norm for me but I LOVE it so so much. I painted the door trim white last year but quickly realized it looked off with the rich color everywhere else. So I got one frame painted in the blue and it looks so much better! You can see the difference between the white trim on the left and the blue on the right: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Sl7gEQjpjc/VMu1x94bkvI/AAAAAAAAue4/oxvFXckZbNc/s1600-h/IMG_1379%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beadboard mudroom" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dJMm6vamQ0E/VMu1zDKhB0I/AAAAAAAAufA/3CwViXHYV_o/IMG_1379_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beadboard mudroom" width="500" /></a> I’ve started a fun little gallery wall that brings in some more bright colors that look great against the white walls. I got the Happy Place sign from Meijer but it was at least a year ago. The raindrops art is from Hobby Lobby – absolutely love that one! This room has really come together over the past year but I still have a long list. I have to finish painting the trim, cut down a piece of beadboard and install it over by the light switch, paint the ceiling, install crown and build the storage unit <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/06/barn-light-love.html">over the bench</a> in this room:<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L8yuw6mU4Dc/VMxe_chjMrI/AAAAAAAAufU/vwsvvpNPGjE/s1600-h/IMG_9179%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY mud room bench" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FTjeHjqXAGc/VMxfAFf3J6I/AAAAAAAAufc/kzAz05tTQI4/IMG_9179_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY mud room bench" width="500" /></a> I LOVE how it’s coming together though! Yes, that’s all I have for you. ;) Don’t forget Monday is the February Before and After link up and then I have a BIG project I’m super excited about that I’ll be sharing next week! Have a great weekend all!

Dark Door Trim

Hey there all and happy Friday! I’m editing this post to let you know I changed it up from the original content. Above everything else my ...

