A Dining Room in White ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, my hands are cramped and my fingers are still swollen (wait ... that's probably from all of the salt intake in the goodies I inhaled during the Memorial Day parties we enjoyed this weekend ... nevermind), but it's DONE !!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are the results of a crazy decorator (a/k/a ME) who was determined to give her dining room a new look by painting every.single.piece of furniture (all dark stained) BM White Dove, followed by sanding, staining and waxing!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a peek around ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD6k4HpZTObYg1Ea1rOapIe8R1O7qtnhJlJYp48aLCppFMVtppB_197zigC53oxQFyAK8pTEJ7u6qK7dTJi9AMyCHyjzQK8GftpMzq_gFdvaNfj3VrzcMuDn0eyViXWtre1NYgDwkaw/s1600/diningoverall4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD6k4HpZTObYg1Ea1rOapIe8R1O7qtnhJlJYp48aLCppFMVtppB_197zigC53oxQFyAK8pTEJ7u6qK7dTJi9AMyCHyjzQK8GftpMzq_gFdvaNfj3VrzcMuDn0eyViXWtre1NYgDwkaw/s640/diningoverall4.jpg" t8="true" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj7I27LpfWjp7X-BMUQemRqSj1lXujJf8PGw4dzvbND1ElaKiwgirBe3R6eXKoxrmwfO4IKh635odP9yEcp3PIvKMKOgg2V1v_UXho-xyO9aSpqvLUanrnPMPRuIGe-Lq6LEgyuKTCw/s1600/diningoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj7I27LpfWjp7X-BMUQemRqSj1lXujJf8PGw4dzvbND1ElaKiwgirBe3R6eXKoxrmwfO4IKh635odP9yEcp3PIvKMKOgg2V1v_UXho-xyO9aSpqvLUanrnPMPRuIGe-Lq6LEgyuKTCw/s320/diningoverall.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of you may remember that I purchased this sideboard last Fall and debated whether or not to paint it.  Many of you suggested I leave it alone ... alas, I simply couldn't.  I left the top alone though (does that count) ?!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDxhYD9CTfsBfMAHktpJzZFGMBq1e8RKOqIvoZGCvh5lGTEY9-vPdfVsjqvsMj3Z2ghTfXFXiAeYO-b9R0H3HiqlwiFUobfiSPAl4O3ceA-YV6oKKXI7Xw6GGlk-uEb1YmrfuXMI2VA/s1600/diningbuffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDxhYD9CTfsBfMAHktpJzZFGMBq1e8RKOqIvoZGCvh5lGTEY9-vPdfVsjqvsMj3Z2ghTfXFXiAeYO-b9R0H3HiqlwiFUobfiSPAl4O3ceA-YV6oKKXI7Xw6GGlk-uEb1YmrfuXMI2VA/s400/diningbuffet.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Loved distressing its legs:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMlygAE9u0S7WTQ8POM0iGCTTjOAF_yl72OFJEMAqGKZz98gV2YotfU9UGvhZWspINzbTqhKqU0FYK4WQY9r2GL9M86KsA00ToraDjt_fmKAlDTOBIJGfvqhfA0IxiQyfBdVyGHQoOQ/s1600/diningleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMlygAE9u0S7WTQ8POM0iGCTTjOAF_yl72OFJEMAqGKZz98gV2YotfU9UGvhZWspINzbTqhKqU0FYK4WQY9r2GL9M86KsA00ToraDjt_fmKAlDTOBIJGfvqhfA0IxiQyfBdVyGHQoOQ/s400/diningleg.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, I'm sure you're not surprised that I added an animal print runner on top!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RnDzfqXmooiPoiHOWBS16nYaHB5zbgejML3dr34co3KnxdQEM-AcaHgICIN2LtvoEpIHFqQQH5WWhP1Z6nU965ebFZOBa-beZFGeq89nxmW5DTtYCTm21GKk74mVFcc1uqpVCXQAJw/s1600/diningtea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RnDzfqXmooiPoiHOWBS16nYaHB5zbgejML3dr34co3KnxdQEM-AcaHgICIN2LtvoEpIHFqQQH5WWhP1Z6nU965ebFZOBa-beZFGeq89nxmW5DTtYCTm21GKk74mVFcc1uqpVCXQAJw/s400/diningtea.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only did I paint all of the chairs, but I recovered them as well.  