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Monday, January 3, 2011

Make a French Style Storage Basket



I needed a tall basket to fill in the space above my frig.  I'd looked for a while before finding this homely little laundry basket that was the perfect size -- if not the perfect anything else.  

Before the redo but after the darker stain was added.


I wanted to give it a little personality (make it look like a French storage basket) so I went to town, literally, and found these brass house numbers at Restore for cheap.

After

It's been a long "work in progress".
The original basket with it's natural color was way too light so I sprayed the basket with this...


...months ago.  I love the new color but it took forever to dry.

The house numbers, which were brass and not black like I wanted, were only $1.19 each so I bought them and sprayed them black. 

They did not go on as easy as I thought.  The screws were way too short so I poked a nail through instead and used a gob of hot glue to hold them in place.  It feels pretty tight so I think it will work -- until it doesn't -- and then I'll try something else.






 I tore the old lining into strips, gave them a tea bath, and used them to tie the lid shut.
 

I love the new (old) look and the whole project was under $15.









BTW, does anyone know what the wire flower looking thing is on the door?  I found it at GW.  It looks the same on the front and back and it's magnetic.  Just wondering...


I'm linking up with sweet Amy @

If you enjoyed this post (and, gosh, I hope you did) please BECOME A FOLLOWER!

80 comments:

  1. Jane, Naples, FloridaJanuary 3, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    I love it! How clever of you!

    Jane
    Flora Doora

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  2. La Vie QuotidienneJanuary 3, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Very cute Lindy...love the black numbers. (-:

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  3. BECKYJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Lindy, you are such a talented...and patient decorator! That basket sure is small to be a laundry basket. It might hold one outfit at a time, don't ya think?! It looks great on top of your fridge and I love how it set in an alcove. Don't know what the "thing" is....other than a large, decorative magnet! :)

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  4. JessicaJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I love your basket! Do you hide stuff in it??? And I was wondering if maybe that little flower magnet on the fridge is a photo holder.. are there spaces between the petals for a picture to slide through? .. just a thought :)

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  5. EllenJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Love the basket redo - its quite charming and has much more flair now. I was thinking the flower / sunburst / funky magnet might be used for photos or notes if you can fit papers between the petal shapes. That's what flashed in my mind before I read the rest of what you wrote, along with "I need one of those!"

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  6. Lori EJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Thanks for the tips. Good to know it took so long to dry. I hate it when I start a project and then can't finish it that day due to unforeseen problems.

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  7. JaneJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    That's very cute! I love the addition of the numbers...they always add so much charm to just about everything!
    Jane

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  8. KimMalkJanuary 3, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    What a nice transformation. I like the height and the dark stain, oh, and the #s :). Hugs, Kim

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  9. Vintage GalJanuary 3, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Love the basket ~ what a great idea and the numbers are a sweet addition. Love the tea stained ties.
    Marianne

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  10. DonnieJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    That really looks good up there and you definitely made it look better. Thanks for the tutorial. I have no idea what the sunburst thing is.

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  11. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    It is the perfect height and balances everything out on the fridge and it looks VERY frenchy! I love it!

    Lou Cinda

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  12. SusanJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Lindy the update on your basket is awesome!! You are one talented lady!

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  13. One Life Many JourneysJanuary 3, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I like what you did with it and where you put it. I was also drawn to the wood ceiling. Do you have a post about it?

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  14. Lisa's Creative DesignsJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    The basket looks great. From what I can see of the rest of your kitchen its really nice. I love your counter tops!

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  15. NanaDianaJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    That is a great looking basket now that you have re-done it. Don't you love how when you start something it always turns into double the work you think it is going to take? It is perfect for the top of the fridge and really fills the space in nicely. Love it- Diana

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  16. Sarah, Three BoysJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Looks so cute! I love it:) Thanks so much for stopping by ThreeBoys.

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  17. Crafts a la ModeJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Very nice basket. I also love the rooster painting in the background. I wonder where you got that rooster. I love rooster paintings. Take care. Linda

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    LOVE the proportions on top of the fridge and the whole project turned out charming!

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  19. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Lindy, The basket turned out great! I love the vintage fan and your wood ceiling too.

    Did you get my email about the stockings? Thank you so much...I love them!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  20. MelissaJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Nice refurbish.

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Super cute! The numbers really give it character! Great idea!

    Take care!
    ~Michelle

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  22. ArtfullyJuneJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Looks great - what a cool way to fill up the space and keep the clutter at bay.

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  23. morninglorycottageJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Extraordinary as always, Lindy. It fits the spot just perfectly.
    Hugs~ Amanda

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  24. Miranda @ Pressing OnJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    What a great transformation Lindy! I love what you did, especially the linen strips. The whole grouping is a great accent for your fridge.