8:48 AM

The Mundane

Well my friends, the no spend month is ending soon. I can’t say I’ll be sad to see it go but it sure does help me refocus when I do this. When I’m not spending on house stuff I can concentrate on bettering what we already have. I’ve decluttered a TON and whenever I felt the urge to go out and walk through a store I just found a new spot to sort through. I’ve gotten a ton done this month but there’s so much more on my list! When I’m focused on the larger projects I find the smaller ones tedious. But when I’m working on a to do list and not bringing anything new into the house the mundane little things are oddly rewarding. I’ve put off painting the inside of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/built-ins-for-electronics.html">built in cabinets</a> in the family room for months – I finally sat down and just did it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgSOCqAM_D5SxJj2Rk4NQRsmZyDfZ0SMUKh8bMkUnGYoIf1IntTONyCpfDPQB5uu10-2cProvEeDqxdFX24AyuWFCbCgt5pdlKsGRlVGREHSEurTDXar0H1jHQx-L_iRwts75emYp8tk/s1600-h/IMG_1347%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins by fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC-vBoHuLFzLODYgWACvOuLQEal2QAyvqfTSf05rqHGMJ5OJrPm40aODARaG0LLg1quHt5uGBipckOjHOOJrjDx6hPdSizD4AChObdVOo6XRSlsdORVQJxg66CFzs-yrJClCEXpbCc9M/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins by fireplace" width="500" /></a> Even though you can’t see much with the doors closed you can tell it’s darker and more uniform in there which I like. For this girl who never even paints the inside of the cabinet doors, this is huge!! ;) Speaking of painting…a lot of it is happening in the kitchen. I’m still working on the second coat on all the window trim in the bay window: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3toB9krvsbEFlN_EpHTZVkAaK28UXi9JTtV4w57Yy_NgAJlf73SmLTcCLXxHyDf7e0lE3AHz7U90YN-aHjDVJozuc4VZ9W7BORI0SXDEeeklTqyH-47Ke9Sm-5oB35DExqVWr8EU0ZO8/s1600-h/IMG_1354%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay window" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNcNQQ6BgmthAcc0j9_xAldMpFVuSGaw9e5kiFmNLTfW_kpAtZLGFb6Jp8TZCYh5PNzRlV6OLCWG8oXk4pq0AxliVB34yg0uoFMGu4OxXDXnw9s2LcRZPIgHzUw9Ov2G1IBVaxGVQFZ0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bay window" width="500" /></a> I won’t finish the white on the walls till the window seat is done, which will be sooner than I planned!! Whoot! Next time you see this spot the seat should be there. :) We went through all of the toy bins in the basement and I finished up a few little things down there. We have an AWESOME ottoman with storage that holds our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-best-clutter-busters.html">DVD books</a> and other stuff: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKi7osywoOuzAZwP-6WdsfUZwDLY_vK-XkV9zZg0cxvnL3FaW1dwLxWgAhzu-OkvS0kVSFxQ07l073OYuE15GXq4425x8ADm9-8Jnwnt5Aa0eTJC4N1MJkLAwG3rPKN9BNstTifjbiBk/s1600-h/IMG_1357%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ottoman with storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_sY-ruuZBNceZ9s9y8NWmqhPoiypTZkO3ZnAttJ6uYYHi_DDaQJv4VGTWBOgGq7QZ7InRiFDDhVKpnwsgjI2TUtPoIPz3irC40fE6x5JBHoSaezoPHEp6yHeCEI_YCTGfsoDUivCCSs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ottoman with storage" width="500" /></a> Problem is the kiddo pushes it around all the time and we never know which way it opens. We have to move around it and pull till we get the right side. This is struggle people. My solution took five minutes – I found some old belts while going through stuff and since I don’t wear them anymore I used one to make little handles: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2SGHl7z6cPYQ5X2hw0hkwWnuU8BXot1nKvEnmZkqXZLU3qjqUGKoT6LbbNlKwJaNKm-8TVgiphkoQHFpNQF_xfX_VQE2U0vRmfQ1OmLb-VN0y0nMkhGWSp5GQ7cXlFeRiVtah-8xSYE/s1600-h/IMG_1360%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="old belt as handles" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-YKxCTcfvq0Il4nYiafoWOO2bA-VR15zdMVqweAmQX0jYDwtLM6hDjaz2EEDr0P_KFmxxOGNmd_bdYpibPI3J4Sw_iAEleXxf3kSdI2aWpTd24SsxQo0v0fu2_2gaCZsMCvBM2jMDog/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="old belt as handles" width="500" /></a> I just screwed them into the ottoman framing and now we know exactly where to open and it’s easier to pull up:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSY4WkljclZKi6Xn-Gtzlrryjz7HKWtdUgJFrv8i_Ax36HMBDjft1GMPa3DgAgZXeGJWk71P3KBEtNVtZsAHFXOhQo0EqB0T-iDG3iYBJq3yBXrw8wQ_t4QdwRe2aTQZ5PD6T9iNfXSE/s1600-h/IMG_1363%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using