And, for the arm chairs flanking the sideboard, I found these pillows at Pier One (on SALE) ... they simply screamed at me to take them home to add whimsical pops of color:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZCiRe2bbgftohkNCEPcxWvVy4JgoQDyzIwDm5mQK1P50xfu8z0n8n_4oxXH1Rr0lhNJvfOVtkVySyeVH0x_d4Zrzn7MPCYnNzKmrd5gjoWAAsDLU5icx0ncmH2R54sOM3Fe2FUyYvQ/s1600/diningchairpillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZCiRe2bbgftohkNCEPcxWvVy4JgoQDyzIwDm5mQK1P50xfu8z0n8n_4oxXH1Rr0lhNJvfOVtkVySyeVH0x_d4Zrzn7MPCYnNzKmrd5gjoWAAsDLU5icx0ncmH2R54sOM3Fe2FUyYvQ/s400/diningchairpillow.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5A2C0FmLz22xYuwqicea1hTjwzL2M-KfqmfKd_68tVUPuXHpK7soGbDyzEuBh5_QXKiwJHiawCHAcxQqLLvtPDa4bvKMOuILFEDwPPrCbBQ13w0_WvbnI7OKMcEsQNT8IZ6r-gZQ_g/s1600/diningpillow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5A2C0FmLz22xYuwqicea1hTjwzL2M-KfqmfKd_68tVUPuXHpK7soGbDyzEuBh5_QXKiwJHiawCHAcxQqLLvtPDa4bvKMOuILFEDwPPrCbBQ13w0_WvbnI7OKMcEsQNT8IZ6r-gZQ_g/s400/diningpillow1.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's  not forget the bench, which was the first piece in this room I attacked with my paintbrush!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ8eZnZ4h_I6lgV0vvL9UJ7NtA2XNHFsoL4ZJOsDd6rItVuQ9jOPCw39DujF7gi3XLDOPHXWYrg1NP5qFI2ZY9p8YOnFB3KCItqHuuIFDHe8_RDejp1qfSJmP4HAKDd3BToFYgEycZw/s1600/diningbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ8eZnZ4h_I6lgV0vvL9UJ7NtA2XNHFsoL4ZJOsDd6rItVuQ9jOPCw39DujF7gi3XLDOPHXWYrg1NP5qFI2ZY9p8YOnFB3KCItqHuuIFDHe8_RDejp1qfSJmP4HAKDd3BToFYgEycZw/s400/diningbench.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I LOVE how the tabletop gleams now that I refinished it (from a cherry stain to dark walnut to match the top of the sideboard):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2WjSrMqpgp5IIbKZd86ez4LawGp2fdS_kMp3AWQR_D7G6Ezgg01kO-EY4-AfYAjOkqDfErXplFwLpS-YaXFGsLVHiiZkeKM8ckzs9WC5aPWz9MN1430AUYD1eGfgxFIPl7MTZL_Atg/s1600/diningtablebuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2WjSrMqpgp5IIbKZd86ez4LawGp2fdS_kMp3AWQR_D7G6Ezgg01kO-EY4-AfYAjOkqDfErXplFwLpS-YaXFGsLVHiiZkeKM8ckzs9WC5aPWz9MN1430AUYD1eGfgxFIPl7MTZL_Atg/s400/diningtablebuff.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I knew that I wanted a pop of color on the table.  When I spotted this gorgeous vase at HomeGoods, I knew it was "the one" !!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR634bqZuBcyjinU8oHKJiNm-mGmTiOxLUEFLR9hkhh48a_PXoKS6CMPi-iURjbn2fv0gDLxLS1udu4sTrBMMFnsFtw-uHljR7jR2rScwlDmLf-cXSMbtEnq4SVPi1UBsUHZPKSBBmUA/s1600/diningvase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR634bqZuBcyjinU8oHKJiNm-mGmTiOxLUEFLR9hkhh48a_PXoKS6CMPi-iURjbn2fv0gDLxLS1udu4sTrBMMFnsFtw-uHljR7jR2rScwlDmLf-cXSMbtEnq4SVPi1UBsUHZPKSBBmUA/s400/diningvase.jpg" t8="true" width="223" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Love the crackle finish and ornate detail on the sides:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P_yiRMmUuO1oEw4iy6-PySPB_ihVzDAl8U2S9CIOGgr6-FCUAZNynVS0CZIyQFhlaoc-RC8L_9CeKCWc57YTjfXBkZzf9b0CqDYmSKa4VGwnjaEuuBmaB7PHFKGMWzEQ37IwuV4wxA/s1600/diningvaseside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P_yiRMmUuO1oEw4iy6-PySPB_ihVzDAl8U2S9CIOGgr6-FCUAZNynVS0CZIyQFhlaoc-RC8L_9CeKCWc57YTjfXBkZzf9b0CqDYmSKa4VGwnjaEuuBmaB7PHFKGMWzEQ37IwuV4wxA/s400/diningvaseside.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A silver tray is perched on top, holding everything needed to "set" the table:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKMfeBP2Hxx7XIZR7FLs3uTdlKBDjhYogCz-Y1UXzA65AYwHcXddpiKgc6A2F-Rb-gOlrYzo3BeOD2Ed2p-aa7RlB1sn1r5D9GysTT6kU6gKEeE_Qz1Ae_oYE1HFp7KCF8Qq4dIplA/s1600/diningplatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKMfeBP2Hxx7XIZR7FLs3uTdlKBDjhYogCz-Y1UXzA65AYwHcXddpiKgc6A2F-Rb-gOlrYzo3BeOD2Ed2p-aa7RlB1sn1r5D9GysTT6kU6gKEeE_Qz1Ae_oYE1HFp7KCF8Qq4dIplA/s400/diningplatter.