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  25. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Oh I love the basket. It looks fabulous. What a great idea. The numbers add so much. Love your fan too. I have an old one that I need to display, such fun. Great vignette. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  26. TraceyJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I think I might have to quit reading your blog--it makes me want to change too many things in my own house!LOL
    I am passing along the "stylish blogger" award to you. You can grab the award button off my blog at http://garciamania.blogspot.com
    Tracey

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  27. chrisJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Another fun result, Lindy. Great job!

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  28. Brenda PruittJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    It looks fantastic! Wish the top of my refrigerator looked half as nice.
    Brenda

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  29. Linda@Coastal CharmJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Lindy,
    What an awesome idea...love the numbers!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  30. FarahJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Very beautiful basket, look fab Lindy... very creative job...
    Happy New Year
    Hope you would like to spare a little bit of your time for me sure you will enjoy
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  31. megan @ homemade gingerJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Such a cute and inventive idea! I featured you on my blog today. I'm also your newest follower!

    www.homemadeginger.blogspot.com

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  32. {northern cottage}January 4, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    yummo - gorgeous - adds the perfect height on top of that fridge space....great results. I did something a little similar last year with a sharpie....

    http://northerncottage.blogspot.com/2009/10/numbered-basket.html

    LOVE yours - off to check out the rest of your blog.

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  33. TraciJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    It looks perfect above your fridge. I had never thought of using a laundry basket there - but I love it!!

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  34. Little PenpenJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    What an eye you have for pretty! Love the transformation... I would have never thought to darken the basket. so pretty!!

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  35. Nancy HoodJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Awesome idea and I love what you did to 'redo' it :) Happy New Year!!

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  36. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    very cute i love the numbers..

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  37. Michael Wurm JrJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    get out of town! this looks AH-MAZING!!!

    what a fun and genius idea! love the numbers!!!

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  38. ElizabethJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Lovely! You did such a great job! I am a BIG fan of basket storage. Would love for you to visit me at Sew Chatty and link up to Made with Love Monday. The party will be open until Friday if you have anything you else you want to link up! http://sewchatty.blogspot.com

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  39. ShirleeJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    Love your wood ceiling. We did the same thing in our LR/DR and it's my favourite thing about our house.
    Great makeover of the laundry basket. I really like the addition of the numbers.

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  40. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Lindy, such a cute idea. I love it. I also love your wood ceiling and brick floor. Thanks for joining this week.

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  41. Denise CJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Oh my goodness - what a revamp! It turned out so cute. You've got me wondering what baskets I could improve on. If you have time, I would love for you to link this post to my blog party at http://firstadream.blogspot.com/

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  42. Neta BJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Love the basket makeover. I've got some light baskets that I want to darken but didn't want to paint them. The only idea I could come up with was possibly a dip in a dye bath (messy!). I had no idea you could get spray on wood stain - sweet!

    BTW, the sunburst/flower thingie is definitely a picture (or note) holder. I have one myself that I got at the Container Store.

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  43. ElizabethJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I love it - now, what are you going to store in there???? I love your kitchen!

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  44. AnneJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    How fun! it looks great, I would never have thought to add numbers but its just the right touch!

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  45. Patricia @ 9th and DenverJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    That basket turned out really nice. I love the tattered rags to tie the lid onto it.
    Looks good on the fridge with the vintage fan-- so cute!
    I've said before ... I love this kitchen!

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  46. BeccaJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Lindy I love this!Thanks for sharing and linkin!I'll be featuring your post on BCD on Jan. 13th.

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  47. WhisperWood CottageJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Came over from Shabby Chic Cottage. What a great project!

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  48. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    What a cute basket! I've come to the conclusion that anything looks good w/ a number on it! lol.

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  49. LizJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    What an adorable redo! I'm your newest follower!

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  50. Melanie BacomJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    I love to think of new uses for baskets. People are always giving away baskets.

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  51. Keeping Life Fun with one Craft at a TimeJanuary 6, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    Love the basket. I really love the brick floors!

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  52. kara@elements-interiors.netJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Hey pretty girl! LOVE the basket! WANT! What is the 51 for..im gonna have to go back and read thru again...its SUPER FAB! I would LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE for you to Link it up to my Whassup Linky party! I ALWAYS enjoy your blog...You ROCK girlfriend!