old belts" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L5BqEZBDbf24ekfSp-EavjJSPlXb3LG2LNGWGFMoXN3jVXE1zgVsGYFDWgl48bZlYuitI_Mu8C_oI09Sq2t7JREarOwsjcadm7VGPNQgZbzYx4xX9R7T90kie_cUhiWSlHcGEtLqd3o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="using old belts" width="469" /></a> I was laughing because as I was doing this I knew I had used another belt in a similar way years ago -- but for the life of me could not figure out where I did it. I placed my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-wood-tray-overcoming-tool-fears.html">little DIY tray</a> back on the ottoman and realized it was on that tray. Ha! I’m smart. When something needs to be hung I tend to leave it leaning for months – it’s one of those little things that I put off. I finally hung a cute sign in the laundry room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f488Ixn8lu2GC2bgwjwS9ZeXizEJM1DRmb4rZ7TCTbs1eJrU0IWUpnElj61-BvSLaPJQuV2MKOr7V9JCYsh_K5Qdg9I5TuLS8TYK6ljTshjI6s1MtAWrDdazerLUS-v_y4BAi467EZI/s1600-h/IMG_1367%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="laundry room storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq4z31vvXEfIdedFoMNfP8_pGSovZpI4cjNUyalQL4daQteGuV4gWznKo8jh7Iz9riIZ0ZTpnzTF_LXfKWc1gL6TX18btHodPKhI-4J0I4CWOf2MpJa-zE9hLZtl3B9XE-2h6u6jEKUc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="laundry room storage" width="500" /></a> Love it! I will be installing shelves between the cabinets but until then I went ahead and hung it. Knowing me that could be another year from now. ;) We’ve had a big mirror leaning in our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-closet-reveal.html">newly organized closet</a> for at least six months – and it took me all of five minutes to get it hung: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbF3rCQCzvel6kl8y6OZH8KpjnZVd3pMrAq3IwTt6rFsvQogHBKzgs834n5HXUUOol8fETMpBg3s_oUO9A7yHxmdJWHCSKRDH-FYqfdoygG2EwtYkFJ_wZcHnyIhucVL7_p5qGBXqvPeU/s1600-h/IMG_1372%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY closet storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExjORG0Xt5d9Y4ZBatACax8PeVFeQnwBEN7-P8aXucbZ1Lpa40qq8nypQhmxrXc5s6SD7Dcjw-vvMVBX9ldnv51W6O40Jiw9ZyyDBiZT3UltfG2LJV0waIsfawL0ObU8qAnmGELbUQhA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY closet storage" width="500" /></a> On a whim back in late December (I’ve technically been on this no spend gig since mid-December) I decided to hang a bunch of the random photos we’ve had laying around: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFghTbBcSi6TCrHStb0gLg9B27EX47z_SC8Z3Hk0y2FYGPcmZDb38G4d1fOTWz5z1ojpsa61pZcULjFjddh67OgeeSDbcUCJw74FBQtsJcY68AGKmMTVUD4cyCGt_TsLyftI3xA8-ac0/s1600-h/IMG_1370%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gallery wall board and batten" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCaU5wvzvh8-yk55504o4FA1jxz4t617XeKFvhJAPhFEZnIUUCQCXAeT-YX5m_PBSKyleJ_j4d5WG7ztrZAsjZO2Hklrnjp0H-M_TwF34AJf2WNbuF8ZxcD1QR804uGfh-3QvNUq4Hq4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gallery wall board and batten" width="500" /></a> This wall in our loft is HUGE. I have to get a taller ladder to keep going, but it’s not empty for the first time in years! And finally, as I mentioned I did a lot of purging, but not a lot of organizing just yet. I did switch the contents of a couple dressers around and things make much more sense now. I put all of our linens in the dresser in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/dining-room-turned-library-finally.html">dining room turned library</a> – and I have a couple of empty drawers now too!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EsqOaNyyHhNm_JjT3haRkzO4MNlwvDuf9Ldz6wxO5EbwkKxDEcBTVi1ic8hdlcMPWFGM5eu9QTG61NzvO30SIvRyTxmVLbxveFsaxztICjz9HcA2CJuPLHOj7McHr7KJgXPYQwJqbW0/s1600-h/IMG_1369%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="linen storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dnjC-UapF9Eeh6Yys135mQ-jnDa09tufkqGzRj6VmGZEhvd2VC_Hg4MOTJvFlv90H8N_Xr2FOojeAq_D1-DDkqEb2dlE-DOMAWw2IEFi1xGhesT5YCMOQpznH__tvV6LhCg63ASDss8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="linen storage" width="500" /></a> I’d still like to get some shallow baskets to organize things a little more – baskets may be my first purchase. :) These no spend months remind me that sometimes it’s the smaller projects that make me feel the most accomplished. It also reminds me that I’m pretty darn lucky to get to do the “mundane” in a house we love – I’m grateful for it. :)