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plate wall remains the same:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG4vBKypNwbk2oRPH7h8pB9Z6o54F5MV2Rfk5FmEosbntjhoth6wAINfd7vboDHZwaEFxrRzHQ_zFTkQxe2lCSfbN2sozL2AhgbVQhyphenhyphenMkV-SXhapQ-2VY2NqMzD3u2uJNQh6tjoH8dg/s1600/diningplates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG4vBKypNwbk2oRPH7h8pB9Z6o54F5MV2Rfk5FmEosbntjhoth6wAINfd7vboDHZwaEFxrRzHQ_zFTkQxe2lCSfbN2sozL2AhgbVQhyphenhyphenMkV-SXhapQ-2VY2NqMzD3u2uJNQh6tjoH8dg/s400/diningplates.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are two more items on my list in order to complete this room ... a cowhide rug layered on top of the sisal rug, along with a vintage chandie, dripping in bling bling!  Wish me luck ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-y_AbOmtegSy71iulwByWtiKdAQqirQZuXaQOGXK6PWpDzsbgfVdmRbPrMRBSQ1gqFML1wekxhgwih2Ga_WIwSW-K69inc2QfdB37eDDoUm69kAEU2hF1feQZwKU8odjZr1uB7BXtg/s1600/diningoverall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-y_AbOmtegSy71iulwByWtiKdAQqirQZuXaQOGXK6PWpDzsbgfVdmRbPrMRBSQ1gqFML1wekxhgwih2Ga_WIwSW-K69inc2QfdB37eDDoUm69kAEU2hF1feQZwKU8odjZr1uB7BXtg/s400/diningoverall2.jpg" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annnnnnd, a nighttime shot:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNG9Phj0jGTt926tUSY3zy9K1pJN7yx2c2SCxd-bYraM_XwIRserRniUye3KscrU_oenU5-MAwxISJDnGidsdmew64IQQlIN01uKMRl_Zf05AoO36tmtDx-d42qSo_BnTz7vkBvo_jw/s1600/diningnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNG9Phj0jGTt926tUSY3zy9K1pJN7yx2c2SCxd-bYraM_XwIRserRniUye3KscrU_oenU5-MAwxISJDnGidsdmew64IQQlIN01uKMRl_Zf05AoO36tmtDx-d42qSo_BnTz7vkBvo_jw/s640/diningnight.jpg" t8="true" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As always, thanks for stopping by!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/174/0310B5792CE1FB209C190ECBCC4D9C00.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up to these fabulous par-tays:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Savvy Southern Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/05/farm-house-stoool-and-wow-us-wednesdays.html">WUW</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Elements Interiors/<a href="http://www.elements-interiors.net/2011/06/whassup-whassup.html">Whassup Wednesday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">No Minimalist Here/<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2011/06/open-house-link-party.html">Open House</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">French Country Cottage/<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/06/feathered-nest-friday-summer-blogger.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Miss Mustard Seed/<a href="http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/06/furniture-feature-friday-just-link.html">Furniture Feature Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the Picket Fence/<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/06/inspiration-friday-party-no-18-and.html">Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Under the Table and Dreaming/<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/06/sunday-showcase-party-with-pfaltzgraff.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderTheTableAndDreaming+%28Under+The+Table+and+Dreaming%29">Sunday Showcase</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thrifty Decor Chic/<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-room-redo-finally.html">Before and After Party</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia/<a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/2011/06/tuesdays-treasures.html">Tuesday's Treasures</a></span></div>

