tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1880225778943439932024-03-18T12:57:41.404-07:00Creating A Life StudioJeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-65608077991950679902015-05-09T01:28:00.000-07:002015-05-11T18:58:42.897-07:00Rustic Handmade Wedding {or home decor} Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JzWDGSvgxY/VU2Bj2FPBxI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/cWlzfmebdqI/s1600/Paper%2Bwedding%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JzWDGSvgxY/VU2Bj2FPBxI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/cWlzfmebdqI/s640/Paper%2Bwedding%2Bflowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For some reason, DIY wedding projects just make me happy. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Even if no one close to me is planning a wedding, I still just enjoy looking at fun ideas on Pinterest and other places around the web. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now my niece just happens to be two weeks away from <i>her</i> wedding, and I am so excited to be helping her out with some projects for her special day. I wanted to share a few of the projects we've been working on with you all today. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miPs8QEMs54/VU2BkPUBURI/AAAAAAAAM5U/fD1GQs4BuF4/s1600/Dyed%2Bcoffee%2Bfilter%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miPs8QEMs54/VU2BkPUBURI/AAAAAAAAM5U/fD1GQs4BuF4/s640/Dyed%2Bcoffee%2Bfilter%2Bflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the ways she is trying to keep costs down is by using DIY paper flowers in addition to some fresh flowers. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rY81oH8QKY/VU2BkAQxW7I/AAAAAAAAM5Y/S6jg5hZDS2c/s1600/Coffee%2Bfilter%2Bwedding%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rY81oH8QKY/VU2BkAQxW7I/AAAAAAAAM5Y/S6jg5hZDS2c/s640/Coffee%2Bfilter%2Bwedding%2Bflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of these flowers are made from coffee filters. We are making most of them white, but mixing in some that have been tinted yellow and pink as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tinted coffee filters were dipped into a mixture of water and acrylic paint, wrung out and hung to dry across a line in the backyard. Thanks to temps in the low 90's last week, they were literally dried in minutes! I followed a tutorial I found <a href="http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/diy-tutorial-coffee-filter-flowers/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will have around 200 flowers when we're done and will only have spent a few dollars for supplies. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqGZrj6FLPo/VU2NLxkuNjI/AAAAAAAAM6k/svtLmRGqBtM/s1600/Heart%2BString%2BArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqGZrj6FLPo/VU2NLxkuNjI/AAAAAAAAM6k/svtLmRGqBtM/s640/Heart%2BString%2BArt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">String art seems to be all the rage right now, and my niece loved the idea of a "heart strings" piece. She actually found a pallet with this piece of plywood already attached to the back so we decided that would be a perfect rustic background. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPbxp_MOHFA/VU2nBao-eZI/AAAAAAAAM7g/Hh7RQpkbL3o/s1600/Yellow%2BString%2BArt%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPbxp_MOHFA/VU2nBao-eZI/AAAAAAAAM7g/Hh7RQpkbL3o/s640/Yellow%2BString%2BArt%2BHeart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I gave the wood a light coat of spray paint. Then I created a large heart-shaped template from paper which I transferred onto a sheet of paper almost the size of the wood. (I wish I had taken more photos during the process, but there are many tutorials for projects like this online) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I taped the large piece of paper with the heart shape drawn on it to the wood, then hammered nails through the paper, along the lines of the heart shape and then simply tore the paper away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then my niece went to work with the yellow string just criss-crossing back and forth in a random pattern and around the perimeter of the heart shape, and tied it off at the bottom. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAKfgf6q6yM/VU2QApiLetI/AAAAAAAAM6w/840sad4NNb0/s1600/DIY%2BWedding%2BHeart%2BStrings%2BString%2BArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAKfgf6q6yM/VU2QApiLetI/AAAAAAAAM6w/840sad4NNb0/s640/DIY%2BWedding%2BHeart%2BStrings%2BString%2BArt.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think it turned out super cute! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDhEQvN-l5s/VU2YZ9iySvI/AAAAAAAAM7A/RzBDf5bK6Eo/s1600/LOVE%2BMarquee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDhEQvN-l5s/VU2YZ9iySvI/AAAAAAAAM7A/RzBDf5bK6Eo/s640/LOVE%2BMarquee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{<a href="http://evanandkatelyn.com/2013/08/makin-loooooove-complete-diy-marquee-letters/" target="_blank">source</a>}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next project we did was inspired by the photo above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Real" marquee signs are very expensive, so my niece asked if we could try to duplicate this look on a smaller scale, using cardboard letters instead. Hey, I'm always willing to try something new! </span></div>
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<a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/16-paper-mache-letter-e-1058684/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZmS-9uzeUM/VU2fTNhJGHI/AAAAAAAAM7Q/QHC3sEGLLrw/s400/Paper%2BMache%2BLetter%2BHobby%2BLobby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started with these large paper mache letters she purchased at Hobby Lobby. She cut the front out of them with a knife. The store was actually out of the letter "O", but she was clever enough to pick up a letter "Q" instead and we just did a little 'surgery' to turn it into an "O". </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-0BNr1pw7E/VU2NIBzyn-I/AAAAAAAAM6c/bjnro2ij-ho/s1600/DIY%2BMarqee%2BSign%2BLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-0BNr1pw7E/VU2NIBzyn-I/AAAAAAAAM6c/bjnro2ij-ho/s640/DIY%2BMarqee%2BSign%2BLove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I painted all the letters with Krylon craft spray paint in Hammered Dark Bronze to give the illusion of metal. I marked out where I wanted the lights to go. I removed all the globes from the string of lights. I cut an "X" in the cardboard where each bulb would go, pushed the light through the back of the letter and re-attached the globe on the front. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-dTrWx1df8/VU2NHShOAHI/AAAAAAAAM6M/QqtcisrERBs/s1600/DIY%2BMarquee%2BWedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-dTrWx1df8/VU2NHShOAHI/AAAAAAAAM6M/QqtcisrERBs/s640/DIY%2BMarquee%2BWedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found a scrap of wood and spray painted it the same as the letters. The guys who will set this up at the wedding will attach the letters to the wood base for stability and the messy wires showing in the photo will get neatly taped to the back of the letters. I love the way it turned out! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CzMMJFQ944/VU2GAu-CNmI/AAAAAAAAM5s/jtU77GB6Iac/s1600/b332286dc1bb9617ad20db04e5ae68fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CzMMJFQ944/VU2GAu-CNmI/AAAAAAAAM5s/jtU77GB6Iac/s640/b332286dc1bb9617ad20db04e5ae68fb.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{<a href="http://blog.theknot.com/2014/03/22/this-is-what-a-sophisticated-country-wedding-looks-like/" target="_blank">source</a>}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The last project I finished up this week was inspired by the photo above. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z0SBrOe3pk/VU2GDUBhCUI/AAAAAAAAM58/tkPcZskQEvQ/s1600/Song%2Bof%2BSoloman%2BPallet%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z0SBrOe3pk/VU2GDUBhCUI/AAAAAAAAM58/tkPcZskQEvQ/s640/Song%2Bof%2BSoloman%2BPallet%2BSign.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is another found pallet that my niece sanded and stained. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">She gave me the go ahead to use any font style I wanted, so I ended up going the easy route, using a vinyl stencil that I've had forever. I started by stenciling the letters in chalk to see if everything was positioned the way I wanted it. When I was happy with the way it was laid out, I simply painted over the chalked letters with two coats of white acrylic paint.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkCyCAFkmHo/VU2GCzL3MCI/AAAAAAAAM50/C0OBhI2DNvw/s1600/DIY%2BPallet%2BWedding%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkCyCAFkmHo/VU2GCzL3MCI/AAAAAAAAM50/C0OBhI2DNvw/s640/DIY%2BPallet%2BWedding%2BSign.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like the way this looks so much I might do another one for myself with different words. (The pallet looks splotchy here, but it was actually spots on my camera lens. Oh boy...) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have one more pallet project to work on next week, inspired by this one- </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5kuMv2gqo/VU27YrawsRI/AAAAAAAAM7s/GpsdWShhdn8/s1600/Pallet%2Bwedding%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5kuMv2gqo/VU27YrawsRI/AAAAAAAAM7s/GpsdWShhdn8/s640/Pallet%2Bwedding%2Bsign.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{<a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/gallery/picture/779305/" target="_blank">source</a>}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll share a photo or two over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page when I'm finished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see lots of other DIY wedding and party inspiration on my Pinterest board <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/creatingalife/picnics~parties~wedding-inspiration/" target="_blank">here</a>, and I'll try to get some photos to share from the actual wedding so you can see how they used some of the things we're making. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for stopping by, and I do wish you all a beautiful Mother's Day weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2015/05/show-and-share-no-261.html" target="_blank">Coastal Charm- Show & Share</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2015/05/tweak-it-tuesday-141.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cozy Little House- Tweak It Tuesday</span></a></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com431tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-43718879007764596042015-04-07T22:52:00.001-07:002015-04-13T22:46:07.263-07:00Lost in Translation-Starting Over {again} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZiYIslT2IA/VQqJ5krGAGI/AAAAAAAAMyY/QtFMF_wMQj4/s1600/White%2BFarmhouse%2BCabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZiYIslT2IA/VQqJ5krGAGI/AAAAAAAAMyY/QtFMF_wMQj4/s1600/White%2BFarmhouse%2BCabinet.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hellooo! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been away for some time, but I thought I would pop in and share an update about what has been happening in our family. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab-Tz93wZtU/VSSxAwotp0I/AAAAAAAAM3c/7L4t_eMWdG8/s1600/Botanical%2Bprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab-Tz93wZtU/VSSxAwotp0I/AAAAAAAAM3c/7L4t_eMWdG8/s1600/Botanical%2Bprint.jpg" height="594" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just to catch you up on how we ended up here- </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In October 2014, my dad passed away after a long battle with cancer. In November three of my kids{eldest is married and is still in Colorado} and I moved from Colorado to California to help my mom through this terribly sad time. When we arrived, it was with the intention of staying with her while we looked for our <i>own </i>place to rent close by. My mom and I are close, but I knew that us living together could be very stressful on our relationship and I wanted to help <i>alleviate</i> her stress, not <i>cause</i> it :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But through many different situations God has shown us that </span><span style="font-size: large;">we are meant to live together through this season, so here we are at her house still, and we're doing okay! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzDlYlLtUpc/VRiTJC049bI/AAAAAAAAM00/4CMCKnFeuGc/s1600/Old%2BChippy%2BDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzDlYlLtUpc/VRiTJC049bI/AAAAAAAAM00/4CMCKnFeuGc/s1600/Old%2BChippy%2BDoor.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have really been dragging my feet about doing an update post here. I have been quite out of my element as we are settling into a new kind of life, and I'm struggling a bit to figure out how it all translates into the future of this blog. I am certainly keeping my mind and heart open to see if God leads me to continue with it, change it.....or? </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpICUb-EWi4/VRhsCOBloTI/AAAAAAAAM0M/YJNxYzgTyA0/s1600/Vintage%2BBotanical%2BPrint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpICUb-EWi4/VRhsCOBloTI/AAAAAAAAM0M/YJNxYzgTyA0/s1600/Vintage%2BBotanical%2BPrint.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's a bit of what's happening around here: </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t5SeFyFEf4/VQqI_fKr1nI/AAAAAAAAMxY/d1STvLi-sDA/s1600/Creating%2Ba%2BLife%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t5SeFyFEf4/VQqI_fKr1nI/AAAAAAAAMxY/d1STvLi-sDA/s1600/Creating%2Ba%2BLife%2Bblog.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In January we celebrated my youngest daughter Amelia's 11th birthday at the Aquarium of the Pacific, while my oldest daughter, Tess, was here from Colorado.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This summer my youngest, Silas, will be 8, and that tall, gorgeous redhead to my left {Mikayla} is turning 18! Whoa. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxb7ymmkJA0/VRizBm8UesI/AAAAAAAAM1I/7zl3TFSPGLw/s1600/Tess%2Band%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxb7ymmkJA0/VRizBm8UesI/AAAAAAAAM1I/7zl3TFSPGLw/s1600/Tess%2Band%2BMe.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sure am missing my girl in Colorado :/</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW8m77vQwuU/VR976DW1rhI/AAAAAAAAM2k/rVb9fiY6aq4/s1600/Creating%2Ba%2BLife%2BLake%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW8m77vQwuU/VR976DW1rhI/AAAAAAAAM2k/rVb9fiY6aq4/s1600/Creating%2Ba%2BLife%2BLake%2BCollage.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cRIl43gLVc/VR976XGv0TI/AAAAAAAAM2o/TdRVrpHK0-A/s1600/Yellow%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cRIl43gLVc/VR976XGv0TI/AAAAAAAAM2o/TdRVrpHK0-A/s1600/Yellow%2Bboat.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can guess, winter and spring in southern California is drastically</span><span style="font-size: large;"> different than Colorado! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAeh0YNJrYM/VR98xO9GzaI/AAAAAAAAM20/D4vvehEK7M4/s1600/Lake%2BDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAeh0YNJrYM/VR98xO9GzaI/AAAAAAAAM20/D4vvehEK7M4/s1600/Lake%2BDock.jpg" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really thought I would miss the snow, but....nope :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I'll feel differently about it next year. Some of you might recall that I actually grew up in southern California, but I loved living in Colorado for 20 years. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITEVdHtxEa4/VR92VB3waOI/AAAAAAAAM10/ynxsb_24QcE/s1600/Easter%2Bgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITEVdHtxEa4/VR92VB3waOI/AAAAAAAAM10/ynxsb_24QcE/s1600/Easter%2Bgarden.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week we worked on an Easter Garden. I've been wanting to do one of these with the kids for the past few years, and it was really a sweet project to work on together as we spent time talking about the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bjl1QJAA90/VR92W8BRj-I/AAAAAAAAM2Q/40Wh2pQkC3w/s1600/grace%2Bgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bjl1QJAA90/VR92W8BRj-I/AAAAAAAAM2Q/40Wh2pQkC3w/s1600/grace%2Bgarden.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MC2Plp7DDI/VR92VLK4g5I/AAAAAAAAM18/3ro77WGXKLA/s1600/Life%2BStones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MC2Plp7DDI/VR92VLK4g5I/AAAAAAAAM18/3ro77WGXKLA/s1600/Life%2BStones.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids added some personal words on stones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My neice is getting married in May! I am very excited that I get to help work on some of the decor and crafting projects for the wedding. Think pallet wood, mason jars, burlap and lemons! I hope I'll get to share some of those projects with you all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continue to homeschool, and the two youngest are looking forward to some fun music and art classes coming up through our local rec department. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Here's a bit about our current home:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2J2_xCX3c60/VOFqtebkaMI/AAAAAAAAMuA/dlKFDAt3R0M/s1600/River%2BRock%2BFireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2J2_xCX3c60/VOFqtebkaMI/AAAAAAAAMuA/dlKFDAt3R0M/s1600/River%2BRock%2BFireplace.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom's home has a living room (which has always been her space) </span><span style="font-size: large;">and a large family room that has gone mostly unused for several years. She has graciously 'given' us the family room as our space, but it is still a giant (messy) work in progress! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what it looked like before we arrived <b>^ </b>My parents had purchased two futons for this room so we would have a place to sleep when we were here visiting from Colorado. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swnF16Ul40M/VQqFiOJD4HI/AAAAAAAAMxM/EYok24ESY84/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swnF16Ul40M/VQqFiOJD4HI/AAAAAAAAMxM/EYok24ESY84/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Aaaand.....this was one of those "transition" sort of weeks. Oh dear. Most of our belongings are still in storage, but we are going to start emptying that in small batches at a time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5NrC92Ik-g/VOFpfreZHMI/AAAAAAAAMsY/HIjH8tfiYuM/s1600/Antique%2BCabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5NrC92Ik-g/VOFpfreZHMI/AAAAAAAAMsY/HIjH8tfiYuM/s1600/Antique%2BCabinet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We all slept together on the two futon sofas in this room for a few months. We just sort of pretended we were on vacation here, camping out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's my big tip for dealing with huge life transitions- denial. {smile}</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_HJ749MVJg/VR-AVuz4I8I/AAAAAAAAM3I/F3EsFBwPAJI/s1600/childhood%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_HJ749MVJg/VR-AVuz4I8I/AAAAAAAAM3I/F3EsFBwPAJI/s1600/childhood%2Broom.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am now sleeping on the futon in the room that was my dad's music room {also my childhood bedroom-so weird}. Clearly no staging in this photo. Sorry, this might be a little too "real" : )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">No, it's not glamorous, but people let me tell you- just having the tiniest corner to go and shut the door at the end of the day feels like the most extravagant luxury right now. It's all in the perspective...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">I'm in the process of changing it more into a bedroom space again, but </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">I want to be sensitive to my mom and how painful it can be to see some of my dad's things get moved around and some go away. Just moving along in baby steps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The family room is currently being used for sleeping/ living space for the three kids. They had their own spaces at our previous home, so this is a huge change for them. I'm so very proud of the way they have just gone with the flow of things. They know it won't always be like this. Sure, they have their times of being irritated with each other, but there is a lot of laughter too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IU9D3glFv0g/VRhi4z9BYgI/AAAAAAAAMz4/Cn13jsJQ0t4/s1600/Canvas%2Bcurtain%2Broom%2Bdivider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IU9D3glFv0g/VRhi4z9BYgI/AAAAAAAAMz4/Cn13jsJQ0t4/s1600/Canvas%2Bcurtain%2Broom%2Bdivider.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This room is open to the dining room/ kitchen area, so last week my mom and I hung some inexpensive cotton canvas curtain panels to create a privacy screen when needed. My mom and I have talked about how fun it would be to do some sliding barn style doors here, but that will have to wait awhile.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syP_ecwTlyE/VQqJ10PKkoI/AAAAAAAAMx8/pjQRKg2q2bg/s1600/Farmhouse%2BCabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syP_ecwTlyE/VQqJ10PKkoI/AAAAAAAAMx8/pjQRKg2q2bg/s1600/Farmhouse%2BCabinet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Opposite the curtain is the fireplace wall. My dad and my uncle built this room about thirty years ago! It has high ceilings and lots of pretty light, and opens out to a newly covered patio and backyard area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I would really like to change (even if just with paint) the dated wood frame around the river rock. My mom really doesn't like my style, so I'll need to tread carefully!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you can believe it, it has been in the 90's here recently, but I still like to light candles in the fireplace several nights a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Just for fun-mixing the old with a few things that are new (to me): </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nE6XkkSZv3g/VQZo1ac3Q7I/AAAAAAAAMvY/bAr4H3ioBDw/s1600/River%2BRock%2BFireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nE6XkkSZv3g/VQZo1ac3Q7I/AAAAAAAAMvY/bAr4H3ioBDw/s1600/River%2BRock%2BFireplace.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the way, since we are officially making this more of a dorm space, this corner looks nothing like this now. The white farmhouse cabinet is in my room now, and the futon sofas have become full-time beds, until I get the girls' antique bed frames out of storage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although we did get rid of a tremendous amount of our "stuff" before leaving Colorado, I managed to bring a few of my favorite vintage pieces here, like this piece below that I had previously turned into a <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-vintage-dresser-island-tutorial.html" target="_blank">DIY Vintage Dresser Island</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxMDyuFj1O0/VQqJxY7BVuI/AAAAAAAAMxo/6gey7uL3XSs/s1600/Driftwood%2Bdecor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxMDyuFj1O0/VQqJxY7BVuI/AAAAAAAAMxo/6gey7uL3XSs/s1600/Driftwood%2Bdecor.jpg" height="640" width="388" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EIjffZjQG8/VQZpR24XoiI/AAAAAAAAMwg/4cYjoF6xcKs/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BDisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EIjffZjQG8/VQZpR24XoiI/AAAAAAAAMwg/4cYjoF6xcKs/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BDisplay.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I brought this vintage window that I've had for many years, and the piano panel that's hard to see behind it. Isn't it interesting the things you decide you can't part with? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I kept the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/06/vintage-trunk-coffee-table.html" target="_blank">vintage trunk coffee table</a>, which is currently filled with our dvds and videos in the family room. I gave away my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-iron-headboard-or-two.html" target="_blank">antique iron bed</a> and mattress shown in this photo when we moved.</span><br />