The Mundane

Well my friends, the no spend month is ending soon. I can’t say I’ll be sad to see it go but it sure does help me refocus when I do this. Wh...

8:15 AM

Final kitchen island plans

Hey there! I’m back with an update for the plan in the kitchen and I am SO EXCITED because I think I finally have the island figured out. It takes me awhile to get the look of certain things nailed down, and I don’t move on them till I have it all figured out. When I do I move forward fast. :) Right now our island is four by three feet, a standard builder size. I’ve <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/04/board-and-batten-kitchen-island.html">spruced it up over the years</a>, including adding a butcher block top from IKEA. It actually came in a larger size and I had it cut down and a pretty edge added to it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAR2303Ic_dl2Q6Cd0HwGLZaL0aCCVEe2Clm6MI8YvFMzRNdosYkkd-lVU4u3aVM3tiNnOz_C36eXskTJzsd6JYsRuZlx9Qray_2ccjhNmh9uyoQfguXt5TBphClE7gKnx7mhmkCMfI_I/s1600-h/IMG_9046%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten kitchen island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzoUGTTptaF7tDTAw4wgrcjUh14Y_7Cfil8iUVLclXh6Te_cVzAa0xflZOqH4xvWfJFcIOSefuj68aEFepPD2l7GJyMiD3smhtDs7JubaS0L8If0_SbpOloj2RaoyiGEUE2rqTqRLyc4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="board and batten kitchen island" width="500" /></a> When we had the floors patched during our reno last year, I went ahead and had the area under the island patched as well. When we got new floors years ago we had them installed around the island, which I knew right away was a mistake. Trust your gut people! I had them patch underneath so we could move the island out into the room just a bit. Unfortunately, they had to take all of the pretty trim off in the process. It was a sad day, and our island has looked like an art project gone wrong since. :) It’s not a big deal – since I knew I wanted to extend it anyway. We’ve hosted friends and parties over the past four months with it looking goofy and it’s not made me twitch too much. But I’m hosting two baby showers in the next month so I really want to get this thing looking good again! So…the original plan was to double the size from four feet long to eight feet. I also wanted to make it a bit wider too, so the overhang would go over the chairs a little more. The plan included adding a base cabinet for more storage and then building on a bookcase at the end to house a microwave: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9jicXubRvv6TsV0TeS3UxhxYCgnSrwmyduYl0_gKiqX4WJOltGNflzaW8vzZOO3-EHmHO9jxc2V9ayvMgKBNbE-6JKpvDiyPYnZiSTPi6BIWg1Xs3No1pab-rQtyLY24cBWnxr1VX4Y/s1600-h/101956645.jpg.rendition.largest%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="microwave at end of island" border="0" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGMPEqiIyw-CTyLPX5v-sfMIMhG267UECIp9iTNYptFRkHAJssVHaZxI4jakvUW6SgbGqyKk5Cqg4wQnP5sND60z5K2xd7FeKiXVroubgUFWp78Lp9TUXr0GZnXYTJtJlOhvD1JIc-cs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microwave at end of island" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://www.bhg.com">source</a>) The microwave part is still happening. But I realized two things after doing some more research – one, we’d have to order the cabinet since it would need to match the current ones in our kitchen. We upgraded a little bit when we built, not a lot, but they’re still not cheap. And we’d have to wait weeks to get it in. The other biggie was the countertop – I was planning to do stone on the island and wood countertops everywhere else originally. But after doing some research I decided I didn’t want to worry about the wood counters around our sink and over the dishwasher. I read some reviews from folks who loved the wood but all (that I read) said they would not do wood again, just because of the stress factor. And the huge slab of stone for the island was going to cost close to what it will just cost to do the countertops – so now…we’re going stone around the room and sticking with wood on the island. I’m used to the wood there and love it. Problem is – the only island butcher block I can find is six feet long. I found one that is eight feet but is more expensive. We considered adding a wine fridge to add the length (instead of ordering a cabinet), but then when we thought about it and realized we really only drink red wine. I think you can still put those in there but we just wouldn’t use it. SO…you with me here? I’m trying to think about how we’ll really use this thing and save some money. So the new plan is to do a six foot countertop. No new cabinet, no wine fridge, just a built in at the end. I also had to adjust how I want it to look a bit. I got these stools last year and then months later found a third one and grabbed it up: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrLeJ5n6MadttDwv5Jww8-grYG48RzPa2zmGFfKRmNcTAzkNW9zf0eXYkaHoSR2WRkLlzYoD3zTMIPo1hGqR1JcP9Tdzwn0_d6goigT7dlp0P1PhSNw2RdMavQFqbdK_WLYLFYRawrYg/s1600-h/IMG_1338%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="extending kitchen island " border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa1FTqr5lC8fkPAOm0ynsoclPcDOjJK6nVKIWB-oeyGvdQDh7SPbYjS5eBufDHli6SLsnIbLihZhKUScKOf7TyFsAB5Tiysxia8vCGEXqAsZVzUsUu4UMiK4e-Y8VFlU8PCQvYXIfBuQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="extending kitchen island " width="500" /></a> My first plan was to build out the sides with skinny bookcases. So out from the current island on each side of the three stools: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj6C5nDvWdn0XdxYRdCiKE5gaw83NNk1vVI8YW8wqb7lf12hor3h0q7CWm83OzCkkspDHmdckeHyLFW-K8wavE-CUspwvvC13pcgU2DAJjgtvlH1Wd7t1uzBw8BaU1_17qm-x3EaXlUg/s1600-h/IMG_1342%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="extending kitchen island" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJZWWXesSi4k5MmfUsGcXaJ3S_dHKnGvG-cwMoZ8WFMd2SVPaBp7wBtM1qCa3nxPbASUF7M-a8RgLJc_xfk9AEq2TX-xqKTXoq9v-yz1wrUtuLr0PliC8KkQlrOt2vpELNzqzVWaX8bE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="extending