A Dining Room in White ...

Well, my hands are cramped and my fingers are still swollen (wait ... that's probably from all of the salt intake in the goodies I inhaled during the Memorial Day parties we enjoyed this weekend ... nevermind), but it's DONE !!Here are the results of a crazy decorator (a/k/a ME) who was determined t…

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Patriotic Wreath ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Day!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After being inspired by the mesh wreaths that popped up around Easter (thanks to Kristen's awesome <a href="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2011/03/easter-mesh-wreath-tutorial.html">tutorial</a>), I decided to take a stab at it and create one for Memorial Day/4th of July, especially considering the strong sense of patriotism in the air these days!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started with this (along with a work wreath and three beaded flag necklaces that aren't pictured):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX9ZM7zVkNJmsWBF78qgskY9MMoO9VVTEB8Hf6XEtpZv0MdKTBn5pDiBhYzaMb8vsir7YWucAIlyUJ16om6miTMmcG6aZz6WqWL1_4Ck3IZRT2zMYP7XihyphenhyphenT3G5CC1dhAN3eOF81FDg/s1600/wreathribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX9ZM7zVkNJmsWBF78qgskY9MMoO9VVTEB8Hf6XEtpZv0MdKTBn5pDiBhYzaMb8vsir7YWucAIlyUJ16om6miTMmcG6aZz6WqWL1_4Ck3IZRT2zMYP7XihyphenhyphenT3G5CC1dhAN3eOF81FDg/s400/wreathribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And made this:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNS_g_ZNFsa1Zu7FKTpEF0yFoXN2gAumfR_NawQ9PUn9F-40plExVOe-RerypvpB_fFzBuhqgzGiGTLpCQCEI6uLFJxsu_L4kCtIl3FqGrlPdPvxUtRIRgpyozCy1C6HY9E6ElhNanQ/s1600/springdoor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNS_g_ZNFsa1Zu7FKTpEF0yFoXN2gAumfR_NawQ9PUn9F-40plExVOe-RerypvpB_fFzBuhqgzGiGTLpCQCEI6uLFJxsu_L4kCtIl3FqGrlPdPvxUtRIRgpyozCy1C6HY9E6ElhNanQ/s400/springdoor1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did it a bit differently than Kristen though.  Instead of cutting the ribbon into strips and tying it in knots all the way around the wreath, I purchased a work form wreath and added all three ribbons (one color at a time) all the way around the wreath, creating both inner and outer layers.  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I then threaded the beaded flag necklaces in and out of the mesh all the way around the wreath:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDE_w_DBdg1wt8bMyJX9k5h1r6Tgn2mwwDQiDHi35KqmrMdxmjKqj6sNVkZ5xDWS2dgszB-qT9Q9d9Ohte773vD1bfoiP917bRoj56JP1gSihyxGGLZrUZFx-aCONtoxy4Lwv8k1nhQ/s1600/wreathclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDE_w_DBdg1wt8bMyJX9k5h1r6Tgn2mwwDQiDHi35KqmrMdxmjKqj6sNVkZ5xDWS2dgszB-qT9Q9d9Ohte773vD1bfoiP917bRoj56JP1gSihyxGGLZrUZFx-aCONtoxy4Lwv8k1nhQ/s400/wreathclose.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBRrRLOZVaDKlelnn2c45dDWDDh-h7nYwnGk8jPbb2ssIVvQGpWWublWs4nYaLaWoFgyYXpuIkY1HZaZx2TyeVbGX6hbj5sTbuILItOPD_jNyguq3V0_QHzdmmtE77PMDuI_D7I52uw/s1600/wreathclose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBRrRLOZVaDKlelnn2c45dDWDDh-h7nYwnGk8jPbb2ssIVvQGpWWublWs4nYaLaWoFgyYXpuIkY1HZaZx2TyeVbGX6hbj5sTbuILItOPD_jNyguq3V0_QHzdmmtE77PMDuI_D7I52uw/s400/wreathclose2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love the patriotic punch of color it adds to our front door!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EdQac8GX26kpjujCJ_fTheeIv8eMOFjiJCjHcAtAKaTwWNllLtU14sLp1CavdfHkMjJF0842e0rEd0TWzX2x-K_xrcrFqmNRAHEj8DHQgeDjM5UQaMZHITZrPJkWw0SOYFuPmTHHQA/s1600/springwreath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EdQac8GX26kpjujCJ_fTheeIv8eMOFjiJCjHcAtAKaTwWNllLtU14sLp1CavdfHkMjJF0842e0rEd0TWzX2x-K_xrcrFqmNRAHEj8DHQgeDjM5UQaMZHITZrPJkWw0SOYFuPmTHHQA/s400/springwreath2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we're out here, take a peek at my beautiful coleus which is growing a rapid rate in the urns ... my poor accent grass and creeping Jenny are being overtaken!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOM-4OFJChLEl85ruNwqtuUDxAfvzsSY-ahfdzhVXorT4IV7pzxlQXcmiLB8CAnZv-z_QVhjhZ9BT2l04OeCoI21ma2UuBXApjfbWQzAE1GfbA2JQnZn9h8XeKJoUe22c1rbjoC4NxA/s1600/springdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOM-4OFJChLEl85ruNwqtuUDxAfvzsSY-ahfdzhVXorT4IV7pzxlQXcmiLB8CAnZv-z_QVhjhZ9BT2l04OeCoI21ma2UuBXApjfbWQzAE1GfbA2JQnZn9h8XeKJoUe22c1rbjoC4NxA/s400/springdoor.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy *early* Memorial Day!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXafAaBUdjP_SpAPCL_3beKjhgLvozeIc93r5aDojukIVjEj1lYKsXJzT0wRHjWon7cRIW0e90Os1DoXZB7i1pmqJZq0PaKDUgt3FgvBv7Dj-khdUYoe0sqpDHHLyCtUzh6O_3kuRl9g/s1600/springwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXafAaBUdjP_SpAPCL_3beKjhgLvozeIc93r5aDojukIVjEj1lYKsXJzT0wRHjWon7cRIW0e90Os1DoXZB7i1pmqJZq0PaKDUgt3FgvBv7Dj-khdUYoe0sqpDHHLyCtUzh6O_3kuRl9g/s400/springwreath.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, OH, by the way ... GUESS what arrived in the mail today?!  Yippee!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK84TJnpxy8Me2q5eEMxVwtq6su3Z0OzuXy1nXQTCKOAnytQCXVYTFfcM5WM6swTH2ubF48r7L2HpujNNXlqE0gWcTDblwl2Z5_D1BXY96jmrtFHXt3gwrCxK7F-EXYMPxAznO9qvlMw/s1600/sloan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK84TJnpxy8Me2q5eEMxVwtq6su3Z0OzuXy1nXQTCKOAnytQCXVYTFfcM5WM6swTH2ubF48r7L2HpujNNXlqE0gWcTDblwl2Z5_D1BXY96jmrtFHXt3gwrCxK7F-EXYMPxAznO9qvlMw/s400/sloan.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by ... have a great day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Linking up to:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dittale Dattle/<a href="http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/05/amaze-me-monday-26.html">Amaze Me Monday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">BNOTP/<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-from-great-impression-welcome.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia/<a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/2011/05/tuesdays-treasures_24.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyUncommonSliceOfSuburbia+%28My+Uncommon+Slice+of+Suburbia%29">Tuesday's Treasures</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Southern Savvy Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/05/bookcases-and-wow-us-wednesdays-16.html">WUW</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/174/0310B5792CE1FB209C190ECBCC4D9C00.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Patriotic Wreath ...