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<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf_zD-1GsI0/Uu31uKqGIfI/AAAAAAAAKUE/GNmDI8nnLOU/s640/Vintage+Style+Master+Bedroom.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Boy, do I miss climbing into that comfy old bed at the end of the day! </span><br />
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I'm hoping I'll be able to start looking for a new {old} bed soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've picked up just a few new things here and there over the last 5 months. One other BIG difference here- being close to fun stores that we didn't have in our more rural area of Colorado! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSKlemSEs5U/VQqJ5RYvYxI/AAAAAAAAMyU/QbWC1njgQVA/s1600/Vintage%2BDresser%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSKlemSEs5U/VQqJ5RYvYxI/AAAAAAAAMyU/QbWC1njgQVA/s1600/Vintage%2BDresser%2BIsland.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wooden crate and caddy I picked up at a garage sale in our neighborhood. It's easier to justify things that can be used for storage, right? :) The old basket I found in my mom's garage. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTCtWslNosA/VQZo2x4eGNI/AAAAAAAAMvs/7xMYltgzwh4/s1600/Shabby%2BMetal%2BFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTCtWslNosA/VQZo2x4eGNI/AAAAAAAAMvs/7xMYltgzwh4/s1600/Shabby%2BMetal%2BFlowers.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is this large metal thing with the handle? A stucco tool? A giant potato masher? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know, but I loved it's rustic look. I got it at a Goodwill store for a couple of dollars. The chippy metal flowers came from the <a href="http://shabbyology.com/" target="_blank">Shabbyology</a> market. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLETeEZYWWo/VQZpQ7wNWOI/AAAAAAAAMwQ/tRJ9d2ORDhU/s1600/Vintage%2BMetal%2BFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLETeEZYWWo/VQZpQ7wNWOI/AAAAAAAAMwQ/tRJ9d2ORDhU/s1600/Vintage%2BMetal%2BFlowers.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcJrJpbGCD8/VQZpSUNdGFI/AAAAAAAAMwo/u1DV2r5oiuA/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcJrJpbGCD8/VQZpSUNdGFI/AAAAAAAAMwo/u1DV2r5oiuA/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BSign.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also picked up this beautiful old window at Shabbyology. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byc-Q7b9fv4/VQZpSV3UavI/AAAAAAAAMwk/dBdLqrlh3lU/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byc-Q7b9fv4/VQZpSV3UavI/AAAAAAAAMwk/dBdLqrlh3lU/s1600/Vintage%2BWindow%2BMantel.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are currently on and above the fireplace mantel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I picked up this cute driftwood wreath at TJ Maxx for under $20.00. This is the kind of thing I would usually DIY. What is happening to me?! haha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I picked up this rustic perpetual calendar at the same garage sale as the wooden crate and caddy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This huge vintage wire basket was a freebie when the garage sale was over! It's kinda silly, but I just have a thing for old metal baskets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm guessing our current living situations sounds pretty unappealing to many of you. Trust me, a few months ago I would have felt the same way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I've recently mentioned to a few friends, you know it's a God thing when the very thing you swore you'd <i>never</i> do, suddenly becomes the thing you <i>want</i> to do, and you have total peace about it. I have longed for years to feel <i>settled</i>. That word to me brings up feelings of safety, security, peacefulness and contentedness. I think I felt that <i>settled</i> was a destination, and once I was there, life would finally be.....right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But t</span><span style="font-size: large;">he older I get the more one thing becomes clear to me. My external circumstances aren't likely to feel settled, maybe <i>ever</i>! "Real life" isn't something that's going to happen "when and if...." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's happening right now. This is it, and I'm going to do the best I can to live the best I can right where God has me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm 50 years old, and I've been through a lot of tough things in my life. One of the refreshing results of that is being able to set aside worrying so much about what other people think and moving forward with what I know is right for my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We all have a story and this is mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In this chapter, I'm a 50 year old single mom who is living in her childhood bedroom, and guess what? I'm cool with that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I guess as this translates to blogging, I no longer have a home that's <i>mine</i> to decorate and create in, in the same way I did before, nor do I have my own basement or garage space to work on projects to sell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Should I completely lay it to rest for this season? I am not sure yet, but I'm sincerely praying that God will show me what </span><i style="text-align: left;">He</i><span style="text-align: left;"> would have me do with it. I've been given a rare gift of finally being able to mentally relax a little bit and see how it all unfolds. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After all, I didn't come here to do exactly what I was doing in Colorado, I came here first and foremost to be helpful to my mom, and I'm honored to do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends. Keep your eyes open to those stepping stones of grace! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With love-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. Come keep in touch me me over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Sharing at</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2015/04/tweak-it-tuesday-137.html#more" target="_blank">Cozy Little House</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2015/04/show-and-share-no257.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Coastal Charm</span></a></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-85984725390548475262015-01-29T23:07:00.001-08:002015-02-01T13:04:35.977-08:00Creative Cardboard Projects on Hometalk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">You guys know that Creating a Life has always been about upcycling, repurposing and using what you already have to create something new. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was asked by <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/7011475/upcycled-cardboard-projects" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> to curate a board of cardboard projects, I knew it would be really fun to put together! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a few of the awesome creative projects I discovered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Making something creative, useful or pretty from a humble material like cardboard {that would likely end up in the garbage} is one of the most satisfying upcycling projects you can do! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/7011475/18-creative-cardboard-crafts" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BP5WwRQq3oI/VM6UsTCZD7I/AAAAAAAAMr4/9DSBP8A0P6A/s1600/creatingalifenow0102.jpg" height="640" width="366" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pop over to <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/7011475/upcycled-cardboard-projects" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> to see all 18 of these creative projects- some just in time for Valentine's Day- that began with cardboard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com95tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-84986450282567109542015-01-01T20:16:00.001-08:002015-01-08T01:00:22.358-08:00Creating a Life- A Photo Tour of 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy first day of a new year, friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If this happens to be your first visit here, I'm so glad to 'meet' you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The last part of 2014 I have been somewhat re-routed from focusing on the blog and online shop due to a huge move from Colorado to Southern California. My dad passed away the first week in October, and we {my kids and I} have committed to being close to my mom during this hard time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">October marked my two year blogging anniversary. From the very beginning my hope was that someone might want to walk along with me on my journey of becoming a single mom, and trying to create a new home- a new <i>life</i>- for me and my kids, on a non-existent budget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was determined to make a creative "nest" for us in our rented townhome by reinventing things we already had, and transforming found and thrifted items. Slowly, I was creating a personal and comfortable space for us that felt more like a reflection of "me" than any other home we have ever lived in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This past year I was humbled and blessed to have some articles, photography and projects featured in some of my favorite magazines, and on other blogs, and I truly had the best time creating projects and sharing our former home with you all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For my look back at 2014, I'm simply going to share some { by some, I mean a gazillion :) } photos from the last year of Creating a Life. Enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now three of my kids and I are still camped out in my mom's family room. I am struggling a bit to figure out what the next step of the journey will be, but I'm keeping my eyes open for the stepping stones of grace that God never fails to provide for us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really looking forward to getting into our own place, making some meaningful connections in our new community and beginning a new chapter of sharing Creating a {California} Life with you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing over at </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2015/01/show-and-share-party-no243.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/01/wow-us-wednesdays-203.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-20088925828396392262014-12-01T00:02:00.000-08:002014-12-01T00:02:51.541-08:00December Update<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I would pop in with a little update. The last couple of months have felt like a marathon </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">of movement and decision making, and I am tired! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My dad passed away the first week in October, and we made the decision to move from Colorado to California to be closer to my mom and family during this hard season of changes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived in California the first week in November, and are staying with my mom for another month or so while we sort through what the future holds for all of us, and look for </span><span style="font-size: large;">a place of our own. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew I was going to have to drive a moving truck, which was really intimidating. In the end, I chose a 16 foot truck. After the first few nervous hours of the trip, it ended up being pretty fun to drive! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I would like you to pause for a moment in silent awe {smile} at my ability to pare down the belongings of myself and 3 kids to fit in a truck that had a 15-1/2 foot x 7-1/2 foot space inside! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew it would require us to get rid of a TON of stuff, which was really challenging, but I was also <i>very </i>happy to get a fresh start with much less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three of the kids and I are sharing the family room here at my mom's house, sleeping on futons and an air mattress. I'm sure you can imagine, it can be pretty stressful at times. But we are warm and safe and, most importantly, together!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not gonna lie, I'm missing having a bedroom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Experiencing our first Thanksgiving without Dad was really painful, but we were blessed to have lots of family and friends together on Thursday, and we truly have so much to be grateful for.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD7pqxQjBDo/VHv6aBpRo_I/AAAAAAAAMnQ/tNcGvYUPqK0/s1600/Fall%2BBirthday%2BFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD7pqxQjBDo/VHv6aBpRo_I/AAAAAAAAMnQ/tNcGvYUPqK0/s1600/Fall%2BBirthday%2BFlowers.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a time in my life when I feel settled. My family has gone through so many changes over the past several years! I really have to resist falling into the trap of feeling like I'm waiting for my "real" life to begin. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of months ago, I was pretty focused on upcoming projects for the blog, and {it seems} in the blink of an eye I'm living in another state, grieving the loss of my dad, and really struggling to find a new daily rhythm for my family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, this is where I really want to be right now, but we are naturally in a period of major adjustment. I am really looking forward to getting to a place where I have a new space to put my stamp on, and coming up with some creative projects to share again! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BNmloMhc7o/VHv6a_3SQLI/AAAAAAAAMnU/6wilfaPEniM/s1600/Fall%2BInspiration%2BTray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BNmloMhc7o/VHv6a_3SQLI/AAAAAAAAMnU/6wilfaPEniM/s1600/Fall%2BInspiration%2BTray.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am looking back over the last 2 months wondering how in the world we got from 'Point A' to 'Point B'. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know {as always} that it's the stepping stones of grace that God continues to provide for us in this crazy life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until I get back in the blogging groove, I would love it if you would come over and stay in touch with me on the Creating a Life <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome, December! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-81486746141307235192014-10-25T01:30:00.000-07:002014-10-25T01:30:31.959-07:00Falling Away<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRI8tpzf8Z0/VEh8KNWEHvI/AAAAAAAAMkw/3Uveljy-eA0/s1600/Lakota%2BView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRI8tpzf8Z0/VEh8KNWEHvI/AAAAAAAAMkw/3Uveljy-eA0/s1600/Lakota%2BView.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sort of broke the promise I made in my last post to be back soon, didn't I? I have recently been updating my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page,</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Crnh_V3b6LA/VEh9X98klFI/AAAAAAAAMlI/_O8WiUwQjqs/s1600/Fall%2Btrees%2BColorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Crnh_V3b6LA/VEh9X98klFI/AAAAAAAAMlI/_O8WiUwQjqs/s1600/Fall%2Btrees%2BColorado.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lot has happened in the last two months. At the end of August we made a trip to California to visit my parents. My dad had been battling cancer for several years, and things were not looking good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{</span>My mom and dad have been together for 60 years! If you'd like to hear a little bit of their love story, you can read about it <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/08/you-are-my-sunshine.html" target="_blank">over here</a>.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While there, my sister and I took dad to the appointment where he got the report that we dreaded- his cancer would end his life here on earth. The following days were a mix of grief and disbelief, but we had a lot of good time spent with dad! We relived childhood memories, had a time of family worship and he told us things about his life that he wanted us to remember as "his story". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had anticipated that he would have several months. Mid-September the kids and I returned to Colorado to begin making preparations to move to California to be with my parents, and spend my dad's last months together. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR4sojjbKY4/VEh8R2e_QdI/AAAAAAAAMk4/k3m5CNevdlY/s1600/Last%2BFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR4sojjbKY4/VEh8R2e_QdI/AAAAAAAAMk4/k3m5CNevdlY/s1600/Last%2BFall.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But on Thursday, October 2nd, my dad awoke disoriented and very sick and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where they discovered he had bleeding in his brain. This was completely unexpected. There was nothing to be done. In his weakened condition from the cancer treatment, he couldn't have survived surgery.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They sent him home with hospice care that night. The next day we decided (4 kids and I) that we would drive back to California on Saturday. We hit the road Saturday morning, but about 3 hours into a 12 hour drive, we got the call that he had taken his last breath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He was surrounded by my mom, brother, sister and most of his 13 grand kids as they showered him with love in his last hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dad was really more like a father figure to my two oldest daughters, even walking Tess down the aisle at her wedding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The following is a video slideshow that my nieces created in honor of their grandpa. I know many won't take the time to watch. It's full of personal photos...memories of someone you never even met. But as I watched this video at his memorial service, I was struck with this thought- when it's all said and done, what would I want to be in <i>my</i> 5 minute slideshow?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In loving memory of my dad, Jim Tomer. We miss you like crazy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're making the big move from Colorado to California in one week. I'm hoping to get back in the swing of posting regularly, but in the meantime, I'd love it if you would keep in touch over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-44528610863333452102014-08-26T19:42:00.000-07:002014-09-06T22:35:43.428-07:00DIY Faux Mantel Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBbv7_1vj4E/U_0fTveyWAI/AAAAAAAAMcE/cRZjDw9Y-TU/s1600/Electric%2BFireplace%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBbv7_1vj4E/U_0fTveyWAI/AAAAAAAAMcE/cRZjDw9Y-TU/s1600/Electric%2BFireplace%2BMantel.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have been absent over here for a couple of weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you didn't notice ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a single (home schooling) mom with three kids still at home comes with a weight that is often impossible to bear alone. But guess what? Jesus knows that, and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> He</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>never</i> asks me to bear it alone. It's my own self-imposed weight I lug around! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says that rest and relief are <i>always</i> available through Him. You wouldn't think I'd need to be reminded so often, but apparently I do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The amplified Bible says it like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. {I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.}</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty awesome, huh? I sure like the idea of blessed quiet for my soul. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I have these comical daydreams about Jesus dealing with me like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm dragging around this horrendously heavy bag of rocks. I'm whining and crying about how heavy it is, and how hard it is to carry. I can't do this! Then I catch a glimpse of Jesus standing nearby, smiling and shaking his head at me. As he moves toward me, I have this sudden realization of how ridiculous I look! {for the millionth time}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He stands in front of me and holds out his hands and says, "Come on, Jeanette. Hand it over". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then he tells me to go rest, and someone will be by shortly to rub my feet. Ha! I just added that last part to my daydream :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So you wanna see one of the projects I've been working on recently? </span></div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1qHNRmp2I/U961oR-gVsI/AAAAAAAAMXg/pKohp0ZH0EQ/s400/Farmhouse+Mason+Jar+Chandelier.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A while back I showed you the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/08/mystery-mayhem-and-denial.html" target="_blank">mayhem</a> going on in our living room. This is how the creative process usually works for me. Get an idea. Pull together ALL the potential things I could use to build/create what I'm thinking and eventually <i>something</i> is born out of the crazy mess. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time the idea was to create a more substantial faux mantel for our little electric fireplace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the past I've used the backdrop I made from a faux brick panel trimmed out with pieces from an old crib panel.</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I53SJyFf2Po/UuMjFjkUSrI/AAAAAAAAKC8/_p6YVGPVxWc/s640/Winter+Living+Room.jpg" height="480" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've even tried my chippy vintage door for something a little different behind the fireplace. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcNuXkivITY/UuMWcPiSVRI/AAAAAAAAKB8/iQ8HlrmmnLU/s1600/Christmas+Living+Room+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcNuXkivITY/UuMWcPiSVRI/AAAAAAAAKB8/iQ8HlrmmnLU/s640/Christmas+Living+Room+Mantel.jpg" height="640" width="389" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've used various things for the mantel shelf, including old drawer fronts and pieces of barn wood. </span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUF4dRnfcCQ/UkIsAvcY1TI/AAAAAAAAIQM/DG28Q7EBAaM/s640/Autumn+Faux+Mantel.jpg" height="467" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last fall I went pretty rustic with the mantel area, <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/09/rustic-pallet-decor-autumn-mantel.html" target="_blank">using part of a pallet</a> as the base for the nature inspired theme. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U33EYAG6MJQ/U_0gwdbVo4I/AAAAAAAAMcc/kiIzxJvIr-0/s1600/DIY%2BLiving%2BRoom%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U33EYAG6MJQ/U_0gwdbVo4I/AAAAAAAAMcc/kiIzxJvIr-0/s1600/DIY%2BLiving%2BRoom%2BMantel.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's the newly reconfigured faux mantel! Yes, this did come together out of that pile of random stuff. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you've been around here for awhile, you won't be surprised to know my mission was to create the faux mantel using materials I already had, and without spending money. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are new here, I hope you'll find some inspiration to create something unique for your home with more imagination than money! </span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFBNPwqUbX0/UxgdhTtgwqI/AAAAAAAAKw8/4_SGV5XPADs/s640/Wall+Hanging+Gate.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may recall the large <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-garden-gate-decor.html" target="_blank">garden gate wall hanging</a> I created last year. It was time for a change (many months ago) so I dismantled it and the pieces have now been used for the mantel. (I'll share the details in another post)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNV5KSI4N50/U_0g9fBfvZI/AAAAAAAAMco/4c-Vy67J39c/s1600/Early%2BFall%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNV5KSI4N50/U_0g9fBfvZI/AAAAAAAAMco/4c-Vy67J39c/s1600/Early%2BFall%2BMantel.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, I picked up two of these old wire baskets, and two ironstone dishes, like the one on the left, for .25¢ each.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_fXvUlVWuQ/U_0nywi0MaI/AAAAAAAAMdY/AsDing5FwUI/s1600/Ironstone%2BPitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_fXvUlVWuQ/U_0nywi0MaI/AAAAAAAAMdY/AsDing5FwUI/s1600/Ironstone%2BPitcher.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmNMpATCvc/U_0xbpCnxHI/AAAAAAAAMeE/z1mlthIqBHc/s1600/Handmade%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmNMpATCvc/U_0xbpCnxHI/AAAAAAAAMeE/z1mlthIqBHc/s1600/Handmade%2Bart.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Old paper, ironstone, rustic wood and metal... a collection of my favorite things. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRn37pbr6o/U_0nybx4ZsI/AAAAAAAAMdQ/aGwPfWn72i4/s1600/Antique%2BRound%2BFrame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRn37pbr6o/U_0nybx4ZsI/AAAAAAAAMdQ/aGwPfWn72i4/s1600/Antique%2BRound%2BFrame.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The photo in the antique round frame is so precious to me! All four of my kids together on the beach in San Diego (over four years ago) when my parents rented a beach house for all of us. We arrived as dusk approached, and were immediately drawn to the water's edge to take it all in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Best vacation ever. Eldest is married now, and that toddler who was afraid to dip his feet in the water is now a very tall 7-year-old! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EzwU0INRFA/U_0nyjfJVrI/AAAAAAAAMdU/XN6C7mFb-EY/s1600/Vintage%2BMetal%2BBasket%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EzwU0INRFA/U_0nyjfJVrI/AAAAAAAAMdU/XN6C7mFb-EY/s1600/Vintage%2BMetal%2BBasket%2BMantel.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbRhVNrI_ag/U_0n5EJto6I/AAAAAAAAMdo/uRc6i2ENSNQ/s1600/Vintage%2BPiano%2BPanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbRhVNrI_ag/U_0n5EJto6I/AAAAAAAAMdo/uRc6i2ENSNQ/s1600/Vintage%2BPiano%2BPanel.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above the mantel I hung an antique piano panel that I've had for many years. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtwsNA-IKgg/U_0hDajZ9xI/AAAAAAAAMc0/-exwj9OCvCI/s1600/Faux%2BBrick%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtwsNA-IKgg/U_0hDajZ9xI/AAAAAAAAMc0/-exwj9OCvCI/s1600/Faux%2BBrick%2BMantel.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSiVYX9tYzQ/U_0hDa_CNJI/AAAAAAAAMcw/83M2zxb6wwY/s1600/Faux%2BHearth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSiVYX9tYzQ/U_0hDa_CNJI/AAAAAAAAMcw/83M2zxb6wwY/s1600/Faux%2BHearth.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The pieces that form the "hearth" are parts from a vintage door and a random white chippy piece of wood (found in this shape), all picked up curbside. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmu8NRnrd2k/U_0gv-tagCI/AAAAAAAAMcY/2glq5txzeBQ/s1600/DIY%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmu8NRnrd2k/U_0gv-tagCI/AAAAAAAAMcY/2glq5txzeBQ/s1600/DIY%2BMantel.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rest of the living room is still in progress, but almost finished.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These photos are really deceiving in that they make the space in here look much larger than it really is! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My living room is <i>tiny</i>, and I'm still working on how I'm going to arrange the sectional (known as the "brown beast"). I would love a new rug for this room, but it's not in the budget, so we'll see what I can come up with. The wheels are always turning...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipxcaAonzhM/U_0gtnkdU2I/AAAAAAAAMcQ/6F3ByxXFkjs/s1600/DIY%2BMantel%2BLiving%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipxcaAonzhM/U_0gtnkdU2I/AAAAAAAAMcQ/6F3ByxXFkjs/s1600/DIY%2BMantel%2BLiving%2BRoom.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl-5kmkcCoY/U_0hGjXYGAI/AAAAAAAAMdA/J212ghig7-4/s1600/Faux%2BMantel%2BLiving%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl-5kmkcCoY/U_0hGjXYGAI/AAAAAAAAMdA/J212ghig7-4/s1600/Faux%2BMantel%2BLiving%2BRoom.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love knowing that even in a rented house, I can work to create a home that has the feeling I love without making permanent changes, and without spending a lot of money. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope someone will be encouraged by that! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FO-K67YPjyI/U_0rVxqFX5I/AAAAAAAAMd0/OisEPLpWykc/s1600/DIY%2BFaux%2BMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FO-K67YPjyI/U_0rVxqFX5I/AAAAAAAAMd0/OisEPLpWykc/s1600/DIY%2BFaux%2BMantel.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe our <i>next </i>home will have a real fireplace. For now, I'm really happy with the look and feel of my "new" faux mantel. I appreciate you coming by to take a look! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I promise I'll share more about what's happening with our family in the coming weeks. For now, could I humbly ask my praying friends to lift us up as it comes to mind? There's so many big decisions to be made that will affect everyone in my family, and I would appreciate prayers for wisdom and clarity about how to handle things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much, friends! I'll share the tutorial for how I created the mantel in a future post, and I would LOVE to stay connected with you over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! {sorry I don't have the technology needed for Instagram yet} </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings-</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/09/rustic-fall-home-decor-inspiration.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/09/home-sweet-home-185.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2014/09/feathered-nest-friday.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/09/treasure-hunt-thursday-171-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/09/butterflies-fairy-things-angels-wings.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/09/232nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/09/tweak-it-tuesday-105.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/09/scoop-134.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-112.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/08/salvaged-summer-decorating.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/08/wow-us-wednesdays-184.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<a href="http://knickoftime.net/2014/08/vintage-decor-link-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Vintage Inspiration Party </span></a><br />
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-57718045684013883572014-08-10T17:10:00.000-07:002014-08-15T21:28:28.071-07:00Vintage Industrial File Drawer Table<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkLytd0mj88/U-b9C33o7iI/AAAAAAAAMY4/7nW41tzCZt4/s1600/Library+Bureau+Metal+File+Drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkLytd0mj88/U-b9C33o7iI/AAAAAAAAMY4/7nW41tzCZt4/s1600/Library+Bureau+Metal+File+Drawer.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Long before lack of money was a real issue in my life, I always tended to save things I knew could be repurposed. It's just in my nature to see things, not just for what they are right now, but for what they <i>might</i> become in the future. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">I know a lot of you are the same way! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since lack of money <i>is</i> sort of an issue for us right now, I'm even more grateful for the ability to take something we have that isn't serving a purpose, and turning it into something I need. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7CL8ZriJCM/U-f02YLUvuI/AAAAAAAAMaY/NrGrRBJH2vc/s1600/File+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7CL8ZriJCM/U-f02YLUvuI/AAAAAAAAMaY/NrGrRBJH2vc/s1600/File+drawer.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My projects rarely involve lots of 'construction'. Usually it's just re-fitting some random parts together to make a different (usually pretty funky) piece of furniture that works for me. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqpqIVM2iCo/U-cKldSo3lI/AAAAAAAAMaE/PJXH7ks1-0c/s1600/Vintage+File+Drawer+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqpqIVM2iCo/U-cKldSo3lI/AAAAAAAAMaE/PJXH7ks1-0c/s1600/Vintage+File+Drawer+Table.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lately I have been loving industrial type elements, and when I saw this Library Bureau metal file drawer at the thrift store a few months back, I was immediately drawn to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Actually, it was in a junk-filled yard <i>behind</i> the thrift store {hey, that's where they hide all the good stuff-haha!} and when they said I could have it for a couple dollars, well....who could resist? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please don't answer that. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdtotTdpfhk/U-cKbzQHonI/AAAAAAAAMZo/WTY5qfvATsQ/s1600/Library+Bureau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdtotTdpfhk/U-cKbzQHonI/AAAAAAAAMZo/WTY5qfvATsQ/s1600/Library+Bureau.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't had time to research Library Bureau. Do any of you happen to know if this is a vintage or reproduction brand? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Either way, I totally love it. I knew it would make a cool looking storage piece as soon as I could figure out what I could set it on. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bULnuJeeFlU/U-cKcmy_UyI/AAAAAAAAMZw/VbWsuY_iEeo/s1600/Luggage+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bULnuJeeFlU/U-cKcmy_UyI/AAAAAAAAMZw/VbWsuY_iEeo/s1600/Luggage+rack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started with this luggage rack type table base (from a neighbor's yard sale last summer) I had actually been planning to do a project inspired by Becky's at <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-cratea-luggage-rack.html" target="_blank">Beyond the Picket Fence</a>.</span></div>
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<img alt="luggage rack and crate upcycled and repurposed http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-cratea-luggage-rack.html" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ1KgEBt6gY/U3bOtOls1ZI/AAAAAAAAL80/tytnGvd-0xw/s640/IMG_2327.JPG" height="640" width="510" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So cute! Maybe this will be my piece's <i>next</i> upcycle : ) </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tn8w9dA11Q/U-cKPBUUz2I/AAAAAAAAMZU/UFfuRL75XWY/s1600/File+Drawer+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tn8w9dA11Q/U-cKPBUUz2I/AAAAAAAAMZU/UFfuRL75XWY/s1600/File+Drawer+Table.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On top of the luggage rack base I placed an old table top. I had to place it with the underside facing up, because it wouldn't fit down properly over the luggage rack the other way. But that ended up working out really well. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX6CJNXuI1E/U-cKcWslGYI/AAAAAAAAMZs/I-Ebx66lx0g/s1600/Industrial+File.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX6CJNXuI1E/U-cKcWslGYI/AAAAAAAAMZs/I-Ebx66lx0g/s1600/Industrial+File.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The base of the file drawer fits perfectly into this side of the table top! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0rOfgpRSEE/U-cKlUvVOrI/AAAAAAAAMaA/cXROg8qZNEU/s1600/Vintage+File+Drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0rOfgpRSEE/U-cKlUvVOrI/AAAAAAAAMaA/cXROg8qZNEU/s1600/Vintage+File+Drawer.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The great thing about putting pieces like this together is that they will be completely unique. No one else anywhere has a piece just like this, and I like that! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckaRILLTPEE/U-f-Kxb1n8I/AAAAAAAAMao/VuZcegxebqg/s1600/Funky+End+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckaRILLTPEE/U-f-Kxb1n8I/AAAAAAAAMao/VuZcegxebqg/s1600/Funky+End+Table.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7zvO_A10sI/U-f-MU64i0I/AAAAAAAAMaw/BBXswiAo8Bg/s1600/Feather+and+Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7zvO_A10sI/U-f-MU64i0I/AAAAAAAAMaw/BBXswiAo8Bg/s1600/Feather+and+Nest.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KbGoUlGigs/U-b9DdzsriI/AAAAAAAAMY8/bWPdPupciNM/s1600/Where+Bloggers+Create+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KbGoUlGigs/U-b9DdzsriI/AAAAAAAAMY8/bWPdPupciNM/s1600/Where+Bloggers+Create+2014.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My vintage file drawer table has been used as a side table in the living room, and I recently shared it in my creative space for the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/07/where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create</a> party. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember last week when I shared my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/08/mystery-mayhem-and-denial.html" target="_blank">Mystery Mayhem</a> in the living room? </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1qHNRmp2I/U961oR-gVsI/AAAAAAAAMXg/pKohp0ZH0EQ/s640/Farmhouse+Mason+Jar+Chandelier.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a little sneak peek of what I've been working on...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QNbjQcOmYA/U-gHwsPR3pI/AAAAAAAAMbA/XF_RVhrkfUs/s1600/Faux+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QNbjQcOmYA/U-gHwsPR3pI/AAAAAAAAMbA/XF_RVhrkfUs/s1600/Faux+Mantel.jpg" height="390" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll share the full story with you soon! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Sharing this week at</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/08/all-about-pallets-reclaimed-wood.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/08/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party-18.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/home-sweet-home-182.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2014/08/feathered-nest-friday_14.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2014/08/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link-party-34/" target="_blank">Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/08/treasure-hunt-thursday-168-and.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/08/share-your-cup-thursday-114.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs.Olson</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/08/wow-us-wednesdays-182.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/08/vintage-inspiration-party.html" target="_blank">Vintage Inspiration at Beyond the Picket Fence</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/08/229th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/08/tweak-it-tuesday-102.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-131/" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/08/show-and-share-party-no225.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-111.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/zoysia-recovers-from-winter-kill-raccoon-peel-back-sod/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/08/sundays-at-home-no-23-weekly-link-party.html#more" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-5176332854391993722014-08-04T20:42:00.001-07:002014-08-14T20:46:50.366-07:00Mystery Mayhem {and denial} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPi-WOVo8uQ/U961xiPG9EI/AAAAAAAAMXs/kIYkvRxmxPg/s1600/Faux+Fireplace+Plans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPi-WOVo8uQ/U961xiPG9EI/AAAAAAAAMXs/kIYkvRxmxPg/s1600/Faux+Fireplace+Plans.jpg" height="640" width="342" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you saw my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/tour-through-blogland-continues.html" target="_blank">blog tour</a> awhile back, you may remember me talking about how my 'creative process' works. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">I get an idea for something I want to try and then <i>mayhem</i> begins. I need to SEE all the potential elements in front of me, which results in a great deal of mess until my plan comes together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I head to the "possibility pile" and pull all of the things I might want to use together. Often, this process is happening in the middle of our living space. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hmm, wonder why the kids haven't spent much time downstairs this week.... </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KlDtACSwNg/U961YNGV3pI/AAAAAAAAMW8/u5Apbe72_ZY/s1600/Antique+Mirror+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KlDtACSwNg/U961YNGV3pI/AAAAAAAAMW8/u5Apbe72_ZY/s1600/Antique+Mirror+Mantel.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is it just me, or does that silly ceiling fan ruin this picture? {giggle} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh well, we are just looking at possibilities in this mayhem...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXh9NZsF2I4/U961YGOYEII/AAAAAAAAMXA/jDpBVifOlzk/s1600/Antique+Ironstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXh9NZsF2I4/U961YGOYEII/AAAAAAAAMXA/jDpBVifOlzk/s1600/Antique+Ironstone.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am crazy about my new #4 French house number, sent to me by a sweet blogging friend, Doré of <a href="http://www.burlapluxe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Burlap Luxe</a>. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_DLYOQqQxM/U-AzYGdeomI/AAAAAAAAMYI/xkjO_F7sf1s/s1600/French+House+Number.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a heartfelt gift representing my four children, and along with it, her dear words of encouragement to me (also a gift). Visit her beautiful blog <a href="http://www.burlapluxe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and her pretty and peaceful Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BurlapLuxe" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K_XX0P-UbY/U961Xu-IPKI/AAAAAAAAMW4/6xTNd-arN_E/s1600/Antique+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K_XX0P-UbY/U961Xu-IPKI/AAAAAAAAMW4/6xTNd-arN_E/s1600/Antique+Mantel.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's pretend there's no ceiling fan. Much better : )</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wErUjdXI-O4/U961y_8ESeI/AAAAAAAAMX4/LqbqsWA0CMI/s1600/Old+Pickle+Jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wErUjdXI-O4/U961y_8ESeI/AAAAAAAAMX4/LqbqsWA0CMI/s1600/Old+Pickle+Jar.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a lot of candle sticks and candle jars, but I think my favorite remains this humble old pickle jar. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a vignette in the making. Just trying out some random things together...