Tearing Up Books

This post is not for the faint at heart.  It's not for the bibliophile or the ex-librarian.
 

Just because "everyone's doing it" doesn't make it right, I know. But, tearing up books has become a national (decorators) pastime.  I mean, really, when Pottery Barn does it?...  

Pottery Barn

But let me defend myself...I do love books.  And not just to decorate with.  I love to read.  Especially old books.  My favorites are those written in the 1940's.  Not only the classics but the simple little stories about a simpler way of life.

Putting that aside though,  Donna reminded me that I'm not above tearing up a book.  I did it *here* with a drill...

...without remorse. 

And just this week I did it again -- with my bare hands. 

 Just look how cute.

The first page was sort of cute but I thought a little color, a pretty botanical print
from (who else) The Graphic Fairy, would be nice.

I printed it out and tied it up nicely with a battered friend.

Instant gratification...

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Time to vote again!!!

I'm a  Crafting with the Stars contestant along with my star, 

Char @ Crap I've Made.  

Well, today is the day!  Round three.  The poll is open and the competition is getting steep!!!

I wish I could tell you which project is mine because, frankly, these girls are fantastic and I could use the help.  But, I can't. It's against the rules.  So, you'll just have to guess.

 You get 3 votes.  Here's your easy button.  

Now go vote.

One more thing -- polls for this round close tomorrow night at 10pm MST.

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

Bow Front Bird Chest

I've owned the "before" version of this bow front chest for several years.  I fell hard and fast for the size and shape but I was never ever in love with the wood.  

Painting it was an easy choice.  But what next?  Aside from the bow front, this chest couldn't be more blah.  Then I found inspiration in hand painted furniture by Patina.  Perfect.

The body of the chest was painted Cloudy Morning by Kilz.

Before

The branches were painted with acrylic craft paint. 

 

I found the vintage bird graphics at The Graphics Fairy, printed them on card stock and used Mod Podge to decoupage them onto the front of the chest.  

The original drawer hardware was bold and beautiful.  However,  it was a bit too distracting so I removed the back plate and painted the pulls the same pale blue gray as the chest. 

Much, much better.

Details...

I love this look.  

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

Before & After Mantle

 Our mantle has looked just like this for almost two years.

Just. Like. This.

Before

Except for the occasional dusting (and a 3 week Christmas break) nothing has been moved an inch.  I'm bad to leave things in one spot way too long.

I will say I think I'm getting better about it.  For one thing, nosing around other people's houses via their blog can be very inspiring.  Staging pictures for my own blog forces me to try new things, too.

Finally, I made some changes to the mantle. 

After

 

Which do you like best?

Please, please, please don't say you like the "before" mantle best -- unless you really mean it.  I don't want to have to change it back!

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

Meet Char @ Crap I've Made

If you're following me as a Crafting with the Stars contestant then you know each of us are paired up with a "star".  Lucky for me my star is Char @ Crap I've Made.  

Isn't she cute?  She's funny and easy-going, too. 

  

And, I'm here to tell you, you really have to make a trip to her blog and check it out.  

You're going to find all sorts of cool stuff including this one tutorial everyone needs to bookmark...

Char has a tutorial for hemming jeans (leaving the original stitching) that will knock your socks off!  I'm seriously impressed and you will be, too.  You can't even tell it but she took more than 2 inches off this pair and they still look just like the day they were born.  

Don't believe it? Check it out *here* and tell Char I said "hi"!

Oh, and don't forget to vote...
You've only got until tomorrow night at 10pm MST!

I can't tell you which project is mine but maybe you can guess.  You should leave me a comment telling me which one you think it is!!!!

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

Blog Hop with Gail @ My Repurposed Life

I am so excited to be part of a very unique blog hop.

Gail @My Repurposed Life 

and 

MeganDVD @ Beauty in the Attempt 

are hosting 

“The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed”.

There's a great GIVEAWAY, too.

One lucky winner will receive a premade blog design of their very own, that will be customized by one of the great ladies, over at 
Designer Blogs! 

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So, here's what I'd love for you to do.

Please, please, please take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons,  sidebar and gadgets. I would love for you to gently critique my blog. I’m hoping you will leave me some positive feedback about my blog. It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too! Do you like my pictures? Does my blog load quickly for you? How about the font?  All tips and tidbits welcome!

You are welcome to join the party, it starts Thursday night and is open for a week.

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