Happy Day!  After being inspired by the mesh wreaths that popped up around Easter (thanks to Kristen's awesome tutorial), I decided to take a stab at it and create one for Memorial Day/4th of July, especially considering the strong sense of patriotism in the air these days!I started with this (along…

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Mercury Mantel

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Saturday !!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While my fellas are off running errands, I thought I'd share my mantel as it looks this very moment (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">we all know that it could change any second</span>).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been bitten by the silver and mercury bug lately ... can you tell ??</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O4qL3mM3sqqaksWLEg69HgaMubLxMaRQNzhi9YvoQDnCtLWjb_it2vsWBPPj8FKZn_TlrKbttYh4j2vVCqjgmnYIO_XYpRH2r3_bKfxobSAD4-qAtQ7SrfvUHTqCkrYW4RIoh7ZZMA/s1600/silvermantel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O4qL3mM3sqqaksWLEg69HgaMubLxMaRQNzhi9YvoQDnCtLWjb_it2vsWBPPj8FKZn_TlrKbttYh4j2vVCqjgmnYIO_XYpRH2r3_bKfxobSAD4-qAtQ7SrfvUHTqCkrYW4RIoh7ZZMA/s400/silvermantel1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfJpq0oebpG3CvfxFmP3C785o4U7LjylGBRflQtGiwyDq-bhFgVLiBshUG7ZrnnkTNpojS6PEoMudSq4I7qlKKFGperzaW9Hliq4gMqGXUVJo-WpuI5x63IDvRDFOcUk7mqn-2VKQZA/s1600/silvermantel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfJpq0oebpG3CvfxFmP3C785o4U7LjylGBRflQtGiwyDq-bhFgVLiBshUG7ZrnnkTNpojS6PEoMudSq4I7qlKKFGperzaW9Hliq4gMqGXUVJo-WpuI5x63IDvRDFOcUk7mqn-2VKQZA/s400/silvermantel3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a recent trip to Pottery Barn, I grabbed up this sma</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ll looking glass.  To give it height, I perched it on top of a small cake stand I found awhile ago at Home Goods:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdThNtLcjnPuRtlzwBD7GK9yMfpQmVmrqsJzE3wMIMu4Ecwy8F1X5UIfsEVtmNm3gETGWFczU6Pa9OYOJlv35_La6ThYSKvXQabcYLDjDwPnklyTIFkxygAQy8RwClbOAy5Novyt6EUQ/s1600/silverball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdThNtLcjnPuRtlzwBD7GK9yMfpQmVmrqsJzE3wMIMu4Ecwy8F1X5UIfsEVtmNm3gETGWFczU6Pa9OYOJlv35_La6ThYSKvXQabcYLDjDwPnklyTIFkxygAQy8RwClbOAy5Novyt6EUQ/s400/silverball.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mercury votives stand front and center, while a picture of one of my favorite beaches, Sandbridge (in Virginia), peeks through.  I have so many wonderful childhood memories of Sandbridge.  We vacationed there every summer for almost 22 years.  And, during my college years at Old Dominion University, I spent many days at Sandbridge soaking up the sun.  Needless to say, I was thrilled when this print was given to John and me as a wedding gift 15 years ago.  I decided to retire the brass frame it has been in all of these years and simply use the cream matte as the "frame."  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gP5kG2hh-mevOlgDJ-P5pcEpxXOoMbTOIyUKBs81nE8dRBI7RZYf2oaJgY-mDHUvcnHeDG89oNzuX9TQK4TelNKQPO3N363nEMUw9t2AffZ2uuO2BxF6yUkN25jEz0Dx83Wz-137xQ/s1600/silverbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gP5kG2hh-mevOlgDJ-P5pcEpxXOoMbTOIyUKBs81nE8dRBI7RZYf2oaJgY-mDHUvcnHeDG89oNzuX9TQK4TelNKQPO3N363nEMUw9t2AffZ2uuO2BxF6yUkN25jEz0Dx83Wz-137xQ/s400/silverbeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The print is leaning on a new mirror I found at Pier One.  While I really wanted a vintage sign here, when I spied the mirror, I loved the octogonal shape and thought it'd be perfect above the mantel:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dbyo5NFAQeDues8r95pIKJ6JZ6OTe_2gvQ4GhOEiN8ytPmO-e2Ba-qQ40l8CgIYfaQcP1dc8KGViLfh7t-Bdf2N_pDChpZdDWFBtfSA5g6wa7MrmWZ5IsCglOSSgf9AVJfDl6tU-6Q/s1600/silvermirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dbyo5NFAQeDues8r95pIKJ6JZ6OTe_2gvQ4GhOEiN8ytPmO-e2Ba-qQ40l8CgIYfaQcP1dc8KGViLfh7t-Bdf2N_pDChpZdDWFBtfSA5g6wa7MrmWZ5IsCglOSSgf9AVJfDl6tU-6Q/s400/silvermirror.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving along, I found this mercury based hurricane for a song at Home Goods.  I filled it with seashells and layered a beach fan behind it:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucpO-pY603Pi71TN8e5kVXQvxBmdx-kGQ93d9sl2mnW9V8AOc2v_zaZCvPJtmswl9Ms_L9cQXB49rz7jo-IDKyazLCig_M5vI6W4mVtK7uakV9r6M8iFdBgr-eiKbuO4BOzaXvypEBQ/s1600/silvershells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucpO-pY603Pi71TN8e5kVXQvxBmdx-kGQ93d9sl2mnW9V8AOc2v_zaZCvPJtmswl9Ms_L9cQXB49rz7jo-IDKyazLCig_M5vI6W4mVtK7uakV9r6M8iFdBgr-eiKbuO4BOzaXvypEBQ/s400/silvershells.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Framing all of the silver and mercury pieces are my two green vases (from Tuesday Morning) filled with branches and faux flowers.  I recently added more greenery to the base to "beef" them up a tad:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0cfNZSi1Z6an7QpJaWk4o8fpY5ciWjN0UusURz4ulLip1LMRf58JR2dNhHwFWrQKV3Mqjo2kj9QKM3omYv6hmvuq2zcCHiBtpfFdGYu_2JpFyUKk2xOqaigPngU1J4Lw5qDz5E3mXA/s1600/silverfloral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0cfNZSi1Z6an7QpJaWk4o8fpY5ciWjN0UusURz4ulLip1LMRf58JR2dNhHwFWrQKV3Mqjo2kj9QKM3omYv6hmvuq2zcCHiBtpfFdGYu_2JpFyUKk2xOqaigPngU1J4Lw5qDz5E3mXA/s400/silverfloral.