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8lV7R4Zz3U/U961ixV5AeI/AAAAAAAAMXQ/REPxQtTjd_0/s1600/Carved+Panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8lV7R4Zz3U/U961ixV5AeI/AAAAAAAAMXQ/REPxQtTjd_0/s1600/Carved+Panel.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was considering using this large piano panel I've had for years in this project, but I think it might be too large.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4hyRJqgY4c/U961k2ad1pI/AAAAAAAAMXY/CBXriLg5ENo/s1600/Farmhouse+Cabinet+Jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4hyRJqgY4c/U961k2ad1pI/AAAAAAAAMXY/CBXriLg5ENo/s1600/Farmhouse+Cabinet+Jars.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm forever trying to find the right spot for my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-non-wedding-mason-jar-chandelier.html" target="_blank">mason jar chandelier</a>. Maybe I should cut it in half and make two smaller ones? Maybe I should sell it? </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1qHNRmp2I/U961oR-gVsI/AAAAAAAAMXg/pKohp0ZH0EQ/s1600/Farmhouse+Mason+Jar+Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1qHNRmp2I/U961oR-gVsI/AAAAAAAAMXg/pKohp0ZH0EQ/s1600/Farmhouse+Mason+Jar+Chandelier.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yikes!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Can you guess what I'm thinking of creating here in our tiny living room? I think it's going to sit just like this for at least a few more days yet, while the wheels are turning, and I finish up another project I'll tell you about in a minute.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YQPfZ2NEoE/U961xendgFI/AAAAAAAAMXo/_GntxLve8yw/s1600/Faux+Fireplace+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YQPfZ2NEoE/U961xendgFI/AAAAAAAAMXo/_GntxLve8yw/s1600/Faux+Fireplace+Mantel.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I have a little news that I think I'm in denial about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of weeks ago we got word that the home we are renting is officially on the market. In fact, we are the center home of a row of five townhomes, and they are all for sale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, one of the homes is currently empty making it unnecessary to show our particular home (they are all the same).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The realtor assured me that things will probably not move too quickly, and I do have a lease that they will honor through the end of September no matter what. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I should be thinking about packing up and preparing for the possibility of a move, but instead I just keep creating mayhem, and more projects around here. Why??</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Denial</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98Mw2GhO9Io/U-BGVahKeKI/AAAAAAAAMYo/cegBolB5OUE/s1600/Cutting+a+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98Mw2GhO9Io/U-BGVahKeKI/AAAAAAAAMYo/cegBolB5OUE/s1600/Cutting+a+door.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you follow me over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, you saw my denial manifested the other day, in the form of cutting up a door to make over the totally dysfunctional office area in our upstairs hallway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the house we probably won't live in for long. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijd8T0sDkcA/U-A7xaNskwI/AAAAAAAAMYY/FrylGjMV8_U/s1600/DIY+Desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijd8T0sDkcA/U-A7xaNskwI/AAAAAAAAMYY/FrylGjMV8_U/s1600/DIY+Desk.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll show you how that's coming along this week, as well as the mystery mayhem in the living room {when I get it figured out} </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Should I just keep cruising along in Denial World until I hear something about the house, or should I start gathering moving boxes? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really not ready to "be done" with this house yet! But God is in control and I'm open to wherever He leads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for coming by today! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Sharing this week over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/08/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party-18.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/08/wow-us-wednesdays-182.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-131/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Scoop</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/08/show-and-share-party-no225.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/08/sundays-at-home-no-23-weekly-link-party.html#more" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-14223675004835440542014-08-01T00:41:00.000-07:002015-04-10T20:00:56.686-07:00Vintage Chippy Table Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eROZUR60-x0/U9su8oNEG0I/AAAAAAAAMVo/JCFypR9qvQ0/s1600/Chippy+White+Door+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eROZUR60-x0/U9su8oNEG0I/AAAAAAAAMVo/JCFypR9qvQ0/s1600/Chippy+White+Door+Table.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sold my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-dining-room.html" target="_blank">dining room</a> table and 6 chairs last week. </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3HWluNdncc/U5q6E66tSkI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/gplSyC4m2Dw/s400/Vintage+Style+Summer+Dining.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do, if you know what I mean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sold it to my neighbor who is moving, and today I watched the movers put it on the truck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was really okay with letting the set go, but I admit for a brief moment I had a little 'pang' as one more piece of our former life fades to memory...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_iU4VRyl-i0/U9svaIvn3tI/AAAAAAAAMWU/KDUBOZ0LHzo/s1600/Vintage+Chippy+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_iU4VRyl-i0/U9svaIvn3tI/AAAAAAAAMWU/KDUBOZ0LHzo/s1600/Vintage+Chippy+Table.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This makes up for it {smile}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I shared on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, this was enough to make me feel happy. Doesn't take much :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It looks a little like an old door, but it's actually a vintage picnic table. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFNiAAPoPPI/U9su8GICsTI/AAAAAAAAMVk/vZZLLzXHqAo/s1600/Chippy+White+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFNiAAPoPPI/U9su8GICsTI/AAAAAAAAMVk/vZZLLzXHqAo/s1600/Chippy+White+Door.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friends are getting ready to put their house on the market, and when I went to a garage sale they were having, this table was being used to hold items for sale. It caught my eye, and when I asked if they would consider selling it, they said I could have it when they were finished with it. I was so excited! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had to take the legs off to fit it in my van and it, along with a very long vintage picnic bench, have been sitting on my front porch until I figure out exactly what I'm going to do with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was in the yard of their home when they purchased the property 17 or 18 years ago! It's solid redwood and it is <i>heavy. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGqJsZ89lsI/U9svcSgjrAI/AAAAAAAAMWc/TE_3uCwaVm8/s1600/Vintage+Hanger+Chippy+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGqJsZ89lsI/U9svcSgjrAI/AAAAAAAAMWc/TE_3uCwaVm8/s1600/Vintage+Hanger+Chippy+Door.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today while I was sweeping the porch, I decided I'd snap a few photos for you. My very impromptu vignette is a vintage hanger with a section of old, heavy cotton canvas clipped to it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ika2UgplLvA/U9su-HSnRgI/AAAAAAAAMV0/AtcBlh7L-ao/s1600/Baby's+Breath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ika2UgplLvA/U9su-HSnRgI/AAAAAAAAMV0/AtcBlh7L-ao/s1600/Baby's+Breath.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A little bunch of dried baby's breath tucked into the pocket. All of 60 seconds planning :) </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YzV0k1yD0/U9svPHsc2xI/AAAAAAAAMWM/7VV6cvVOA7o/s1600/Vintage+Canvas+Pocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YzV0k1yD0/U9svPHsc2xI/AAAAAAAAMWM/7VV6cvVOA7o/s1600/Vintage+Canvas+Pocket.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever have snippets of fabric or pieces of clothing that you're saving for just the right project? That's how it is with this section of vintage laundry service bag. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's <i>almost</i> been a lampshade. It's <i>almost</i> been an apron...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yUUVJEHJXg/U9svMuTZ9fI/AAAAAAAAMWE/CZ6eXihQ-zQ/s1600/Tree+Stump+Porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yUUVJEHJXg/U9svMuTZ9fI/AAAAAAAAMWE/CZ6eXihQ-zQ/s1600/Tree+Stump+Porch.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mcymKtU0yE/U9svKkSIUKI/AAAAAAAAMV8/aHF0nA66rtE/s1600/Plants+Stump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mcymKtU0yE/U9svKkSIUKI/AAAAAAAAMV8/aHF0nA66rtE/s1600/Plants+Stump.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnkUZQVKJ4/U9svctqeQrI/AAAAAAAAMWg/IyrL9yWx0SM/s1600/Vintage+Chippy+White+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnkUZQVKJ4/U9svctqeQrI/AAAAAAAAMWg/IyrL9yWx0SM/s1600/Vintage+Chippy+White+Door.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This may <i>or may not</i> become our new dining room table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll keep you posted : ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for coming by today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/08/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party-18.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/08/wow-us-wednesdays-182.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-131/" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-111.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/08/knick-of-time-tuesday-vintage.html" target="_blank">Vintage Inspiration Party at Knick of Time</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/08/show-and-share-party-no224.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/08/rustic-minimalism-get-look-sundays-at.html#more" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/home-sweet-home-180.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2014/07/feathered-nest-friday_31.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at The French Country Cottage</a></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-25436344144967094672014-07-27T18:13:00.000-07:002014-07-29T19:35:17.995-07:00Creating a Life in Somerset Home Magazine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H6GdmCEkMo/U9WH_zS4-CI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/5DX9mG7-SjA/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Somerset+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H6GdmCEkMo/U9WH_zS4-CI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/5DX9mG7-SjA/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Somerset+Home.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know I've said this before, but I'll go ahead and repeat it. Long before I was blogging, I was smitten with <a href="http://stampington.com/" target="_blank">Stampington's</a> beautiful publications. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">They are a magical world of creative inspiration, beautiful images and artistic resources. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VlyAwaz8XQ/U9WH_2HqpuI/AAAAAAAAMVM/3GB1xGsGLVk/s1600/Vintage+Trunk+Table+Somerset+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VlyAwaz8XQ/U9WH_2HqpuI/AAAAAAAAMVM/3GB1xGsGLVk/s1600/Vintage+Trunk+Table+Somerset+Life.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each time I have been in one of their magazines, it has been a bit surreal to see something of mine in print! In this issue of <a href="http://stampington.com/Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9" target="_blank">Somerset Home</a>, my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/06/vintage-trunk-coffee-table.html" target="_blank">Vintage Trunk Coffee Table</a> is featured in the "Furniture Transformations" section. </span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVmihi6A-tQ/Uu315-tf64I/AAAAAAAAKUc/cra7M3Q5rmQ/s640/Vintage+White+Iron+Bed.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This trunk table has been from the living room, to the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-iron-headboard-or-two.html" target="_blank">master bedroom</a> and currently back in the living room, which is under "transition" again. Why is it so darn fun to move things around? </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nup8pNM6q_k/U9V_GINgMrI/AAAAAAAAMU0/Rfzqlsb8qzA/s1600/Somerset+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nup8pNM6q_k/U9V_GINgMrI/AAAAAAAAMU0/Rfzqlsb8qzA/s1600/Somerset+Home.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When my issue arrived I was so happy to see many of my blog favorites featured! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are going to fall in love when you see this seasonal hutch from Lucy at <a href="http://craftberrybush.com/" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a>, and....</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOFMiVOjzHo/U9V_XUB3YvI/AAAAAAAAMU8/VrlRr6nNThc/s1600/Somerset+Home+Stampington+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOFMiVOjzHo/U9V_XUB3YvI/AAAAAAAAMU8/VrlRr6nNThc/s1600/Somerset+Home+Stampington+2014.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...the lovely images from <a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a>, <a href="http://www.mustlovejunk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Must Love Junk</a>, <a href="http://www.junkchiccottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Junk Chic Cottage</a>, <a href="http://www.burlapluxe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Burlap Luxe</a>, <a href="http://www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Faded Charm</a>, <a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts From Alice</a> and many others, in the "Looking In" and other sections of the magazine! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFgh5LPLS0g/U9R6wDvM2aI/AAAAAAAAMUE/xArZO6KR0NQ/s1600/1SOM-HOME14-Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFgh5LPLS0g/U9R6wDvM2aI/AAAAAAAAMUE/xArZO6KR0NQ/s1600/1SOM-HOME14-Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9-600x600.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that appeals to me so much about <a href="http://stampington.com/Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9" target="_blank">Somerset Home</a> magazine is the emphasis on <i>creating</i> personal things for your home. We all love to see inspiring photos of beautiful homes, but I also appreciate creative home decor and furniture projects with instructions! : ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have not visited the <a href="http://stampington.com/" target="_blank">Stampington & Company</a> website, you simply must! But be warned- you may be sucked into their magical world of beauty and creativity for much longer than you anticipated! : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The current issue of Somerset Home is available August 1st. You can find a copy at some larger bookstores or by ordering online <a href="http://stampington.com/somerset-home/Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to the editors of <a href="http://stampington.com/Somerset-Home-2014-Volume-9" target="_blank">Somerset Home</a> for the opportunity to share a little piece of Creating a Life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/07/show-and-share-party-no223.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-109.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/07/please-join-me-for-scoop-129.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/07/tweak-it-tuesday-100.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/screened-in-porch-freshened-up-with-paint/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<br />Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-20400014264661779892014-07-26T19:55:00.000-07:002014-08-14T16:23:56.185-07:00DIY Vintage Dresser Island <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2TXlZgwct4/U9RZSMtBw1I/AAAAAAAAMT0/b7YilaA9KWg/s1600/DIY+VINTAGE+DRESSER+ISLAND.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2TXlZgwct4/U9RZSMtBw1I/AAAAAAAAMT0/b7YilaA9KWg/s1600/DIY+VINTAGE+DRESSER+ISLAND.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently I shared my current creative space at the 2014 </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/07/welcome-to-where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create </a> party. One hundred sixteen bloggers shared their creative spaces</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">- e</span><span style="font-size: large;">verything from amazing and elaborate studios to more humble spaces, like mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still making my way through the links to visit all the participants! If you haven't visited the party, you should definitely pop over to <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/" target="_blank">My Desert Cottage</a> for all the fun and inspiring tours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I promised to show you how I put together my {no money} diy vintage dresser island, so here we go! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvFOcpFYW-E/U9QXy1-pRaI/AAAAAAAAMO4/m3toGOuAX-M/s1600/Island+Cabinet+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvFOcpFYW-E/U9QXy1-pRaI/AAAAAAAAMO4/m3toGOuAX-M/s1600/Island+Cabinet+Before.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started with this vintage dresser that has been with me through 3 homes. Like most pieces in our home, it has served <i>many </i>functions from craft supplies, to console table, to t.v. cabinet, to hey, actually being used as a dresser in my kids' bedrooms! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Go figure. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcX-iL_chP4/U9QXzSv9XMI/AAAAAAAAMO8/2SGyeuRSCXU/s1600/Dresser+Upcycle+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcX-iL_chP4/U9QXzSv9XMI/AAAAAAAAMO8/2SGyeuRSCXU/s1600/Dresser+Upcycle+Before.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we first moved to this home three and a half years ago, I put this in our entryway. Each of the four kids had their own drawer labeled with their name to put their "stuff" as they came in and out. Where the two drawers had broken out of the bottom, we put shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Come to think of it, that was a pretty good system! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dPyeCe8vk/U9QluO9j2RI/AAAAAAAAMPQ/ujpNfhnFIB8/s1600/Dresser+Island+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dPyeCe8vk/U9QluO9j2RI/AAAAAAAAMPQ/ujpNfhnFIB8/s1600/Dresser+Island+Before.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But the drawers in this vintage piece have been disintegrating since it was given to me well over ten years ago. I've <i>always </i>had in mind to repurpose it into something else.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I really like the overall size and shape, and the cute little vintage green legs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then as <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/07/welcome-to-where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create</a> was approaching, it had been sitting in my <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/03/pulling-it-all-together-creating-life_13.html" target="_blank">living room</a> for awhile, and I looked at it one day and saw "island!" Yeah, I see things like that ;-) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I began tweaking it into a work island for my creative space. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_SlSAw_atI/U9QpITt39II/AAAAAAAAMPk/ICh27raLtLE/s1600/Dresser+Island+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_SlSAw_atI/U9QpITt39II/AAAAAAAAMPk/ICh27raLtLE/s1600/Dresser+Island+progress.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided I wanted to keep two drawers on the top and make one shelf across the opening on the bottom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To my advantage, this isn't really a nicely made piece of furniture, so it was simple to remove the old drawer supports by knocking them out with a hammer and cutting some pieces out with a jigsaw. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ibaqUAp4pY/U9QpII7GBpI/AAAAAAAAMPg/E40kxBiqHwU/s1600/Dresser+Island+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ibaqUAp4pY/U9QpII7GBpI/AAAAAAAAMPg/E40kxBiqHwU/s1600/Dresser+Island+Tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It would have been great if one of the side supports had been in the spot I wanted my shelf, but...no. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They were just nailed in, so it was pretty simple to pull these out and just re-position one on each side to hold up the shelf boards. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtZGc3iqoec/U9Qpaw-eMrI/AAAAAAAAMP4/vZf1CT79FcA/s1600/Island+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtZGc3iqoec/U9Qpaw-eMrI/AAAAAAAAMP4/vZf1CT79FcA/s1600/Island+Cabinet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I started picking through my <strike>pile of junk in the garage</strike> supplies to find some boards I could use for the open shelf. When I found some boards that worked, I realized one is a little warped. Keep in mind-when I'm doing these projects I am pulling them together 100% from things I already have on hand. If I had ANY budget at all, of course my projects would be a little different. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are like me and don't have money to spend, don't let that stop you from trying something! It might not come out "perfect", but I'll take personal and creative over perfect any day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I simply cut the boards to the length I needed with a jigsaw (picked up for less than $5.00 at a yard sale last year).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNqzsPHB8p8/U9Qpaj-MWyI/AAAAAAAAMP0/qN052991vzA/s1600/Repurposed+Dresser+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNqzsPHB8p8/U9Qpaj-MWyI/AAAAAAAAMP0/qN052991vzA/s1600/Repurposed+Dresser+Island.