kitchen island" width="500" /></a> But as you can see with the six foot island there’s not enough room. (Edited to add that yes, the stools are bar height. I’ll be cutting them down like I did our last set, I just didn’t want to do it until I was positive we were using them.) I still want that custom look so I am going with even skinnier sides like <a href="http://www.migonishome.com/home/">Jen’s island</a> I’ve shown you before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPQPtKXPHPWRqJNCZAbs-KXSTCZD3o8_DE258EAfQEqwiEIvvMQd3Wep2X0iE50zpD9zjDQlxwP30G_kl6oHnL_8MfVUmw9KU-0Z7m0C1bc7Y_G7davszAsVDvkUap1fxfGU3iaCqfD8/s1600-h/IMG_5479%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7JrrGBwM-Q61gQ7ZdgYqWRIUo2EA8I11UyrFPD4zZtozX4J8WfvSHnlMdeXmz4QaMwuDD7uaSleEeo0OcQafyswF4on5L3Y1Q_qXjtq884AUHSOHXC2pP4OURt_-tyJzS9bP3Is1goQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a> It still gives the island a more substantial feel and we’ll have additional storage at the end. These are little adjustments that I honestly think will look better in the end – simpler and more streamlined. And I think it’s a good thing that the larger island top was going to be too expensive because when I taped things off I realized eight feet was going to be REALLY big: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGatRswoqiBXlqPZ1t0Eahh-wwV2Oq0f8fgkKEaq62uZGnsVRs8lFqg-sNgn-Orj33rcApe0oih5R4Jev_QjSFi2rbteU7rRrjOAFwQ1c6qwAIB4G2B7JeJivPZYenB6pVXlpbWTQQ-w/s1600-h/IMG_1344%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay window kitchen" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgIDTNV3aryBfvW0-B4lMr5ZC9iQEqN2T_A2JiFKLFwT0Yu9bkQw5ZVXegme6yFAn3biZ2DKvzYXtkQNfG1eO2G3UZ-lgUYY5UAoab-A4UCCJz609yS_bJ0ZTkTo2JDjGfjBjvIOk8sg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bay window kitchen" width="500" /></a> The tape on the floor next to the island (sorry it’s hard to see) is measured at six feet out. The window seat tape shows where that will go. Funny how I thought having that open space where the table used to sit would be too open – now we love it! Many of you mentioned living with it for awhile and it’s so true. We got used to it pretty fast. So, it’s not the original plan but it will still be super functional, wayyyy cheaper and really beautiful when it’s done! Now…our final decision is the countertop. I can go with a basic maple, in a similar tone to what we have now. It’s at a local lumber store and the prices is OK, but more than I spent at IKEA for sure. I also found a few options at Lumber Liquidators. When I called they said they had a basic maple for a GREAT price -- $200! But when I got there to check it out this is the maple: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36LbJudIUdIi1cd6kjOXk2gJDEegDKBPjp-GKKvG1FRk9-jjcM6zMTLcWHeIXjz5nQ1Pft5LVW6gOI2K800HMoxYNxOzi8WKXfNaZIayfjWabcFAd0s2JNURfkcVwO3ChLmGgKsA0BRI/s1600-h/IMG_1670%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="maple butcher block with knots" border="0" height="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RofMKlEalc3LPOO5Ag_NjjQBjYeEkfGg2ApsNuUE1HL_hSbgwaQKR2IZDRy4JF-xXjDBJzDSd_W9jJKNs-sbfzGsr-tOeDLI2jWqGA323ePfxdUOgN-onECmBNQBVWjulYUS6qY_NZI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="maple butcher block with knots" width="500" /></a> It’s considered their basic version and it includes the knots which I don’t like. (This is the look with oil on it.) They also have walnut that’s beautiful but my husband didn’t like it as much: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievXncsGFvHpFa6GW2ZuYfSKQCH7y29Ce3p8MptGmT272gF0FdiiirR1M-sVBGXU2LcLQ3utiwB4yEh4bB1-YE1iOCb5u9hqn4wzreJJXTTvtshXjbZGkE62fKTK_7jkA0Gn6mFOMGweM/s1600-h/IMG_1669%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="walnut butcher block" border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w-RC1BFdrURedBoamyiFUuLiH_y2Euq7MSBKiVlQylj4UWbqQlB6XZ_hzVQHJGejOhDP73scAaEeHvwU3zDid88rd7OT0XhPoY1DkdzMMHAYjWotHDdIcLHMTLC7eHZTPcboRSj7D0g/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="walnut butcher block" width="500" /></a> Of course the one we both love, an acacia wood, is the most expensive: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kGBVvj5zP-oyLMrBnAcLQsIqzzBSXLP4Oj4-Cf0q7UpMFkSASOmI1nbGbyqwmgKlzWKSi4hUBC5Cb5dxCG6c13EpI895Put_B0_QWzwKBwGUaDROie9OgeVKLOMu7o9ACNiyL36vZWQ/s1600-h/IMG_1668%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="acacia butcher block" border="0" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-VLCiU4kV-Z-GIMbZ-qxiTZbRTaKj-IWGRDt7KV7ZvqmhtFnpzbRX0Co_B1g211or-TgtCA2jRFg_StRPq-xyFnEKrpmErR4H8IvqCnO7JdWHqgRIZ4NfzqCdmCAQN8pl5cCdDTeLO0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="acacia butcher block" width="500" /></a> But I don’t mind paying a bit more for this considering we’re “saving” by not doing so many of the updates we originally planned. Here’s the deal though – all this time I thought IKEA didn’t carry the island sizes of their butcher anymore, but they do? Readers have told me for years that they don’t have the one we bought years ago but I looked online and you can get it, but you have to order it online. Odd. It says they can ship to our house, and maybe even the store? (Two hours away.) The thing is, I have used this butcher many times and am really happy with it. The price online is less than $200, crazy good! Has anyone used the island-sized butcher block from IKEA? I’m going to call them to try to get it figured out because if I can get it there I will – the price can’t be beat! AND the island size comes 40 inches wide – exactly the width I’ve been hoping for. After all this research and driving around the place I wanted to get it at from the start may have exactly what I want! :) I hope my train of thought in this process makes sense – I know it can hard to keep up with sometimes. (Ask my husband.) But I’m thrilled with the plan and am so excited to get started on this first kitchen reno project!!