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally ... down below is another looking glass, which I nestled in spanish moss (inspiration: <a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/vintage-japanese-glass-fishing-floats.html">for the love of a house</a>).  I found it at Wal-Mart for a mere $15 buckaroos!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l3tESny8ohgAvUCgwzoCpPa0MsskY3BmkYwLVu1_OSYUaCFCfa6xrNLitlPYGoMrtCjprshDnNKhNo3RGPWDisn_e-OFoLlwTwdbLzJ6f4-X851bJMDDW9GbU6AecX-YvRaZNURvfQ/s1600/silverbigball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l3tESny8ohgAvUCgwzoCpPa0MsskY3BmkYwLVu1_OSYUaCFCfa6xrNLitlPYGoMrtCjprshDnNKhNo3RGPWDisn_e-OFoLlwTwdbLzJ6f4-X851bJMDDW9GbU6AecX-YvRaZNURvfQ/s400/silverbigball.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the reflections that you can see in this big ol' looking glass, EXCEPT for this one ... I spy with my little eye, hair roots that are in desperate need of attention.  Yikes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbLDY5d3bNzwjM66vM_VyiHxiOkqelawRip7Zgeelijn-0b-wVk2Q9UC9VufdeuyjUZvA3WokFudzDHcUcnRs5GXkzc9GHoVleLuKQHLYjvpLD1n9s2Bzkm03zU6BXjQh3nqOwTQTkQ/s1600/silverballme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbLDY5d3bNzwjM66vM_VyiHxiOkqelawRip7Zgeelijn-0b-wVk2Q9UC9VufdeuyjUZvA3WokFudzDHcUcnRs5GXkzc9GHoVleLuKQHLYjvpLD1n9s2Bzkm03zU6BXjQh3nqOwTQTkQ/s400/silverballme.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by ... I'm off to finish up a Memorial Day project:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDXpA371tytHhPSwVkCbCX3Dvn0IyxVCswa_bgrdTXi5ZQJNUfhXpm1IiE6MYlvP4CzxDkPpn-LA0zYqPbmkUdgr-SqV67xKHGcvF9pLztbFjtrmd9NU_LTOKjX8SG80ZbxzNePxlzQ/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDXpA371tytHhPSwVkCbCX3Dvn0IyxVCswa_bgrdTXi5ZQJNUfhXpm1IiE6MYlvP4CzxDkPpn-LA0zYqPbmkUdgr-SqV67xKHGcvF9pLztbFjtrmd9NU_LTOKjX8SG80ZbxzNePxlzQ/s400/wreath.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful weekend !!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm linking up with these fun parties ... come on ova:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">BNOTP/<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/05/pottery-barn-bedford-office-update.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dittle Dattle/<a href="http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/05/amaze-me-monday-25.html">Amaze me Monday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Silly Little Sparrow/<a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/2011/05/toot-your-horn-tuesday-rule-reminder.html">Toot your Horn Tuesday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The DIY Showoff/<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-project-parade-highlights.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FpuSM+%28The+DIY+Show+Off%29">Project Parade</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Savvy Southern Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/05/mantel-makeover-and-wow-us-wednesdays.html">WUW</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Elements Interiors/<a href="http://www.elements-interiors.net/2011/05/whassup-whassup-am-i-car-snob.html">Whassup Wednesday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">All Things Heart and Home/<a href="http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/2011/05/17/all-things-inspiredweek-28/">All Things Inspired</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My Backyard Eden/<a href="http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2011/05/make-it-yours-day-65.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mybackyardeden%2FSJvZ+%28My+Backyard+Eden%29">Make It Yours Day</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Shabby Chic Cottage/<a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/05/how-to-make-bunting-pillow-cover.html">Transformation Thursday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My Romantic Home/<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/05/show-and-tell-friday_19.html">Show and Tell Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the Picket Fence/<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/05/inspiration-friday-party-no-16.html">Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/ideas-for-summer" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Spring_Summer_Link_Party_Layla.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_942964682"></span><span id="goog_942964683"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Becca</em></span></div>

Mercury Mantel

Happy Saturday !!  While my fellas are off running errands, I thought I'd share my mantel as it looks this very moment (we all know that it could change any second).I've been bitten by the silver and mercury bug lately ... can you tell ??On a recent trip to Pottery Barn, I grabbed up this small look…

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It's Official ... I'm a Stripper !!