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started trying out some different things to make a little counter space on the back side of the vintage dresser. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Lp402Gaxg/U9QpbRUo6pI/AAAAAAAAMQE/sFboZzxjT-w/s1600/Iron+Corbel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Lp402Gaxg/U9QpbRUo6pI/AAAAAAAAMQE/sFboZzxjT-w/s1600/Iron+Corbel.jpg" height="602" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had these heavy iron shelf brackets for years and I liked the idea of using them like corbels under the counter piece. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ7kNh8-cLs/U9Qpf1KpZEI/AAAAAAAAMQM/s2HBHkzKiAo/s1600/Vintage+Upcycled+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ7kNh8-cLs/U9Qpf1KpZEI/AAAAAAAAMQM/s2HBHkzKiAo/s1600/Vintage+Upcycled+Island.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now this dresser is not very heavy. I would have liked a deeper board for the counter, but with the weight of the iron brackets I was afraid a bigger piece of wood might topple the whole thing! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UB9Kv0jNTG0/U9QyLRXZHZI/AAAAAAAAMQ0/Mg1vRVidVCI/s1600/DIY+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UB9Kv0jNTG0/U9QyLRXZHZI/AAAAAAAAMQ0/Mg1vRVidVCI/s1600/DIY+Island.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I finally decided on a board to use for the little counter. Guess where it came from....</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHIx2HXFPd8/U9QyRY4TUbI/AAAAAAAAMRA/oB5W_R8axfQ/s1600/DIY+Number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHIx2HXFPd8/U9QyRY4TUbI/AAAAAAAAMRA/oB5W_R8axfQ/s1600/DIY+Number.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember that "Let's Dance" sign I created for a friend's wedding reception? When I did the post about <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/diy-number-5-practice-run.html" target="_blank">The Big 5</a>, I mentioned how it keeps showing up around the house..... well now it won't be.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yyiV7aAM6c/U9QpIL697kI/AAAAAAAAMPc/087up-32i3Y/s1600/Board+Shelf+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yyiV7aAM6c/U9QpIL697kI/AAAAAAAAMPc/087up-32i3Y/s1600/Board+Shelf+Cabinet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I dry brushed a little white paint over the piece. A good option when you like this look, and especially when you don't have much paint :) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mf52HQSuFLg/U9Qx31wiedI/AAAAAAAAMQk/wGzgLnmhOoQ/s1600/Craft+Island+Shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mf52HQSuFLg/U9Qx31wiedI/AAAAAAAAMQk/wGzgLnmhOoQ/s1600/Craft+Island+Shelf.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBe9H6pnTYQ/U9Q2nXpTBEI/AAAAAAAAMR4/Y7X4-l6W15w/s1600/Dry+brush+cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBe9H6pnTYQ/U9Q2nXpTBEI/AAAAAAAAMR4/Y7X4-l6W15w/s1600/Dry+brush+cabinet.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still going to sand a bit of this away.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bEvEiGsr_U/U9QyRHAZRYI/AAAAAAAAMQ8/iFQwJKAgU84/s1600/Upcycled+Dresser+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bEvEiGsr_U/U9QyRHAZRYI/AAAAAAAAMQ8/iFQwJKAgU84/s1600/Upcycled+Dresser+Island.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpY-k0wyNqA/U9Qx4XuHwjI/AAAAAAAAMQs/27HXOYQhp4I/s1600/DIY+Island+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpY-k0wyNqA/U9Qx4XuHwjI/AAAAAAAAMQs/27HXOYQhp4I/s1600/DIY+Island+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sigv6VL20DA/U9Q2UcEbC2I/AAAAAAAAMRU/7wbt7gq7mMQ/s1600/Antique+Finial+Apron+Hook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sigv6VL20DA/U9Q2UcEbC2I/AAAAAAAAMRU/7wbt7gq7mMQ/s1600/Antique+Finial+Apron+Hook.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I already had this old finial attached to the piece of square molding. I simply screwed it to the side of the vintage dresser from the inside, and use it to hang aprons. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPlpkfpld28/U9Q-XVa18HI/AAAAAAAAMSI/dyWHIqA0KNs/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Hook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPlpkfpld28/U9Q-XVa18HI/AAAAAAAAMSI/dyWHIqA0KNs/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Hook.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the other side of the island I added a metal bird hook that a friend gave me years ago. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0dY0SRtj-8/U9Q2UfBjDFI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/GSaMSc01beI/s1600/Beadboard+Panel+Hook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0dY0SRtj-8/U9Q2UfBjDFI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/GSaMSc01beI/s1600/Beadboard+Panel+Hook.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bird hook is screwed to a beadboard panel that has a saw tooth hanger on the back, which is simply hung on the side of the dresser. Easy to move to another spot if I ever decide to {and you know I will :) }</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WqSiezop6Y/U9M7gi5OHdI/AAAAAAAAMOo/aob4ibNEEWI/s1600/Work+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WqSiezop6Y/U9M7gi5OHdI/AAAAAAAAMOo/aob4ibNEEWI/s1600/Work+Island.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKZBH2m5p_k/U9Q2lWHXtAI/AAAAAAAAMRo/i9FjKjmWLLw/s1600/DIY+Island+Cabinet+Shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKZBH2m5p_k/U9Q2lWHXtAI/AAAAAAAAMRo/i9FjKjmWLLw/s1600/DIY+Island+Cabinet+Shelf.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course the open shelves hold creative supplies. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHXtmulmsiI/U9RPZ30a5hI/AAAAAAAAMSs/4-nMZMXrr1E/s1600/Studio+Work+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHXtmulmsiI/U9RPZ30a5hI/AAAAAAAAMSs/4-nMZMXrr1E/s1600/Studio+Work+Island.jpg" height="594" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see that I also used a small L-bracket in the center for additional support. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrCNzUYX4Jc/U9RPZX66T0I/AAAAAAAAMSo/98GSC5QlS7c/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrCNzUYX4Jc/U9RPZX66T0I/AAAAAAAAMSo/98GSC5QlS7c/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BSM-elaXHI/U9RWjQUQpzI/AAAAAAAAMTg/5TZJqxMXnn8/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BSM-elaXHI/U9RWjQUQpzI/AAAAAAAAMTg/5TZJqxMXnn8/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been really nice to have a dedicated spot for projects instead of always taking over the kitchen counter or dining table! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2s5ujIa7Y8/U9RWU-O6zpI/AAAAAAAAMTI/HAVZs4ZG3ag/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island+Before+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2s5ujIa7Y8/U9RWU-O6zpI/AAAAAAAAMTI/HAVZs4ZG3ag/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island+Before+After.jpg" height="286" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMLXPKESqyo/U9RWnbP4paI/AAAAAAAAMTo/ne7kUwau2s4/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Upcycled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMLXPKESqyo/U9RWnbP4paI/AAAAAAAAMTo/ne7kUwau2s4/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Upcycled.jpg" height="640" width="483" /></a></div>
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{more about my current creative space <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/07/where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a>}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for coming by to see my vintage dresser island </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">today! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Donna for the feature over at Funky Junk! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKhs38wxLxs/U-1EnWnt3wI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/yFiJzYxeAR8/s1600/1-Funky_Junks_Party_Junk_link_party.29-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKhs38wxLxs/U-1EnWnt3wI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/yFiJzYxeAR8/s1600/1-Funky_Junks_Party_Junk_link_party.29-AM.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're not following me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I'd love it if you'd stop by for a visit over there. It's a fun way to interact more often, and I tend to share 'previews' of what's coming on the blog over there as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great week, friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span></div>
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<a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2014/07/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link-party-32/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2014/07/feathered-nest-friday_31.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at The French Country Cottage</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/home-sweet-home-180.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/07/treasure-hunt-thursday-166-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/07/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party-16.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-180.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/07/just-my-cup-of-tea.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/07/show-and-share-party-no223.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/07/knick-of-time-tuesday-vintage_28.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-109.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/07/please-join-me-for-scoop-129.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/07/tweak-it-tuesday-100.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/screened-in-porch-freshened-up-with-paint/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/07/pj-249-upcycled-link-party.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/07/rustic-and-industrial-decor-sundays-at.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-30103146855712577172014-07-21T14:48:00.000-07:002014-07-29T19:34:04.281-07:00Repurposed Vintage Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrlf9BWEBL8/U81vYGueMZI/AAAAAAAAMN8/Z1NjEpbkw3g/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Hometalk+Vintage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrlf9BWEBL8/U81vYGueMZI/AAAAAAAAMN8/Z1NjEpbkw3g/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Hometalk+Vintage.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've been following Creating a Life for awhile, you know that repurposing, upcycling and reinventing is what we're all about over here.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Throw a little vintage into the mix, and it's even better! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently I was asked by <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> to curate a board of repurposed vintage projects. How fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course I was excited to start putting together some of my favorites to share. </span><br />
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<img alt="old dresser converted to beverage center, outdoor furniture, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling, After transformed to an outdoor beverage center" src="http://cdn.hometalk.com/media/8nfy2g98mznv1qwvet4z50033f030e260.JPG?size=594x594&nocrop=1" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You all know that <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/blissranch" target="_blank">Bliss</a> is a <b>master</b> at upcycling vintage and reclaimed items. Although <i>my</i> bar would probably be filled with milk and cookies {smile} this is one of my all time favorite repurposed vintage projects!</span><br />
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<img alt="shower curtain made from vintage bedspread, bathroom ideas, crafts, home decor, repurposing upcycling, reupholster, window treatments" src="http://cdn.hometalk.com/media/n2r93536ce99d4be21.jpg?size=594x594&nocrop=1" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely love vintage linens, and have collected vintage white bedspreads over the years. How pretty is this repurposed vintage bedspread-turned-shower-curtain from <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/melissaskidmore" target="_blank">Daisy Mae Belle</a>? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You'll find these and other inspiring projects made from repurposed vintage doors, crates, cribs and even springs on my <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/2043706/repurposed-vintage" target="_blank">Hometalk board</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwrY8LN_GUM/U81pw2XdXeI/AAAAAAAAMNk/BrJuTyis430/s1600/Repurposed+Vintage+Pinable+Hometalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwrY8LN_GUM/U81pw2XdXeI/AAAAAAAAMNk/BrJuTyis430/s1600/Repurposed+Vintage+Pinable+Hometalk.jpg" height="640" width="566" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love it if you'd pop over to my <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/creatingalife" target="_blank">Hometalk page</a> for some <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/2043706/repurposed-vintage" target="_blank">Repurposed Vintage Inspiration</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-109.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/07/please-join-me-for-scoop-129.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/07/tweak-it-tuesday-100.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/screened-in-porch-freshened-up-with-paint/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-179.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/07/knick-of-time-tuesday-vintage.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/07/show-and-share-party-no222.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span></div>
Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-47081172788865801402014-07-12T01:50:00.002-07:002014-07-17T23:26:09.478-07:00Where Bloggers Create<br />
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<a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/07/welcome-to-where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BOR6Fak9jE/U8DFd4_TqtI/AAAAAAAAMJc/nRwiA3iVj18/s1600/WhereBloggersCreate2014BIG.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my second year participating in the <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/07/welcome-to-where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">"Where Bloggers Create"</a> party at <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/" target="_blank">My Desert Cottage</a>, and I'm so excited to join in again!</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">You are going to be completely amazed at Karen's studio space, and then you will get the treat of touring many other creative spaces of talented women across the blog world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My space is quite humble compared to many others, but I'm throwing any worry of that out the window and welcoming you into my little corner of the creative world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so glad you're here! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHFwpAyDk0w/U8DC7f3tU1I/AAAAAAAAMIY/up5PlxpjBcI/s1600/DIY+Craft+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHFwpAyDk0w/U8DC7f3tU1I/AAAAAAAAMIY/up5PlxpjBcI/s1600/DIY+Craft+Island.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't have a "real" designated studio/creative space in our home. If you've been following Creating a Life for awhile, you've seen me sharing about how my creative projects tend to spread throughout our living space, and mostly here in what is really our dining room space! My family is <i>very</i> patient : )</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRlxsP8uh_Q/U8Dthx9fZmI/AAAAAAAAMMs/npAkiYpzgdo/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Kitchen+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRlxsP8uh_Q/U8Dthx9fZmI/AAAAAAAAMMs/npAkiYpzgdo/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Kitchen+Island.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week, I turned this old dresser into an <i>official</i> work island. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3bKvh5jNJ4/U8DC9awFC2I/AAAAAAAAMIg/MtRi-ejZBz4/s1600/DIY+Island++Creating+a+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3bKvh5jNJ4/U8DC9awFC2I/AAAAAAAAMIg/MtRi-ejZBz4/s1600/DIY+Island++Creating+a+Life.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be sharing all the details about this project soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For now, please feel free to have a look around my creative space as I share some of my favorite things to create with. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3puVkLEzBc/U8DLN4JskGI/AAAAAAAAMKA/A-J2louzQVY/s1600/DIY+Dresser+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3puVkLEzBc/U8DLN4JskGI/AAAAAAAAMKA/A-J2louzQVY/s1600/DIY+Dresser+Island.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvDr3KqE48w/U8Dti38nysI/AAAAAAAAMM0/Fs_pORmgrpo/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Bird+Hook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvDr3KqE48w/U8Dti38nysI/AAAAAAAAMM0/Fs_pORmgrpo/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Bird+Hook.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTU0IAT7rho/U8DtouXA6fI/AAAAAAAAMNE/KCQvprZS9vQ/s1600/Vintage+Finial+Apron+Hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTU0IAT7rho/U8DtouXA6fI/AAAAAAAAMNE/KCQvprZS9vQ/s1600/Vintage+Finial+Apron+Hanger.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUfffqpc2pI/U8DGF347IbI/AAAAAAAAMJo/dAdObaTwVhY/s1600/Crafting+Island+Creating+a+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUfffqpc2pI/U8DGF347IbI/AAAAAAAAMJo/dAdObaTwVhY/s1600/Crafting+Island+Creating+a+Life.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKAXAJ5259M/U8DGHaeCR3I/AAAAAAAAMJw/r0o30BXGdq8/s1600/Vintage+Pan+Craft+Container.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKAXAJ5259M/U8DGHaeCR3I/AAAAAAAAMJw/r0o30BXGdq8/s1600/Vintage+Pan+Craft+Container.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXNRrU--814/U8DLR1InuiI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/vQTb7LMCyd8/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXNRrU--814/U8DLR1InuiI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/vQTb7LMCyd8/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see a bit more about this "rescued" cabinet <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/playing-dress-up-progress-on-rescued.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg19eJlvGvs/U8Dld5-y5QI/AAAAAAAAMLc/kOBfnC0SxUM/s1600/Antique+Chandelier+Canopy+Note+Holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg19eJlvGvs/U8Dld5-y5QI/AAAAAAAAMLc/kOBfnC0SxUM/s1600/Antique+Chandelier+Canopy+Note+Holder.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqpARXzCcA/U8DlzreajFI/AAAAAAAAMMM/K2xOzldTTVI/s1600/Vintage+Postcard+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqpARXzCcA/U8DlzreajFI/AAAAAAAAMMM/K2xOzldTTVI/s1600/Vintage+Postcard+Wall.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPbmZ7aUuoM/U8DFNS-7J7I/AAAAAAAAMJI/TuMlMscbbD8/s1600/DIY+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPbmZ7aUuoM/U8DFNS-7J7I/AAAAAAAAMJI/TuMlMscbbD8/s1600/DIY+Island.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0ZTQuWqsk/U8DLc6svWpI/AAAAAAAAMKY/SMbo3J7x180/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0ZTQuWqsk/U8DLc6svWpI/AAAAAAAAMKY/SMbo3J7x180/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Island.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can visit <a href="http://www.thepennyandthepearl.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The Penny and The Pearl</a> to see some of our handmade {and vintage!} items in the shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting my creative space today! If you haven't made your way here directly from the <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/07/welcome-to-where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create</a> party, be sure and head over there to see all of the creative spaces being shared! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also sharing my creative space over at</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/home-sweet-home-178.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCharmOfHome+%28The+Charm+of+Home%29" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2014/07/feathered-nest-friday_17.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/07/treasure-hunt-thursday-164-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/07/share-your-cup-thursday-111.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs.Olson</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-178.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/07/225th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/07/show-and-share-party-no221.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/07/vintage-decor-inspiration-party-knick.html#more" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/07/tweak-it-tuesday-98.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/07/scoop-127-happy-bastille-day.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-107.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/07/sundays-at-home-no-19-weekly-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-27699610519968330632014-06-29T23:04:00.000-07:002014-07-06T01:44:58.448-07:00Tour Through Blogland Continues!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNAzs-PWdgM/UCyLF25mjuI/AAAAAAAAALY/xeI0FiFwbT0/s400/P8150028.JPG" height="335" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This photo is from one of the very first "practice" blog posts I wrote while my 15 year old was trying to teach me how to use blogger almost two years ago! </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, my kids and I really did have a cookies and lemonade picnic at the park this day. I put homemade lemonade in a pretty bottle I had saved from some previous occasion and we headed out with our pretty glasses and tablecloths! The kids look so little! I wonder if they'd <i>still</i> be up for doing this with mom? Hmmm....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, on to the blog tour! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently I was invited by Carol at <a href="http://www.artandsand.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Art and Sand</a> to participate in a tour that's been travelling through blogland. It's sort of a "getting to know you" theme, with the added element of inviting other bloggers you are inspired by and getting to introduce you to them. Pretty fun, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been a fan of Carol and her blog for quite some time and was so happy that she thought of me! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejEabXnKARw/U6zxY-4OfdI/AAAAAAAAMCc/DIJMoW7BSfw/s1600/Carol's+Patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejEabXnKARw/U6zxY-4OfdI/AAAAAAAAMCc/DIJMoW7BSfw/s1600/Carol's+Patio.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have in common that we both grew up in the San Gabriel Valley in southern California, but I'm now in Colorado and she is enjoying life in a darling beach cottage. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will not be jealous...I will not be jealous...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you visit Art and Sand, you will be treated to happy color, creative projects galore {not to mention her husband's amazing artwork!} and sometimes even a walk on the beach.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf7WAumB6Ik/U6zxY4cwZdI/AAAAAAAAMCY/K2Lcb5UfyVQ/s1600/rwb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf7WAumB6Ik/U6zxY4cwZdI/AAAAAAAAMCY/K2Lcb5UfyVQ/s1600/rwb.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carol's welcoming and friendly spirit will keep you coming back to see what's she's up to!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tour involves answering four questions about your blog, so here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 What are you working on right now? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a single mom with three kids at home, so there's always a lot of things in the works. Kid stuff, homemaking, blog writing, <a href="http://www.thepennyandthepearl.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The Penny and The Pearl</a> and other selling venues tend to be intertwined day in and day out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What I'm working on now that will be specifically for sharing here soon is getting my creative <strike>sprawl</strike> space pulled together to share at the 2014 <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/06/its-almost-that-time-againwhere.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create</a> party at <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/" target="_blank">My Desert Cottage</a>. </span><br />