Final kitchen island plans

Hey there! I’m back with an update for the plan in the kitchen and I am SO EXCITED because I think I finally have the island figured out. It...

8:12 AM

Making (DIY) art pop

Hey there all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Hope those of you in the NYC area are stocked up – please be safe over the next few days! Real quick, I wanted to remind you that the eBook sale finishes up tonight – it’s your last chance to get the 76 eBooks I told you about <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/tdc-do-it-yourself-ebook.html">here</a>. Baking, crafting, DIY, photography – it’s all covered in the books and it’s an incredible deal for less than $35! You can order yours <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/diybundle/a3162/">here</a> – I believe the sale ends at midnight tonight (EST). OK, onto my latest DIY! So this is another one of those little projects I’ve had on my mental list forever, and this no-spend month is as good a time as any to get it done. Seriously, I want to go shopping SO bad. But this has been a GREAT month of getting lots of projects done and I will power through. :) Back when I was finishing up our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room">family room reno</a> I needed some art for a wall and did a very quick piece of my own using a canvas I had picked up for another project. It turned out OK but it was a little dark and moody for the family room. The colors went gray instead of blue so I didn’t love it there. I was changing things around in the master so I ended up hanging it there – and quite liked it. I don’t know if it will stay forever but for free art it will stick around for awhile: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1SAXxqxBsffDkKhmDGInYOfalzOvMNTie3fmLH_ib7QdaSeseAjxwJFe4wdADrAsJ4pprJwJpOL0jNZxmuuHIaN0DeV4LS2rmTrcODFht6NMPLJuvd3ZnMMs3UBxwOduEfDgJKilAAM/s1600-h/IMG_1318%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="framing out a canvas" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bk07-6bEULo2-RLHbd8WZuqOQVKoEQnZHTDwwXk8kRIzP6SCvYozXXSsaK_Air0BtZqg_rHtpYIa2X9frBPQXnim408Yqc4cOj7JxteVb3WTd7SkLSTbXxx0IZ9X82SJHh3F5cM1AV8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="framing out a canvas" width="500" /></a> A couple months ago I was finishing up small projects in that room and went ahead and framed it out with basic wood lattice trim from the hardware store: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs-IBDHxzfSLNPE7QNf2LV2rZRfh-rggGZWQSEQdq3l37hcbza-i5BKsdcuV7MG7j-9Ymr80h4db4xseM1b7NOrY8m72u-AVPOWlmNfRz4F75EKV-nJgbHpxt6IUteY9JtaGUYFYHun4/s1600-h/IMG_1321%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy DIY frame for art" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcUckfL1PCM18HbyKmxjAII91BYSTGmPdsAbfgGZLndVM9D9RWx9w61njg6V3dzG-fmhYSpLrtBsFN-cKoBZGVhqvJrOo43toFsn9KuZTMNsjZHsF8-FsJlIeW7fQGdwy8fCQ5mLR78w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy DIY frame for art" width="500" /></a> I didn’t miter the corners or anything – they just butt up against each other. I quite loved the natural wood with the gray painting too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsw_bQ5j62NDnau4MofQRI4tEFfWyt87qakuVutKLJkmByZYyI2qH59lOJFcOiZ262kdkSbjSQJ6HKJucAyGrZkC__46aKVbKBr1zuP-4YkpdWIrSAcoPuAJFucMaqcMuhKmYgr0DrVc/s1600-h/IMG_1313%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray water color art" border="0" height="745" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWJsG_6SFejeMmIbbuo7DOtHAoFuJya0GgGwn66XStcRbhLyv8H1eYhLtzlzDAGJ3JLtg73Czt-UsPrY8tiQq2HQrA75u4yfyVlVybC7-wkGE6x6_DHVqOsnfV-qgQZWXQumS8n3U__U/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray water color art" width="480" /></a> I’ve been wanting to do the same with the painting I did years ago that now hangs in our foyer: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib70lxOjKa5kpNiRZXW7IYIHDoauMHP1ctLWV5LzhtmkD2TqQ8bdYYOnZvgJ6iOVx4xt3VfyA_kC-qo84nKdtspZCrl3qoo9R0oDR8W5Y0HO61RLb_R6uWIhB2h7Gw1mFAeUfYwZiedRs/s1600-h/IMG_4932_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9gSdAsP4G_4eUoT6RBi0QowYpxcQcFqAyZa8EmsjbEEAuCNVrIvJR3vqqEuLmLWJ5MnaUqGYdXKvERVpH26O-7WhJwXd0Os19FXwLZCnt0NOsRdSrNc20V7_uTYADmR_8l8baDwb9G0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a> I just knew it would look more professional and finished off with a little edge to it. Problem was, I’m not spending