    *ENTER LINKY PAR-TAY Here *

    xoxokara

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  53. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Love this ! You did such a great job !
    I would love if you link this to my French Obsession !
    HUgs

    http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/2011/01/french-obsession-party-10-and-giveaway.html

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  54. Sweet European DreamsJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I'm trying to figure out how I've missed your blog all this time - I just found you via Frenchy. I'm following now! LOVE this idea and it's being bookmarked for future creations. -diane

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  55. Musings From A French CottageJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Oh my goodness! I love this. These are my favorite kinds of projects...inexpensive, oh so chic and very French. Oh and by the way - I LOVE your brick floors. They are amazing.

    Happy New Year,
    Kathleen

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  56. His girlJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    I love this project! Just this week I had decided to spray paint an old wicker laundry basket~ your tips are bound to help me in my adventure. Blessings!

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  57. AntiqueChaseJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    Came to you rom Show and Tell Friday!!

    I never knew there was wood stain spray!! I have two white wash baskets I adore the shape and size but they are the WRONG color.

    Going to try and find this at my local store. If I am successful, I will post and credit you... Thanks you so much!!!!

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  58. KelseyJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    That is ADORABLE!! If the glob of hot glue doesn't end up holding you could string black embroidery thread with a needle through the hold and then tie it on instead. Just a thought. I'm a follower now! Love your blog and your kitchen floors are SOOO cute! :)

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  59. ChristineJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    I love this! the stain and the numbers really make a difference

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  60. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Fantastic!! I love it! I found some old numbers the other day in a junk shop, only the numbers were written out. Kicking myself now for not buying some!

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  61. Courtney ~ French Country CottageJanuary 7, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Hi Lindy~ Love how this came out- it looks so charming atop your fridge too! Well done! Happy New Year to you and yours and Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  62. Katie OlthoffJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    I LOVE your kitchen ceiling and floor!

    I used the spray stain on a wicker basket once, too, and I agree - it took DAYS to dry!

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  63. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    It's nice to know Krylon is making a stain. For years we used Design Master glossy wood tone in the craft store. It's still out there, but I think it's a little darker.

    Love the basket! It turned out great. Would love for you to link up to Passion for Paint this weekend!

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  64. Green Door GirlJanuary 8, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Great job -I need to find that laundry basket so that I can paint it white and redo the liner for my girls bathrooms! LOL Where did you find it?

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  65. High Street CottageJanuary 9, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I will have to check out the Krylon Spray Stain, love the idea. This basket is not only pretty and useful but it looks like an easy project with great results. Thank you for sharing , xoxo tami

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  66. DonnaJanuary 9, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Your basket redo came out terrific! I didn't know there was a wood stain spray paint, I'll have to check it out! And I love the addition of the numbers, too! Great job:)

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  67. DebbiedoosJanuary 9, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    Hi Lindy...what a fantastic idea, and it turned out so cute. Krylon is really rocking in colors and products these days. I think all of us blogging women really boosted sales for them.

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  68. Miss CharJanuary 9, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    What a great project, looks like an expensive piece from PB. Thanks for sharing.

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  69. Mariel@ www.sexymodeststyle.comJanuary 9, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    turned out great!

    Come and join me at my first linky party over at
    http://tootsiewootsieboutique.blogspot.com/

    crafty mondays!

    -The tootsie wootsie

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  70. Carrie @ Dittle DattleJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Fabulous idea!

    I would be honored to have you add it to my blog party

    Amaze Me Monday Blog Party

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  71. Carrie @ Dittle DattleJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    My bad.... you beat me to it!

    Thanks for being a part of Amaze Me Monday.

    - The Dittle Dattle

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  72. Susan FreemanJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Great tips!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  73. Ricki TreleavenJanuary 10, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Lindy, what an adorable basket! What do you keep in it?

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  74. Amanda January 10, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Super cute project. I would never have thought of adapting a laundry basket like this. Come link up at I Made It! Monday on Ninth Street Notions sometime.

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  75. Sandi~A Cottage MuseJanuary 10, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Tres chic! So happy I stopped by!

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  76. Here On Crow CreekJanuary 12, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I love your basket lindy!Very french:)

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  77. The French MaidJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Adorable...and who doesn't have extra baskets around the house that could us a revamp! I found you through Frenchy...I'm your newest follower!
    --Lee Ann
    http://thefrenchmaidsplace.blogspot.com/

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  78. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Thank you so much for linking up !
    XO

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  79. WhisperWood CottageJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Love those fabric ties! Thanks for linking up your project at WhisperWood Cottage!!

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  80. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and DreamingJanuary 13, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Hi Lindy. This basket is simply darling! I really want to try that Krylon stain - super cool! Thanks so much for linking up to The Sunday showcase party - I have featured this today. Hope you have a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn

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I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.