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<img alt="Where Bloggers Create" src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/My%20blog%20stuff/WhereBloggersCreate2014Button.jpg~original" height="400" width="285" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part of that process will include a project I'm working on to turn an old dresser into a functional work surface/island so I don't have to show you my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-dining-room.html" target="_blank">dining room table</a> again!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZ0iLtn-Cs/U7CA-1qv9NI/AAAAAAAAMHA/KouiplYG9pk/s1600/Dresser+Work+Island+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZ0iLtn-Cs/U7CA-1qv9NI/AAAAAAAAMHA/KouiplYG9pk/s1600/Dresser+Work+Island+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shared a little sneak peek of this on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> the other day, so now I feel committed! haha</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wish me luck on this project, okay? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My blog posts are very rarely planned in advance. I admire those bloggers who have a schedule, or posts written weeks or months in advance. Maybe someday I'll be able to operate that way, but for now my posts are mostly about whatever is happening <i>right now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 How does my work differ from others? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">The focus of most projects I share on my blog is creating unique things for your home without spending money, so I guess that sets me apart a little. I'm very inspired by other bloggers, and sometimes I just want to do something they've done because I'd love it in my own home!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But many times what I create is something just pulled from my imagination. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVS-_FWrwOc/U7CD2583t3I/AAAAAAAAMHM/n4YbcMTJQu8/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVS-_FWrwOc/U7CD2583t3I/AAAAAAAAMHM/n4YbcMTJQu8/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before+and+After.jpg" height="451" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a single mom on an extremely tight budget. That's just the way it is right now.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edd7smNY0vc/U7B8Y5k0gtI/AAAAAAAAMG0/Yhbxz8iPTRw/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboat+Before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edd7smNY0vc/U7B8Y5k0gtI/AAAAAAAAMG0/Yhbxz8iPTRw/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboat+Before+and+after.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I simply don't have the money to go retail shopping and share all the new things I bought for our home, or to create a project. Besides, there's plenty of other bloggers doing that beautifully! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even during times in my life when money was abundant, I was still shopping thrift stores, yard sales and creating things. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqSYNAAwvd0/U7B6jbM_xBI/AAAAAAAAMGo/xeqj4wQB2iA/s1600/Garden+Fence+Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqSYNAAwvd0/U7B6jbM_xBI/AAAAAAAAMGo/xeqj4wQB2iA/s1600/Garden+Fence+Shade.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am constantly looking at things I already have - whether it's an existing piece of furniture that's not working for us, or random materials I've thrifted or picked up for free - and just figuring out how to make something new out of it. I completely love pouring heart and soul into </span><span style="font-size: large;">Creating a Life - creating <i>something - </i>with more </span><span style="font-size: large;">imagination than money. Plus I just get bored looking at the same things all the time! </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h_HMyLw2Hg/UzD4XfkMtoI/AAAAAAAALFA/M72y8xK3ckw/s640/Old+Dresser+Upcycle.jpg" height="488" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think using vintage and handmade items can create a much more personal space. My hope is that in some way</span><span style="font-size: large;"> what I do will inspire someone not to give up on having a space they love just because they don't have a big budget. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Why do I write/ create what I do? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God gave me the vision for a blog, <i>some</i> blog (I really didn't know much about what blogging was!) during a very low point after my divorce. I didn't know exactly what it would be about, but I felt an overwhelming sense that I just needed to <i>start</i>, and He would show me where to go with it. </span><br />
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqIVyeu4qQE/Ux11FVP4_BI/AAAAAAAAK3s/5jIgYvo2cN0/s640/Cottage+Living+Room.jpg" height="475" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What has evolved over the past 20 months or so is a real love of sharing with you that you don't have to have a lot of money to create a unique and personal home that you will love to spend time in, even if it's a rental home that isn't really your style! </span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVmihi6A-tQ/Uu315-tf64I/AAAAAAAAKUc/cra7M3Q5rmQ/s640/Vintage+White+Iron+Bed.jpg" height="640" style="text-align: start;" width="520" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I write about it on my blog to hopefully inspire others to create their own unique things. Just knowing you all are here to share it with inspires me to want to do more! I also want to publicly acknowledge God's leading and grace to us as we continue on this journey. We simply can't underestimate His plan for our lives, even if it looks like something we never even thought of! </span><br />
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<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq2uM77xIDI/U0r-j1c6IZI/AAAAAAAALMA/N-k9MxOyMXU/s640/Kitchen+view+from+entryway.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The things I create for <a href="http://www.thepennyandthepearl.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The Penny and The Pearl</a> are things that I would want to have in my own home. Many decor items I create are one-of-a-kind. You aren't going to see it in someone else's space, because there's only one! </span><br />
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<img alt="Unique Vintage Glass with Iron Bird Mini Cloche Reclaimed Wood Base" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/025/1/6905308/il_570xN.618953400_r0t1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="426" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other things I can make in larger quantities, but they are still created with unique elements that aren't copied from something else. </span><br />
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<img alt="Vintage Cottage Style Bird Family and Nest Hanging Pots Painted Peat Pots" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/029/1/6905308/il_570xN.615840929_oc0y.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's such an honor when someone wants something in their home that you've created! I don't take that lightly. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's a blessing to be able to do something you absolutely love, and know that it helps provide for your children at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 How does your writing/ creative process work? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's a great big mess! Haha. My writing process {I've written a couple of magazine articles, as well} has always been pretty similar to my creative projects, or even rearranging the furniture!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMPJUk2UF80/U7Cj0e21NeI/AAAAAAAAMHc/ETQdZ9ipmCY/s1600/Vintage+Paper+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMPJUk2UF80/U7Cj0e21NeI/AAAAAAAAMHc/ETQdZ9ipmCY/s1600/Vintage+Paper+Flowers.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I start with a general vision of what I want to convey. I pull all the elements together that I might possibly want to include. {I refer to this as "the possibility pile"} I rearrange words, or project parts, or furniture. Add things, take things away, tweak and adjust, toss the unused words or parts or furniture to the side, and <i>voila! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it that way for everyone? : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now, it is my great pleasure to continue the tour by introducing you to two more bloggers whose talent and style and creativity inspire me on a regular basis- Katie from <a href="http://www.katietreasures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Let's Add Sprinkles</a> and Larissa from <a href="http://www.prodigalpieces.com/" target="_blank">Prodigal Pieces</a>!</span></div>
<img alt="Let's Add Sprinkles" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j93MiXfNN4g/Ut0wVFqR9bI/AAAAAAAAUrQ/q4FXqEk4yZc/s640/Collages6.jpg" height="400" width="640" /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm constantly redoing things around the house because I believe styles are always changing. Blogging started as an outlet and distraction during a painful season of my life. It became a way to journal about faith and family, to express my creativity and show off DIYs and frugal finds."-</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Katie at </span><a href="http://www.katietreasures.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Let's Add Sprinkles</a></span></div>
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<img alt="Prodigal Pieces" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pHcbc9_F1M/UdHe7FJPSoI/AAAAAAAAAh4/j4tP-XDsyEM/s640/blog%2Bheader%2Brevised3%2Bcopy.jpg" height="204" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Larissa, from <a href="http://www.prodigalpieces.com/" target="_blank">Prodigal Pieces</a>, is homeschooling mother to 6 children and owner of Prodigal Pieces, her Etsy shop. Her blog is where she loves to share her passion for redeeming cast off furniture, showcasing her vintage finds, and creating handmade repurposed goods. DIY is her forte and she shares projects for you to do on your own, from home décor to furniture." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Visit the Prodigal Pieces shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prodigalpieces" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Please visit <a href="http://www.katietreasures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Let's Add Sprinkles</a> and <a href="http://www.prodigalpieces.com/" target="_blank">Prodigal Pieces</a> (any time), but especially next Monday when they post about their own blogs. I know you'll be inspired by them, as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks so much for coming by for the tour today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sharing this week, over at</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/07/sundays-at-home-no-18-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/home-sweet-home-176.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/07/share-your-cup-thursday-109.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-176.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no219.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/223rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-96.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/06/please-join-me-for-scoop-125.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-105.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-6057236078622432692014-06-28T11:23:00.000-07:002014-07-16T13:33:25.114-07:00Playing Dress-Up {progress on the rescued cabinet}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCiP_HUx_hY/U62woxW1EiI/AAAAAAAAMC4/m9T6l_7ItEs/s1600/Bennett+House+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCiP_HUx_hY/U62woxW1EiI/AAAAAAAAMC4/m9T6l_7ItEs/s1600/Bennett+House+Blog.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you follow </span><span style="font-size: large;">me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> you've probably seen me share some things before they make it over here to the blog. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oMLfJ7Kl_8/U65vdR8vlsI/AAAAAAAAMGI/hihmGGvzlwg/s1600/Bennett+House+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oMLfJ7Kl_8/U65vdR8vlsI/AAAAAAAAMGI/hihmGGvzlwg/s1600/Bennett+House+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last Saturday I went to see this darling historic house for rent in Glenwood Springs. If it had a red front door, it could have been right out of a Mary Engelbreit illustration! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKiXVuBxuc/U65vdehTvXI/AAAAAAAAMGM/cuLOW_jffZo/s1600/Bennett+House+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKiXVuBxuc/U65vdehTvXI/AAAAAAAAMGM/cuLOW_jffZo/s1600/Bennett+House+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it wasn't meant to be ours. The owner was so bombarded with responses to the ad she had to take it down. But I did appreciate all the good wishes I received on Facebook! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jD_JE9y6OI/U65vdAMUSQI/AAAAAAAAMGU/QutNEvrgGyM/s1600/Bennett+House+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jD_JE9y6OI/U65vdAMUSQI/AAAAAAAAMGU/QutNEvrgGyM/s1600/Bennett+House+5.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you love old houses the way I do, you can imagine how hard it was not lose my heart the minute I stepped inside. It was so full of character and charm, it really was a treat just to get to tour it and dream a little. Sigh...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This "old house thing" has been with me since I was a kid. I've been fortunate enough to live in several historic houses in my life, but darn it, now I have readers who could appreciate the house <i>with</i> me, right?! {smile} I'm still holding out hope for 'someday'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On to today's progress report of the rescued cabinet! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3McZvsESng8/U62xMqWmm1I/AAAAAAAAMDo/o2PX13E5TWQ/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3McZvsESng8/U62xMqWmm1I/AAAAAAAAMDo/o2PX13E5TWQ/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember this sad sight I shared about a month ago? This pitiful cabinet was in the "free" section at a friend's yard, and for some reason she was just calling to me! I pass up lots of free pieces of furniture, but I had an immediate vision for this old girl. (yes, furniture pieces are female) </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2-w5VwwVLA/U62xEzBTCiI/AAAAAAAAMDY/9nIfNVUXWz0/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2-w5VwwVLA/U62xEzBTCiI/AAAAAAAAMDY/9nIfNVUXWz0/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Before+Detail.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The doors and most of the trim were completely broken off, although all the parts were still here. After getting careful measurements from the owner, I went home to measure the back of my van to see if I could get it home. It seemed like she would <i>just</i> fit, so I went back the next day and wrangled her into my minivan all by myself! The owner wasn't at home, but I bet their neighbors enjoyed the show. Ha! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqLTZbZMN6o/U62w293XqlI/AAAAAAAAMDI/Zdd4N7bzFrU/s1600/Cabinet+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqLTZbZMN6o/U62w293XqlI/AAAAAAAAMDI/Zdd4N7bzFrU/s1600/Cabinet+project.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I got it home, I realized the particle board back was just crumbling, so I pulled that off first thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cabinet landed in the "possibility pile" in the garage while I thought about how to approach it with my usual zero budget. I know a lot of people would automatically think 'paint', but I was picturing her with the crown molding back in place and the lighter areas where the hinges were attached, and pieces had broken off, stained to match the rest of the cabinet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could see her in the dining room full of white dishes, with a dropcloth curtain draped across the bottom shelves for concealed storage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not finished with her, but this week I had fun playing "dress-up" with this rescued old girl! Here's what I've done with her so far. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr1QSPJWGSc/U62wwuR_XTI/AAAAAAAAMDA/iPYNIFXIXLo/s1600/Cabinet+project+stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr1QSPJWGSc/U62wwuR_XTI/AAAAAAAAMDA/iPYNIFXIXLo/s1600/Cabinet+project+stain.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See all the lighter areas where there's no stain where the hinges from the doors were, and pieces of wood had fallen off? She needed a little "makeup". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was anxious to get some visual results with this, but I didn't want to wait until I could afford to get stain, so I came up with an alternative. I lightly sanded the areas I wanted to darken. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcwbN0Wi_eI/U65gPwOF0sI/AAAAAAAAMEo/D5rKLfCaVZo/s1600/Creating+a+Life+diy+wood+stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcwbN0Wi_eI/U65gPwOF0sI/AAAAAAAAMEo/D5rKLfCaVZo/s1600/Creating+a+Life+diy+wood+stain.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I put some of this 500 year old {okay, really the price sticker on the bottle is from a store that went out of business over 10 years ago} brown iron oxide craft paint in a jar and mixed it with some water. I brushed/ rubbed it into the light areas of the wood until they sort of blended with the rest of the wood tone. Don't look too closely. I tacked the crown molding back in place.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvvW3bA6Wj4/U62xJ6CCWAI/AAAAAAAAMDg/a6KBfLf1mTc/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvvW3bA6Wj4/U62xJ6CCWAI/AAAAAAAAMDg/a6KBfLf1mTc/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then the dressing up began. I just couldn't wait to see my vision confirmed a little, even if it's not <i>really</i> "finished" yet. As you can see, she's still sporting the "backless" look.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGLGD8decK0/U65gC0TeZzI/AAAAAAAAMEI/KXKImGGU-TA/s1600/Creating+a+Life++Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGLGD8decK0/U65gC0TeZzI/AAAAAAAAMEI/KXKImGGU-TA/s1600/Creating+a+Life++Rescued+Cabinet.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I gathered some pretty accents, and began trying out some fabric for the 'skirt'. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddAWqEhOUQ4/U62w63xk57I/AAAAAAAAMDQ/W1KxdDWFdLc/s1600/Rescued+Bookshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddAWqEhOUQ4/U62w63xk57I/AAAAAAAAMDQ/W1KxdDWFdLc/s1600/Rescued+Bookshelf.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fYdB83GO_Q/U65gPgPblVI/AAAAAAAAMEg/_u8sddCqk5k/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Cabinet+Skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fYdB83GO_Q/U65gPgPblVI/AAAAAAAAMEg/_u8sddCqk5k/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Cabinet+Skirt.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6GecYBXUj8/U65gBLafO2I/AAAAAAAAMEA/1ZN3iFr6JlQ/s1600/Cabinet+Skirt+Twine+Hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6GecYBXUj8/U65gBLafO2I/AAAAAAAAMEA/1ZN3iFr6JlQ/s1600/Cabinet+Skirt+Twine+Hanger.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I strung a piece of twine across the cabinet and secured it with upholstery tacks. Remember, we're just playing here, so this might not be what I would choose permanently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then again...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uAl912QtpY/U65tgUuX4vI/AAAAAAAAMGA/XYVzmdGvKVA/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uAl912QtpY/U65tgUuX4vI/AAAAAAAAMGA/XYVzmdGvKVA/s1600/Rescued+Cabinet+Update.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-nRKqqE_TQ/U65gDeLj1UI/AAAAAAAAMEM/69hiaSELzSM/s1600/Cabinet+Makeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-nRKqqE_TQ/U65gDeLj1UI/AAAAAAAAMEM/69hiaSELzSM/s1600/Cabinet+Makeover.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2oPfyDtnB0/U65n8SrLETI/AAAAAAAAMFs/jLP2J2EVDGM/s1600/Creating+a+Life-Glass+Dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2oPfyDtnB0/U65n8SrLETI/AAAAAAAAMFs/jLP2J2EVDGM/s1600/Creating+a+Life-Glass+Dome.