on DIY this month and I didn't have enough of that lattice stuff. So I searched through the wood pile in the garage and came up with a solution. Cause I’m <strike>a hoarder</strike> crafty like that. :) Remember the underlayment I used to do the inexpensive <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/13-planked-wall-finished-fireplace.html">wood treatment</a> over our fireplace?:  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOmBh34EQlRAm5mUxq7dpj_rgVpb8dAs6-pIlqo2qtjUDNtVBtd3RGlKV4NXGaqVpKv8V2Qg-IIuUccS3PPxabiRNqscuimbS1ZaYvXhB3EhJULvvg39W1p3kRc7UUd6QyXRCujvNXaw/s1600-h/IMG_0351%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace with marble surround" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGtax5oGMmub_HzyBdKZV6eoMwKMTbN0Azb6UEtNztIn9wiNewM3XS_Xl_vQp-1pRUbbmtSxBszL5F423QLrFXuc2CZqCEC6vOPvRk2xCMxoFf3Fqa15BuEqraHAMeYaCEz9V6i-51vM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace with marble surround" width="500" /></a> Well when I had them cut it down at the store I kept the scraps. It’s really hard for me to give up stuff I know I can use later. And that I did: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjV0aL38D2AQ7wvHuUHlAOb02Nhv2EOlQTfjsRrplQVNUlkyKE3wWDlqQz-DENnQHUFsQFjYTEgwM9t2S6xCTMVxdeAnBddxHAIgyZZz-bP3ibAyt1-a2nyzzuxphF2zxwKOcY09qSyo/s1600-h/IMG_1654%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCYQB2Eha-KKouGRAuaBZdLBf_PLcoZTGKySlrdqIFozVZF8PVD099nFHzVYF08jlSGBv1lNcrqRN06VQBQJnAvtxwviwqezyofW101VdA2Htkj0Avj_-c31_orSKYFTZrY9bwX0GBkI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> I had a couple pieces that were a little over two inches in length so I sanded down the rough edges, then gave them a coat of black paint on the front and back: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xZzil1hfo8pLSrn3HiLx0odyC-nFCboaFDah_fIvlby3SDlSq59L7Txu5Lsx2OuSQ4YPqRCBOAoXCnjPrQRDibnR3HBB0EK8IfpyQdv1Enx2EH95vkG-unxtFz7Gg1I08LQRk1Bnch4/s1600-h/IMG_1655%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY frame for artwork" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH7gsmhAos0CQhu4Vl34EyFGeUgXUp7K45nF33MmnIMvN-s_XSdCux9atIDOX4q4lSUMLjG-8YNlksvUJ854BJN0sCurSYDmbpyzTRqnQ1G6yvh7qDJIsuJ9x6Y2-DXGKDR_7lgr6ai8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY frame for artwork" width="500" /></a> This stuff takes paint really well so I never have to prime first. Since it’s so thin I was able to avoid the garage and just cut with my miter box and handsaw: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUalM5CeWzi9gpHkmazvq2gKkDfVFBAi-1UOCnZTppwTDhwKHEghKbYuXkQDfNUL25fBbIv4fL0M45izno6RHWP3K0NzPY6iZSazJpWkI0mkusMKnovYRsK6wbMdeUJcb4M5-DD3mpdJI/s1600-h/IMG_1657%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="miter box and hand saw" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6c2-3KfC3GN92K8tJT7DC-nHSa9MnNhAnAZEZZd24t_bA3MNUj6R873I3ELXecBr6x1j_Y2QnCwxUdJjGOrGAm1EeFlSttSFAnclEC16_lRrxlIYupnEDkBgdzUdyfKodObnijIoV0w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="miter box and hand saw" width="500" /></a> Old school baby! I used my nail gun to secure them to the side of the canvas: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHVi1Q9iJeegCfXR_nLH1E7ZuF-mkJWvXzWn36eC2nCzfIuQGTKWevzEqYhA98onLN9x1vd9uARIXIsJLSSZZt_4EB0ChzMSmcIluswWzGlSRNPV-nv5fUNvPmAATJ7EOxvF2Zyo1LY4/s1600-h/IMG_1656%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="framing a canvas" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFumX4w-RA4O5LOIkku5-zBC3vaLsL2hwjPajSZm4-hQdx8tkhBT6RoxZezeDGtYd3416hj0zF10GUsyhlsh7-Kz1CZqBwgn5vij8Nb-BNSTSNUQj3wZ_VOMVUxrYLR31segR0UWFYE0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="framing a canvas" width="500" /></a> And I couldn’t believe what a difference it made! It really makes it pop!