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, folks, "Boom Boom Becca" has hit the stage, I mean dining room, and stripped the table top.  Woo Hoo !!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, when I asked my husband to please come and take my picture because I was about to start stripping, I thought he was going to break his legs racing to the dining room!  Imagine his sheer disappointment, when he found me waiting for him, looking like this ... can you say *sex-ay* ?!  NOT (lol).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvvVhuy_9FMhSpz6xXDDXWe3RRuZ11LkBy13M9Sf6338soEr_TAmXUK19bCmmX5qWyTBrfHhcpvjGC2SGCeU8lkblUcuZItf4OOmBd3WyCXcZTzv3ztmrSMvn7ZXzG_6M6vRKd-ZPxg/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvvVhuy_9FMhSpz6xXDDXWe3RRuZ11LkBy13M9Sf6338soEr_TAmXUK19bCmmX5qWyTBrfHhcpvjGC2SGCeU8lkblUcuZItf4OOmBd3WyCXcZTzv3ztmrSMvn7ZXzG_6M6vRKd-ZPxg/s400/me.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All I can say is I'm soooo glad I did this !!  This table is part of the set that my sister gave me when we moved into our home five years ago.  I love the set ... it just needed a little TLC, which I was afraid to do before now.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  Cherry table ... quite a few dings in it:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillZK4qqLp4GchUB8gCxr4HBbUoZ2izql_tQcV0S1iwHhBnJ4NTpBsPyhDbSAyoaBjSP8V2JKJeWvrhgmAyoH_imMY1OAlCTlklqM4IRBLPRR3pJSkp-46UyoAt520ixpyJml8G4OSdw/s1600/tableding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillZK4qqLp4GchUB8gCxr4HBbUoZ2izql_tQcV0S1iwHhBnJ4NTpBsPyhDbSAyoaBjSP8V2JKJeWvrhgmAyoH_imMY1OAlCTlklqM4IRBLPRR3pJSkp-46UyoAt520ixpyJml8G4OSdw/s320/tableding.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AFTER:  Now dark walnut, which matches the sideboard much better!  (This picture is right after the 3rd coat of polycrylic ... not done yet).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9wYU6gP3JDfnSptX7YIxT78voSGYciU6yVaKs-a_CwHZNpQmgC51Wli_HlXtK5vf6muLOPc05koLqnGW_38kobXhZZhOqThs88ZtMc1CQBQXrHscf_6I2LXBpwDE295IAfO-uB6ozQ/s1600/tableafter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9wYU6gP3JDfnSptX7YIxT78voSGYciU6yVaKs-a_CwHZNpQmgC51Wli_HlXtK5vf6muLOPc05koLqnGW_38kobXhZZhOqThs88ZtMc1CQBQXrHscf_6I2LXBpwDE295IAfO-uB6ozQ/s400/tableafter1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's FAR from perfect, but it'll do!  I simply stripped the top with Citristrip ... sanded with my palm sander ... coated with three coats of MinWax Dark Walnut ... and topped it off with a few coats of Polycrylic.  If I had to do it again, I would've heavily sanded after applying and removing the Citristrip.  Being my first time, I was afraid I'd gouge or truly ruin the table.  I'll know better next time, fo' sho' !!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I also painted the bases BM White Dove ... annnnd, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of course, that meant I then had to distress, glaze and wax them to match the chairs:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-YWJf1N-7F3YfWBKJkPU9CmAfHohNZoFbgA1sIlYo41SOWeDaBMRG-isBIb1leENDkKsUvvtX6dOeqo6slcac1R-SKScWkaap7lpJlO_UM_pHXeVzWYNztfyKufFuyXara7adk5Jbg/s1600/tableafter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-YWJf1N-7F3YfWBKJkPU9CmAfHohNZoFbgA1sIlYo41SOWeDaBMRG-isBIb1leENDkKsUvvtX6dOeqo6slcac1R-SKScWkaap7lpJlO_UM_pHXeVzWYNztfyKufFuyXara7adk5Jbg/s400/tableafter3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dining room is just abou</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t ready for its reveal !!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>*Boom Boom*</strong></em></span></div>

It's Official ... I'm a Stripper !!

Yes, folks, "Boom Boom Becca" has hit the stage, I mean dining room, and stripped the table top.  Woo Hoo !!And, when I asked my husband to please come and take my picture because I was about to start stripping, I thought he was going to break his legs racing to the dining room!  Imagine his sheer d…

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Nothing is Safe ...