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QJDeiIeo2k/U65gMXh4gKI/AAAAAAAAMEY/_C7isPQE-J8/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Cabinet+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QJDeiIeo2k/U65gMXh4gKI/AAAAAAAAMEY/_C7isPQE-J8/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Cabinet+Decor.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIeQ4XdS0hM/U65n0uy6nWI/AAAAAAAAMFY/QzfCzQZ6uYw/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Silver+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIeQ4XdS0hM/U65n0uy6nWI/AAAAAAAAMFY/QzfCzQZ6uYw/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Silver+Set.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kEjBN5XF8U/U65nnnIhepI/AAAAAAAAMFM/f2ek-paz26k/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Ironstone+and+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kEjBN5XF8U/U65nnnIhepI/AAAAAAAAMFM/f2ek-paz26k/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Ironstone+and+Wood.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To2E52sp4MA/U65njQRPoxI/AAAAAAAAME8/NeSDT-yxpTE/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Ironstone+Plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To2E52sp4MA/U65njQRPoxI/AAAAAAAAME8/NeSDT-yxpTE/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Ironstone+Plates.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaRArhm6jh4/U65n5JnvJII/AAAAAAAAMFk/U9TsMDMnrcU/s1600/Creating+a+Life-+French+Farm+Caddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaRArhm6jh4/U65n5JnvJII/AAAAAAAAMFk/U9TsMDMnrcU/s1600/Creating+a+Life-+French+Farm+Caddy.jpg" height="600" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcf0PYhrPQY/U65nvqlzNmI/AAAAAAAAMFU/TUo1xO1z7Yk/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Rescued+Cabinet+Shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcf0PYhrPQY/U65nvqlzNmI/AAAAAAAAMFU/TUo1xO1z7Yk/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Rescued+Cabinet+Shell.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQFIzN1Bt0/U65oAJULDjI/AAAAAAAAMF0/CgWlACJ2ML0/s1600/Ironstone+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQFIzN1Bt0/U65oAJULDjI/AAAAAAAAMF0/CgWlACJ2ML0/s1600/Ironstone+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think? It's amazing how a new outfit can make you feel completely different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it's fun to play dress up when you need a little encouragement to see your vision through to the end. I'm not exactly sure what her final purpose will be, but I know I'm not sorry I rescued this old girl! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-7mH2taJJ0/U65nlOlsgPI/AAAAAAAAMFE/0vIAIYS8EX8/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Rescued+Cabinet+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-7mH2taJJ0/U65nlOlsgPI/AAAAAAAAMFE/0vIAIYS8EX8/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Rescued+Cabinet+Collage.jpg" height="274" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by to see her progress today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">**Update** </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9M9JBfB3Rc/U8bhDBwWNDI/AAAAAAAAMNU/QXNRH_Q5lLM/s1600/Where+Bloggers+Create+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9M9JBfB3Rc/U8bhDBwWNDI/AAAAAAAAMNU/QXNRH_Q5lLM/s1600/Where+Bloggers+Create+2014.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rescued cabinet is currently being used in my creative space! Click over <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/07/where-bloggers-create-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Sharing this week, over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/07/sundays-at-home-no-18-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/07/185-upcycled-porches-and-patios.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2014/07/diy-projects-junkin-joe-july-4th-2014.html" target="_blank">Junkin' Joe at The Cottage Market</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2014/07/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link-party-28/" target="_blank">Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/07/feathered-nest-friday.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/home-sweet-home-176.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/07/under-100-link-party.html" target="_blank">Under $100 Party at Beyond the Picket Fence</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/07/share-your-cup-thursday-109.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-176.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/knick-of-time-tuesday-143-link-party.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no219.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/223rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-96.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/06/please-join-me-for-scoop-125.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-105.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/herend-rothschild-bird-style-lamp/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span><br />
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<br />Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-2771950706019717162014-06-22T23:04:00.000-07:002014-07-09T09:12:08.772-07:00The Big 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8VLqdEFz9Y/U6eethyhYlI/AAAAAAAAMAQ/wVHALbD5Wq4/s1600/Large+number+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8VLqdEFz9Y/U6eethyhYlI/AAAAAAAAMAQ/wVHALbD5Wq4/s1600/Large+number+5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't you just love spontaneous projects? </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've always had a thing for letters and numbers in decorating. For a long time I've had a special thing for the number 5. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ40zgkIxRE/U6eXioxXVgI/AAAAAAAAL-g/k7KlCQizGQ0/s1600/Heather+Bullard+Styling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ40zgkIxRE/U6eXioxXVgI/AAAAAAAAL-g/k7KlCQizGQ0/s1600/Heather+Bullard+Styling.jpg" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://heatherbullard.com/2013/04/recent-styling-work/" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every time I see something like this in a magazine or on Pinterest, it always catches my eye and I think <i>someday</i> I'd really like to try making a large sign or wooden number myself. </span><br />
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<img alt="How to make a giant number or letter out of plywood... for FREE! via http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QAFD5wEY54g/TNzatx7fK9I/AAAAAAAAI8o/btbuisskFg8/s640/IMG_0871.JPG" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's just say it hasn't been at the top of the priority list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But then a couple of days ago I saw Donna from <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk</a> pin one of her tutorials about making a giant number. I headed over to her blog and something just clicked! I decided right then I was going to give it a try, only a little smaller scale. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MRhSLpLyrQ/U6etnl5EjQI/AAAAAAAAMBM/dhyFUmEsmwo/s1600/DIY+Number+Cutout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MRhSLpLyrQ/U6etnl5EjQI/AAAAAAAAMBM/dhyFUmEsmwo/s1600/DIY+Number+Cutout.jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I really wanted to make the number from plywood, and I wanted to make it really large, <i>but</i> I didn't want to wait around for when a piece of plywood might come my way. I wanted to try it NOW. So I opted to do a practice run, of sorts, in a less intimidating size. I've never cut out an actual shape with the jigsaw (purchased for $3.00 last summer at a yard sale), I've only done straight cuts with it. So using a piece of Masonite board I already had and making the number just over 26" tall seemed a little more manageable, and if I messed it up, no harm done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn't measure ahead of time, I just drew the number the size I wanted with chalk {<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2010/11/how-to-make-giant-number-hard-way.html" target="_blank">Donna's method</a>} and cut around it. I'm sorry I didn't photo that part, but you can see the full tutorial over at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2010/11/how-to-make-giant-number-hard-way.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh_Ynx_N_m0/U6eZo5sZiwI/AAAAAAAAL_A/sliX8pfs-QA/s1600/Painting+the+wooden+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh_Ynx_N_m0/U6eZo5sZiwI/AAAAAAAAL_A/sliX8pfs-QA/s1600/Painting+the+wooden+5.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, you saw me post my late night "in progress" photo from my kitchen counter. I promised I'd show you "prettier" pictures when I was all done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I lightly sanded the number, and painted it with black acrylic paint. When it was completely dry, I gave it a more aged and worn look by sanding off some of the black in places, and sanding all around the edges. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-IWf1snK_g/U6ealXn8C3I/AAAAAAAAL_M/jkz0cDKXJIA/s1600/DIY+Wooden+Number.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, I do know my 5 isn't perfect. Good thing this was just practice, right? I stuck the number onto a piece of faux brick panel that I use behind our electric fireplace in the winter. I guess I'll be re-thinking that when winter comes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then I realized if I was going to show it to you today, I'd better quickly come up with a little vignette centered around it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAFVgu7gV9w/U51aj2VJXfI/AAAAAAAAL6w/GLyKJoP8gIQ/s1600/Piano+Dining+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAFVgu7gV9w/U51aj2VJXfI/AAAAAAAAL6w/GLyKJoP8gIQ/s640/Piano+Dining+Room.jpg" height="640" width="421" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently I showed you our <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-dining-room.html" target="_blank">Summer Dining Room</a>, and confessed to what my table <i>really</i> looks like much of the time. Oh boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The piano sits right between the dining room and living room areas and there hasn't been anything going on there cute-wise for some time, so I chose this spot for my not-so-giant number 5 vignette.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kejZo1IIphA/U6eewaua8AI/AAAAAAAAMAY/pWMuycxMrTs/s1600/Piano+Vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kejZo1IIphA/U6eewaua8AI/AAAAAAAAMAY/pWMuycxMrTs/s1600/Piano+Vignette.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I quickly pulled together some of my favorite elements- metal, chippy painted wood, ironstone, old book pages, vintage sheet music, words and letters. {It was dark in the room and I totally had my camera on the wrong setting-boo. Sorry, I just didn't have time to re-take them} </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq2i9ySYMKw/U6e9Nk9d9EI/AAAAAAAAMBo/J2Mx2PVTIXY/s1600/Number+5+Piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq2i9ySYMKw/U6e9Nk9d9EI/AAAAAAAAMBo/J2Mx2PVTIXY/s1600/Number+5+Piano.jpg" height="640" width="467" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jm61ge8Xcs/U6ee0_eTfnI/AAAAAAAAMAo/4QBraoHpuDQ/s1600/Vintage+Music+Cones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jm61ge8Xcs/U6ee0_eTfnI/AAAAAAAAMAo/4QBraoHpuDQ/s1600/Vintage+Music+Cones.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMJa7rIpUVk/U6eapgErIxI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/wjNpS03PaBQ/s1600/Monogram+N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMJa7rIpUVk/U6eapgErIxI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/wjNpS03PaBQ/s1600/Monogram+N.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have four of these chippy table legs, and two of them are being used as part of one of the <i>two</i> headboards on my bed right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">{You can pop over <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-iron-headboard-or-two.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see the details on that}</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-0XxYNrl1E/U6eYX1tTmlI/AAAAAAAAL-w/HjLJAKZ0IA0/s1600/Giant+Number+Vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-0XxYNrl1E/U6eYX1tTmlI/AAAAAAAAL-w/HjLJAKZ0IA0/s1600/Giant+Number+Vignette.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I keep thinking I'm going to turn this sign I made for a friend's wedding reception into something else, but somehow it just keeps showing up in the decor over here! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AbeiDFeQw0/U6eYVoKSaUI/AAAAAAAAL-o/W7paSdRtM34/s1600/DIY+Number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AbeiDFeQw0/U6eYVoKSaUI/AAAAAAAAL-o/W7paSdRtM34/s1600/DIY+Number.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you enjoyed seeing my spontaneous DIY <i>medium sized </i>number 5 project today! I feel much more confident about making a really big one when the right piece of wood comes along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Head over to <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2010/11/how-to-make-giant-number-hard-way.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a> for the REAL giant number tutorial, and a million other inspiring projects, too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you just spontaneously decided to try out a new kind of project lately? I'd love to hear about it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for coming by today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Joining these fun parties-</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/07/sundays-at-home-no-18-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2014/07/diy-projects-junkin-joe-july-4th-2014.html" target="_blank">Junkin' Joe at The Cottage Market</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/06/upcycled-old-crate-projects.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/feathered-nest-friday_26.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/home-sweet-home-175.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/06/treasure-hunt-thursday-161-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/06/under-100-link-party_25.html" target="_blank">Under $100 Party at Beyond the Picket Fence</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/06/american-ingenuity.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/06/share-your-cup-thursday-108.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs.Olson</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/06/wow-us-wednesdays-175.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/knick-of-time-tuesday-142-vintage-decor.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/222nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-95.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no218.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2014/06/the-scoop-124.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at StoneGable</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-104.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/removing-a-wild-blackberry-bush-from-the-garden/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span><br />
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<br />Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-40912339554667781522014-06-18T01:06:00.003-07:002014-06-28T09:49:14.860-07:00Vintage Feedsack Stool<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-CDnWEzgNg/U6EhLUnhBPI/AAAAAAAAL8M/JXh-e_ywchs/s1600/Vintage+Feedsack+Stool.jpg" height="475" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, there's this little stool... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure you all have those pieces of furniture in your home that you just don't want to part with, so you just keep updating them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, and again. And again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For about 12 years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No? Just me? </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_t0uVIyQEx8/U6Er6mwsZYI/AAAAAAAAL8k/0fRiAlF-R_w/s1600/Stool+Makeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_t0uVIyQEx8/U6Er6mwsZYI/AAAAAAAAL8k/0fRiAlF-R_w/s1600/Stool+Makeover.jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's the story with this cute little stool. I was even ready to get rid of it last year, but my kids (even the teenager) were insistent about keeping it. Apparently it just has some magical charm. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h34EBotx0U8/U6Er7WgfDcI/AAAAAAAAL8s/0YK-Z0Rhklc/s1600/Stool+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h34EBotx0U8/U6Er7WgfDcI/AAAAAAAAL8s/0YK-Z0Rhklc/s1600/Stool+Update.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I brought it home from a yard sale all those years ago, it had really beat up dark wood legs and ratty 1960's gold upholstery fabric on it. I recovered it with a darling red and white checked fabric and painted the legs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since then, it's had a few more fabric updates {most recently the cute yellow print that was a scrap from the thrift store} It has fallen apart and been glued back together. It just keeps going! : ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I decided it was getting another update. </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEmKCoyDc7s/Um9etNc5p5I/AAAAAAAAItk/-B_WUGpO4qc/s400/Creating+a+Life+Fall+Entryway.jpg" height="344" style="text-align: start;" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had this vintage Bemis feedsack for over a year, and it has landed in various places around the house, such as behind an old window in my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-nature-inspired-welcome-fall-foyer.html" target="_blank">fall entryway</a> last year. Parts of it were so badly stained, that I finally decided I was going to cut it up for a few different projects. </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00ftd51QBso/U3bLzmBcN4I/AAAAAAAALfE/nkXAFPcYEJs/s640/Double+Pendant+Kitchen+Lights.jpg" height="480" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part of it went to making the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/05/rustic-farmhouse-style-pendant-light.html" target="_blank">rustic farmhouse style pendant shade covers</a> in our kitchen {more about the rest of the kitchen <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/04/farmhouse-style-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">here</a>}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was left with a good sized square that had the logo on it, and today I decided that re-covering the little stool (again) would be a good way to finally put it to use! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oO5P0-2KZY8/U6Er4z8_I8I/AAAAAAAAL8c/BwRfr022y2g/s1600/Recovering+a+stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oO5P0-2KZY8/U6Er4z8_I8I/AAAAAAAAL8c/BwRfr022y2g/s1600/Recovering+a+stool.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see I'm not very neat when it comes to these sorts of things, but the bottom doesn't show, right? When I did the yellow fabric I used my staple gun, which has since bit the dust. So today, I used upholstery tacks to attach the vintage feedsack fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No, I did not remove the yellow fabric with its many staples, I just put the new fabric right over it :) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvgTpRC9LDk/U6Etf2ShCUI/AAAAAAAAL9A/ui3Dpb_-50E/s1600/Upholstery+tacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvgTpRC9LDk/U6Etf2ShCUI/AAAAAAAAL9A/ui3Dpb_-50E/s1600/Upholstery+tacks.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of upholstery tacks, does anyone else think they are just a tiny work of art? I love these things!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, let's move on. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1CzdzTrhNI/U6EtcFSGeTI/AAAAAAAAL84/AABAUGW-DCA/s1600/Bemis+Feedsack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1CzdzTrhNI/U6EtcFSGeTI/AAAAAAAAL84/AABAUGW-DCA/s1600/Bemis+Feedsack.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Silly me, I forgot to photo actually putting the fabric on, but I think you know how it works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wrapped the cushion with the feedsack fabric and just used a hammer and upholstery tacks to attach it to the underside of the seat. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dN9hw80_NGk/U6EtgKA0_BI/AAAAAAAAL9E/IUuZPD8oDYI/s1600/Bemis+Vintage+Feedsack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dN9hw80_NGk/U6EtgKA0_BI/AAAAAAAAL9E/IUuZPD8oDYI/s1600/Bemis+Vintage+Feedsack.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really trying to come up with a plan to pull together my seven year old son's bedroom, so this <strike>probably won't</strike> <i>might </i>end up in his room. I am sort of liking the way it looks in the living room, though : )</span></div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goofXPDNv6s/U2b9TxYDELI/AAAAAAAALYk/FrhsqZXnPg0/s400/Rusty+Tin+Star+Chipping+With+Charm.jpg" height="400" style="text-align: left;" width="366" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember this awesome rusty star I won from <a href="http://chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chipping With Charm</a> that was <i>going</i> to go in his room? Yeah, it hasn't made it there yet, either. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIEnxE0iJUk/U6EtqYqj_OI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/1gthOrfSY2U/s1600/Vintage+Feedsack+Bemis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIEnxE0iJUk/U6EtqYqj_OI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/1gthOrfSY2U/s1600/Vintage+Feedsack+Bemis.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll leave you with a little tip that I used on the vintage feedsack fabric. It does still have visible stains on it, but it had large <i>dark</i> rust stains on it when I got it. I read somewhere {probably <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatingalife/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>} that putting lemon juice on the fabric and placing it in the sun to dry would remove, or at least lighten, the rust stains and it really worked! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIeeOq8UkMo/U6Etjea84EI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/zi0SgaRLI3w/s1600/Vintage+Bemis+Feedsack+Stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIeeOq8UkMo/U6Etjea84EI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/zi0SgaRLI3w/s1600/Vintage+Bemis+Feedsack+Stool.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for coming by today! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Sharing this week over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/06/upcycled-old-crate-projects.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/222nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-95.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no218.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/home-sweet-home-174.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/feathered-nest-friday_19.html#more" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/06/treasure-hunt-thursday-160-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/06/share-your-cup-thursday-107.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/knick-of-time-tuesday-141-vintage.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/06/wow-us-wednesdays-174.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</span></a>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-39026596791782584132014-06-15T02:40:00.002-07:002014-06-28T09:51:49.087-07:00Summer Dining Room<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaMCY5nxavc/U5q5zZSJF4I/AAAAAAAALz4/zfmJkcLElnI/s1600/Dining+Room+Chandelier.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, who am I kidding? There is rarely any dining happening in this space. In fact, the table often looks </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">something like this-</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did I really just show you that? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No matter how many times I <i>think, try, start</i> to make my creative space in another area of the house I always seem to end up right back here in the middle of the main living area. Yikes. My poor family. </span><br />