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSnmhvNuWjbM3ku6sAZkdYstzHlh2xxc1lSBvwYnRWmRNvsGjISQxUpch3iGiqAKvgdBTsgyoK2k-rzJvduPGYlAHQxFqqk8ahE1mgCY0GHUOFHbOs0fqdKET3wOvSGy5B-Q8H9Iq4xE/s1600-h/IMG_1326%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY watercolor painting " border="0" height="727" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Rt2LlGMezbLmaN7Lc9gfysymJf15Fszk5X435KiD4WCIClC51Hq04yF4vSXDBtWFliAjQRHX5vpFKGvr3weTQXA-kpljRpO3cwnTFjC_IO71O5KGNXoSKHAAAlEwFejN19T3fX2F6-s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY watercolor painting " width="500" /></a> The thickness is just perfect – even better than the lattice stuff. It’s a lot more substantial: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluMvlBrGxYfWlQcNHT3dM1TK8N8T1CiPLZejmhoG0gHUJhWNhsKRSto_CERhBsNRVV7c5RVb4seuCqGO3RIUKLHtDjR7LOPq3BKCmr_g91PWpO2IhRBnw88yN_kNkVrxZxABZjZdukuo/s1600-h/IMG_1331%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy DIY frame for canvas" border="0" height="722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmaym9KmeqttrUmrKXDK3XrHjn-q74de2wm_qQPiX5-LJdBNcLrwco1UgEregLsd0ke6cUTRz3EXYICKup08GtkLFXZXHii3wKA7_XVfBlyqGpZTOCUzYtz3HL6Yih4__2o6STQsAQYo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy DIY frame for canvas" width="500" /></a> You can see here how I didn’t miter the ends – I just boxed it out: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrCd4uvazNtJvluD0aSQdUhRH0luVVUmZnHL-NP13FJKm6pynLqEn-MvinxN6BCrJoe8NTZoyC8txnB02sp-WDS2snJk2W1-84MwjeCWywzv5NtYOCxrihxzXQr4OfwCAACThQCzKVvA/s1600-h/IMG_1332%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="framing out art" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKV2R0tpbsO6opFKDbDUezd0gzcPvpgOQlX89JlyijtgLfti0hAUh19ftNkKtoS8f03D4BjCDtewOI7mTfw8RoAXmNBauLLE5IFDEB6gpvCs4vMma2mpIQJ-K3JNtsZ7hx7GycjfQOjE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="framing out art" width="500" /></a> The edges of the underlayment stuff weren’t great but after it was painted, you can’t even tell. I really really love it! I love touches of black and now this all ties in together nicely with the stairs and the bench underneath: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWStIStYPs-yZwVXX9Ul_kzksZASIvwc1NWc3YLa-Y-3_b0J8DsNtrR9A6FJukbLyBRArcGcCG-oKue0LSWsxPKJ2EQIm9pfUi2hmEm3OLo2uZ6-Ap1T_l5nJqc5_8RdbXCT7W7LEvrR4/s1600-h/IMG_1334%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="framing out a canvas for cheap" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTIUMtbrhxy4Q0ghGxg_y2fGqCAnbxMrncP1bsrqxipvrJgOxu3XsDmg5rQMV7QYIYwwDp6aZiCSosmq0e7Z4hkwi1ZvwsK6Vhy4r_LItonlJKXY0OCoH9P84Ek4AnECZpAmbrz_hoEo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="framing out a canvas for cheap" width="492" /></a> Not bad for FREE. You can see how I transformed this old canvas into our personal art (I did it with the Bub) <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-art-reusing-old-canvas.html">here</a>. It’s something I treasure and I’m glad it has even more of a presence now: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-19Q51jr-baCE1SXWQMEjw8URVdlfYMIGttNl1vXIHi1SU29I6Clsvok2sVW9N2vfA2Q_LoJ6hPEpzz7NCSuothPfmoHktTMx5AXVPzylfT3t9jOM-YOlq3PEzDkNaGQnAb-9SO9E0K0/s1600-h/IMG_1325%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY painting on canvas" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0LXJbnj5R1COHp9sZobiI_aFL1ChA8NjFqrG69n6PXCVrbxfKyTVZOZBBLFKqMnfjUfnlPreJRpRJa0z22oQ38ZB1RuzCVisNvbPxxr2rHmTYIB_6LkxR7m_u6dWRyjubzGROnjvnjI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY painting on canvas" width="489" /></a> If you don’t have scrap laying around the lattice is about $4 for eight feet – for less than ten bucks you could give a canvas some oompf. :) And if you have a big piece of art that underlayment is only $15 for an eight by ten sheet – you could have it cut to whatever size you need. I did the same look with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/where-in-world-have-we-been-map.html">giant IKEA map</a> in the basement as well and it really finishes it off nicely: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DVufcV_AoIhvksPrPcakuiHPrVQWp3BBkFWrJg1yfUQnlU_BtfGHB-RrNT8np-sG6SHJ6Rjo4JwpepfBDjzKZ6ciySobh_bFP1h0Tg5VCt5lJ2tGUIxcIUMg-xL0Fif2WlwX2H5j9co/s1600-h/IMG_5710%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="giant map art" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XcPUfFCsSJksUTUDpxGhQgbdgvb0_8w84GraNeAo-JvDr1DdppqGF4gfGfWe5PporIAK-nZALVSHo5fnLbjrjgKCBNYFgMm3JzFdHnZGmXrumGsHB2_yNGnE80YxhIiBrvBlSU8qwCw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="giant map art" width="500" /></a> Boom! Another one off the list and no money spent! I’m concentrating on getting a big project done this week and hope to declutter a few more spots as well. It’s been a productive month for sure!

Making (DIY) art pop

Hey there all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Hope those of you in the NYC area are stocked up – please be safe over the next few days! Re...

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