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... from my paintbrush !!  </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll bet you're SHOCKED that I've been dipping in the paint/glaze/stain cans again, aren't ya'  ?!  The l</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">atest victims have been the dining room chairs that one of my sweet sisters, Mitch, gave to us when we moved into our home.   Her husband and she bought a new set for themselves and passed these on to us.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BEFORE ... traditional cherry:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4eo4v02OL1cUWxL7ebAxmef21CQZaubX546PYGfOLHCwTDwDhzBftvGn9qRmCi7JaAAiowdN2A7XmkvPhx20t7UtBylCmtbk7Bd_SYs9swH-DKZq8s4Lph2wDyG0xkc82aiI5aRkNQ/s1600/chairb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4eo4v02OL1cUWxL7ebAxmef21CQZaubX546PYGfOLHCwTDwDhzBftvGn9qRmCi7JaAAiowdN2A7XmkvPhx20t7UtBylCmtbk7Bd_SYs9swH-DKZq8s4Lph2wDyG0xkc82aiI5aRkNQ/s400/chairb4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AFTER ... French-y FUN:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iJ4_YiKIladHJLZF9_PzN3HNuwXW0lNEe40mgQ27g4q5jVXtXCpZMYfDu_DPqnkq4HuonSJrxbQ40Xk7_efdVGwpcQTcD7Tsp-t-KKgGpF7ZW0sg8h96SSnfQQwRw64IRljqhrRauA/s1600/chairafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iJ4_YiKIladHJLZF9_PzN3HNuwXW0lNEe40mgQ27g4q5jVXtXCpZMYfDu_DPqnkq4HuonSJrxbQ40Xk7_efdVGwpcQTcD7Tsp-t-KKgGpF7ZW0sg8h96SSnfQQwRw64IRljqhrRauA/s400/chairafter.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think distressing has become my favorite part:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDwjdFyVPzgdCPJkiPS3iHAu9EDwFkL5mT1ydLUKMrQGp5KZqj6mjwCd53vfooYqhPaAb97hWw03mobdIlLxm0fYh2G8NApyWTyOjrGJYcECp-dJQI40Wp5tsPjzNq410tGmzKNBthA/s1600/diningsand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDwjdFyVPzgdCPJkiPS3iHAu9EDwFkL5mT1ydLUKMrQGp5KZqj6mjwCd53vfooYqhPaAb97hWw03mobdIlLxm0fYh2G8NApyWTyOjrGJYcECp-dJQI40Wp5tsPjzNq410tGmzKNBthA/s400/diningsand.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also recovered all of the cushions with a soft *taupe-y gold-ish* durable fabric.  Just a few more chairs to go, and I'll be ready to show you the dining room's *new* look!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLAGXHIx3BWL1WBKUOutqVyoiaDIPjvI01W76n6fzrgDhil_LX4tdmRGZHsb9z6X3zsnrYuspvZY1t3DyQNYddQp9kOBvGUwAzW0QesRX3Apm8_M5lkVaCobTVkBexzEdoo2I7T-L8Q/s1600/diningchair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLAGXHIx3BWL1WBKUOutqVyoiaDIPjvI01W76n6fzrgDhil_LX4tdmRGZHsb9z6X3zsnrYuspvZY1t3DyQNYddQp9kOBvGUwAzW0QesRX3Apm8_M5lkVaCobTVkBexzEdoo2I7T-L8Q/s400/diningchair2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope my sister approves of the change!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56ZVuTlO8I5qoqUrOC9TNAnXgsXx6IFRh70zyh4y9k9vnI8ZGIuXijcVaCj2Z8ccNEioGB-iiQ5CLNu9FKL3jWVsoureoPdPKL9gAey-_2eNctM-FvRlJGq_7MKGGK4f3F9-pqfXY4Q/s1600/piccollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56ZVuTlO8I5qoqUrOC9TNAnXgsXx6IFRh70zyh4y9k9vnI8ZGIuXijcVaCj2Z8ccNEioGB-iiQ5CLNu9FKL3jWVsoureoPdPKL9gAey-_2eNctM-FvRlJGq_7MKGGK4f3F9-pqfXY4Q/s400/piccollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />Well, I'm putting the paintbrush down (for now) to enjoy this soon-to-be gorgeous day with my fellas !!<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by ... I'm off to play at these following awesome blogs:<br /><br />Dittle Dattle/<a href="http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/05/amaze-me-monday-23.html">Amaze Me Monday</a><br />BNOTP/<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/05/historic-tyson-stedham-restoration-part.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Metamorphosis Monday</a><br />Savvy Southern Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/05/surprised-and-wow-us-wednesdays-13.html">WUW</a><br />Elements Interiors/<a href="http://www.elements-interiors.net/2011/05/whassup-wednesday-18-and-blog-makeover.html">Whassup Wednesday</a><br />Finding Fabulous/<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/05/frugalicious-friday-giveawayfleuriste.html">Frugalicious Friday</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Becca</strong></span></em></div></span>

Nothing is Safe ...

... from my paintbrush !!  I'll bet you're SHOCKED that I've been dipping in the paint/glaze/stain cans again, aren't ya'  ?!  The latest victims have been the dining room chairs that one of my sweet sisters, Mitch, gave to us when we moved into our home.   Her husband and she bought a new set for t…

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