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00ftd51QBso/U3bLzmBcN4I/AAAAAAAALfE/nkXAFPcYEJs/s640/Double+Pendant+Kitchen+Lights.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, right next to the messy table, we do have a large island where we eat. You can see more about the kitchen over <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/04/farmhouse-style-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/06/its-almost-that-time-againwhere.html" target="_blank">Where Bloggers Create 2014</a> is coming up soon, and I <i>may </i>want to share this as my creative space again, {see last year's post about my creative space <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/07/creating-messy-life-where-this-blogger.html" target="_blank">here</a>} I thought I would <i>pretend</i> it's a real dining room for a bit, and invite you over before all mayhem breaks out again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to our little summer dining room! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMgxE4M905A/U5vmuaz7uBI/AAAAAAAAL4U/XowNI_0oOCg/s1600/Summer+Dining+Table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMgxE4M905A/U5vmuaz7uBI/AAAAAAAAL4U/XowNI_0oOCg/s1600/Summer+Dining+Table+1.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seasonal decorating for me has become more about adding subtle details and textures that hint at the season, and are easy to move around and change up as the mood strikes. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3z0BrhFwZSQ/U5q54NwrOfI/AAAAAAAAL0A/S8Sk5jhudag/s1600/Handmade+Dining+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3z0BrhFwZSQ/U5q54NwrOfI/AAAAAAAAL0A/S8Sk5jhudag/s1600/Handmade+Dining+Room.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The dining "room" is really more of a corner area in the space that includes the kitchen and living room. It's a small area, so I left the table pushed over to the island for these first photos just to show what's going on on the back wall. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVYDAsfmvTU/U5q5v99q-RI/AAAAAAAALzk/jgr3Uq8nrQA/s1600/Dining+Area+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVYDAsfmvTU/U5q5v99q-RI/AAAAAAAALzk/jgr3Uq8nrQA/s1600/Dining+Area+Summer.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why, yes I did hit my head on the light shade numerous times without the table there. I'm so glad I can provide some entertainment for my kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see the tutorial for creating a similar shade to cover a large light fixture, you can find that over <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/09/junk-style-diy-garden-fencing-shade.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCXKgyH4nHQ/U5q6K_qXX_I/AAAAAAAAL0o/LkNNNo9tlKQ/s1600/Wall+China+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" style="text-align: start;" width="460" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've been a follower for awhile, you've seen this wall cabinet "dressed" several different ways, including with the doors taken off. Right now I have a simple curtain hung inside to cover my messy crafting supplies.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaBr8axRn1U/U5q9Jv26GVI/AAAAAAAAL1E/q-Bi6oalMT8/s1600/Dining+Room+Dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaBr8axRn1U/U5q9Jv26GVI/AAAAAAAAL1E/q-Bi6oalMT8/s1600/Dining+Room+Dresser.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This little vintage dresser was a thrift store find several years ago. It's just the right size to make it suitable for almost any room in the house. It has served in the entryway, living room, and even a bedroom (or two) over the years. It's not in great shape, but I still love it. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx1Q3Pi4bfU/U5q9YJ4xbBI/AAAAAAAAL1k/EoPExTZaKng/s1600/Vintage+Dresser+Sideboard.jpg" height="531" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Birds always seem to find their way into my vignettes. Awhile back a friend gave me a vintage lampshade with the fabric too far gone to save. I was going to re-cover it {I still might someday} but for now it holds stacks of dinner plates perfectly!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inGhjq7WAhY/U51lTW1lhrI/AAAAAAAAL7I/8tINjLHX1Z8/s1600/Vintage+Lamp+Shade+Plate+Holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inGhjq7WAhY/U51lTW1lhrI/AAAAAAAAL7I/8tINjLHX1Z8/s1600/Vintage+Lamp+Shade+Plate+Holder.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK97WQYiHk4/U5q9QvToTlI/AAAAAAAAL1U/_DD_JUh6bGw/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK97WQYiHk4/U5q9QvToTlI/AAAAAAAAL1U/_DD_JUh6bGw/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboats.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm originally from southern California, but have been in Colorado for about 20 years. I really like using items from nature to remind us of our beach trips "back home".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The driftwood sailboat was an easy diy project. Even though it looks beach-y, it was actually made from driftwood from a Colorado creek! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jy1vTSz650/U5q9M6vrcWI/AAAAAAAAL1M/K4gGzl__nus/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jy1vTSz650/U5q9M6vrcWI/AAAAAAAAL1M/K4gGzl__nus/s1600/Driftwood+Sailboat.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to make your own driftwood sailboat, you can find the tutorial <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/07/driftwood-sailboats-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coOf7F_hhvc/U5q_G1gwIPI/AAAAAAAAL18/QkFXpzAcd-U/s1600/Antique+Book+Covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coOf7F_hhvc/U5q_G1gwIPI/AAAAAAAAL18/QkFXpzAcd-U/s1600/Antique+Book+Covers.jpg" height="400" width="373" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXYY-5yONKs/U5q9UVStayI/AAAAAAAAL1c/93M2OA-XmvQ/s1600/Vintage+Book+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXYY-5yONKs/U5q9UVStayI/AAAAAAAAL1c/93M2OA-XmvQ/s1600/Vintage+Book+Decor.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-b17l0YfSk/U5q9EheZvYI/AAAAAAAAL0w/xp8cfDmrMOI/s1600/Bird+Cloche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-b17l0YfSk/U5q9EheZvYI/AAAAAAAAL0w/xp8cfDmrMOI/s1600/Bird+Cloche.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-cloche.html" target="_blank">cloche</a> was created by gluing a little white china bird to an overturned candle jar. The cake stand was created by gluing a small wicker basket to the bottom of a vintage ironstone platter. I really enjoy making one-of-a-kind pieces.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kd0631DwZSA/U5q_LtY4DNI/AAAAAAAAL2E/FYHZx-8NWA8/s1600/China+Bird+Cloche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kd0631DwZSA/U5q_LtY4DNI/AAAAAAAAL2E/FYHZx-8NWA8/s1600/China+Bird+Cloche.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn54gA7eC3s/U5q_L3_EchI/AAAAAAAAL2I/ftSiP2fNnK8/s1600/Antique+Automobile+Clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn54gA7eC3s/U5q_L3_EchI/AAAAAAAAL2I/ftSiP2fNnK8/s1600/Antique+Automobile+Clock.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shared this piece on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> last week. Do you know what it is? It was my grandmother's, and I've had it stashed away with her sewing notions for years. Can you believe I only found out last week that it is an antique automobile dashboard clock? This was the thing before cars began being manufactured with electric clocks! </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCEugNP0m74/U5rAvt8kM6I/AAAAAAAAL3o/C-qdbVIS3kQ/s1600/Milk+Crate+Linens.jpg" height="640" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The pair of chairs were picked up recently for free. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knBMdY0GbPE/U5q_qLDHntI/AAAAAAAAL3M/hwsIo8h-85c/s1600/Vintage+Milk+Crate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knBMdY0GbPE/U5q_qLDHntI/AAAAAAAAL3M/hwsIo8h-85c/s1600/Vintage+Milk+Crate.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One holds a vintage milk crate full of fabrics I use for projects..</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OYTL4-MKIA/U5q5zUuy27I/AAAAAAAALz0/EGxTh9g5MzI/s1600/Dining+Room+Vintage+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OYTL4-MKIA/U5q5zUuy27I/AAAAAAAALz0/EGxTh9g5MzI/s1600/Dining+Room+Vintage+Summer.jpg" height="574" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">the other a vintage sugar sack pillow. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mDTcgPD7FU/U5q_tQEfaLI/AAAAAAAAL3U/dLVjRDbrZqY/s1600/Vintage+Music+Decor.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the wall, vintage sheet music and pretty postcards are attached to a metal memo board. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X61SonpAqMg/U5q_TgF4YuI/AAAAAAAAL2c/gnFENqBdog8/s1600/June+Brought+the+Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X61SonpAqMg/U5q_TgF4YuI/AAAAAAAAL2c/gnFENqBdog8/s1600/June+Brought+the+Roses.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfUEPfD7jSA/U5q_mMCcf0I/AAAAAAAAL3E/eV94InOVvQs/s1600/Vintage+Hangers+Wall+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfUEPfD7jSA/U5q_mMCcf0I/AAAAAAAAL3E/eV94InOVvQs/s1600/Vintage+Hangers+Wall+Art.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_3JM9B5uGo/U5q_fToZriI/AAAAAAAAL20/QBZbNDdyFZk/s1600/Peat+Pot+Vintage+Book+Pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_3JM9B5uGo/U5q_fToZriI/AAAAAAAAL20/QBZbNDdyFZk/s1600/Peat+Pot+Vintage+Book+Pages.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ljdRf3lZn8/U5q_Xm9kdLI/AAAAAAAAL2k/SSmob3cMBg8/s1600/No+Sew+Drop+Cloth+Curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ljdRf3lZn8/U5q_Xm9kdLI/AAAAAAAAL2k/SSmob3cMBg8/s1600/No+Sew+Drop+Cloth+Curtains.jpg" height="526" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Very</i> simple no-sew drop cloth curtain panels.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tas2qbqrNI4/U5q_biaScXI/AAAAAAAAL2s/bJ045dIqIIU/s1600/No+Sew+Dropcloth+Curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tas2qbqrNI4/U5q_biaScXI/AAAAAAAAL2s/bJ045dIqIIU/s1600/No+Sew+Dropcloth+Curtains.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H98tBZJgMZo/U5q_iRMqR_I/AAAAAAAAL28/SV1V-lhlETM/s1600/Summer+Dining+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H98tBZJgMZo/U5q_iRMqR_I/AAAAAAAAL28/SV1V-lhlETM/s1600/Summer+Dining+Table.jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the table, a collection of well-used chunky candles in a vintage pan {along with a pretty towel I swiped from my daughter :) }</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3HWluNdncc/U5q6E66tSkI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/gplSyC4m2Dw/s1600/Vintage+Style+Summer+Dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3HWluNdncc/U5q6E66tSkI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/gplSyC4m2Dw/s1600/Vintage+Style+Summer+Dining.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure and pop over to <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/2014/06/its-almost-that-time-againwhere.html" target="_blank">My Desert Cottage</a> for all the details on this year's Where Bloggers Create party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for coming by today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Sharing this week over at</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/06/upcycled-old-crate-projects.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/home-sweet-home-174.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/feathered-nest-friday_19.html#more" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/06/treasure-hunt-thursday-160-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/06/share-your-cup-thursday-107.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/06/wow-us-wednesdays-174.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/knick-of-time-tuesday-141-vintage.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/221st-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-94.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no217.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/06/scoop-123.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/keep-bats-out-of-the-attic-by-screening-gable-windows/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-103.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/06/sundays-at-home-no-16-6-elements-for.html#more" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-54021953925538632812014-06-08T16:46:00.001-07:002014-06-16T18:38:56.910-07:00Creativity and the Stepping Stones of Grace<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSI-8vz4xyM/U5TIQAv_-FI/AAAAAAAALwE/X9dcXOIbp5c/s1600/Vintage+Auto+Dashboard+Clock+Antique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSI-8vz4xyM/U5TIQAv_-FI/AAAAAAAALwE/X9dcXOIbp5c/s1600/Vintage+Auto+Dashboard+Clock+Antique.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quietly pondering some important life issues this week, but one thing I know for sure- </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">I am <i>very</i> grateful for our cozy and creative home. I hope you will enjoy some snippets from our little nest.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydan6vO0MPY/U5TAhJ_fGkI/AAAAAAAALvQ/ztQSrCTfCXU/s1600/Reclaimed+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydan6vO0MPY/U5TAhJ_fGkI/AAAAAAAALvQ/ztQSrCTfCXU/s1600/Reclaimed+Wood.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX7lOn8iYNI/U5TpuxGSB-I/AAAAAAAALwk/GD4ZrOXh0Uc/s1600/Golf+ball+chandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX7lOn8iYNI/U5TpuxGSB-I/AAAAAAAALwk/GD4ZrOXh0Uc/s1600/Golf+ball+chandy.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If seven year old boys were in charge of decorating</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJLi_MjVX5c/U5TpvdkgRWI/AAAAAAAALws/O070CN3ARf4/s1600/Red+Drumsticks+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJLi_MjVX5c/U5TpvdkgRWI/AAAAAAAALws/O070CN3ARf4/s1600/Red+Drumsticks+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Silas turned 7 this week! He's having fun breaking in his new red drumsticks {when he's not "decorating"} </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsCjlPeMVik/U5TAtPDcnPI/AAAAAAAALvY/CQABOragcKg/s1600/Vintage+Hanger+Entryway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsCjlPeMVik/U5TAtPDcnPI/AAAAAAAALvY/CQABOragcKg/s1600/Vintage+Hanger+Entryway.jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOkgP26PaTw/U5TBxyn0NkI/AAAAAAAALvs/C-N9fiyf2SA/s1600/Vintage+Hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOkgP26PaTw/U5TBxyn0NkI/AAAAAAAALvs/C-N9fiyf2SA/s1600/Vintage+Hangers.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Latest vintage hangers {sort of an obsession lately} picked up recently for .25 cents! I have something fun in mind for these.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAZT2turHOo/U5TAv7k4BJI/AAAAAAAALvg/FG50cioZ2bw/s1600/Vintage+Hangers+and+Milk+Crate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAZT2turHOo/U5TAv7k4BJI/AAAAAAAALvg/FG50cioZ2bw/s1600/Vintage+Hangers+and+Milk+Crate.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch5IHvESnV8/U5TpxalMfpI/AAAAAAAALw0/I6kPaLpFbD4/s1600/Toothless+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch5IHvESnV8/U5TpxalMfpI/AAAAAAAALw0/I6kPaLpFbD4/s1600/Toothless+Art.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ten year old Amelia could spend her entire day drawing. "Toothless", from How to Train Your Dragon, is one of her favorite subjects. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW_neh_KR3U/U5TrGayBCoI/AAAAAAAALxA/iYirMmt4pkM/s1600/Vintage+Crib+Chalkboard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW_neh_KR3U/U5TrGayBCoI/AAAAAAAALxA/iYirMmt4pkM/s1600/Vintage+Crib+Chalkboard+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you follow me over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, you saw that I sold my vintage crib chalkboard this week! Kind of bittersweet to finally let it go, but a woman with the last name of "Grace" came to me with money right when I needed it. No, that was <i>not</i> a coincidence. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb7J5uMXYDk/U5TtgqvfmUI/AAAAAAAALxM/xLyZ2Bz_9OE/s1600/Vintage+Paper+Heart+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb7J5uMXYDk/U5TtgqvfmUI/AAAAAAAALxM/xLyZ2Bz_9OE/s1600/Vintage+Paper+Heart+Collage.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made more vintage paper hearts for the shop this week. {available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thepennyandthepearl" target="_blank">here</a>}</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDU8RFdk5rg/U5TIsHulYII/AAAAAAAALwM/bQYc56ms8TQ/s1600/Little+Brown+Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDU8RFdk5rg/U5TIsHulYII/AAAAAAAALwM/bQYc56ms8TQ/s1600/Little+Brown+Bird.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whether we are drawing, making music, or pretty photographs, creating is such a joy in our lives!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am especially struck by God's continual grace to us this week, and I'm trying to focus on resting in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:19-34" target="_blank">these words from Jesus</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love and grace to you, my friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-103.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/06/sundays-at-home-no-16-6-elements-for.html#more" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts from Alice</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/06/share-your-cup-thursday-106.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-collecting-bug.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-93.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no216.html" target="_blank">Show and Share at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/06/wow-us-wednesdays-173.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-33088506974831351082014-05-31T23:20:00.001-07:002014-06-12T19:01:42.171-07:00Creating a Pretty Life- It's In the Details {the tool bag}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eD7-m_KoakU/U4qrAtUvIJI/AAAAAAAALrk/XXx-qniWQ6o/s1600/Tool+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eD7-m_KoakU/U4qrAtUvIJI/AAAAAAAALrk/XXx-qniWQ6o/s1600/Tool+Bag.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I realize that "pretty" is in the eye of the beholder. But to <i>my </i>eye, </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">a traditional plastic or metal tool box isn't really the nicest thing to look at. If an opportunity arises to use something unique and personal instead of the obvious store-bought choice, I'm definitely going with unique! </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9o4S9J2b8M/U4qsY-K8tEI/AAAAAAAALrw/juyHCy6-4PY/s1600/Vintage+Leather+Case.jpg" height="574" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I picked up this vintage leather portfolio case at a thrift store for around $3.00, probably about six or seven years ago. It has been well used in a variety of ways over the years from holding files, carrying art and craft supplies {even on vacation} to storing important documents. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1AycTrbE20/U4qsfJqp15I/AAAAAAAALr4/Gs2g0xo5JHQ/s1600/Leather+Bag+Vintage+Hankie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1AycTrbE20/U4qsfJqp15I/AAAAAAAALr4/Gs2g0xo5JHQ/s1600/Leather+Bag+Vintage+Hankie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For some time now, I have used it as my tool bag. I've tied a pretty vintage hankie that belonged to my grandmother onto a chunky leather strap that I added. I've always said I got my 'creative genes' from her, and I really enjoy having reminders of her around me. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ln4HXBHVhjk/U4quD5oBVPI/AAAAAAAALsE/-NYrOaXAZMA/s1600/Leather+Bag+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ln4HXBHVhjk/U4quD5oBVPI/AAAAAAAALsE/-NYrOaXAZMA/s1600/Leather+Bag+Detail.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The shoulder strap was added {from a thrift store leather handbag} and works great when I need to tote the bag with me somewhere. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpdR_t_KMuk/U4quEIJ0wsI/AAAAAAAALsI/acSCXXD7i7U/s1600/Vintage+Schlesinger+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpdR_t_KMuk/U4quEIJ0wsI/AAAAAAAALsI/acSCXXD7i7U/s1600/Vintage+Schlesinger+Bag.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can fit all of the everyday tools I need to get to often in the bag. It's really helpful for a scatter-brained creator like me who tends to have stuff in all parts of the house! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xAb_Odqz-U/U4qvJl4mtyI/AAAAAAAALsY/IoD_k1zUd5E/s1600/Burlap+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xAb_Odqz-U/U4qvJl4mtyI/AAAAAAAALsY/IoD_k1zUd5E/s1600/Burlap+Bag.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pepElTAVY7I/U4qwhgsp-PI/AAAAAAAALsk/D5X_O9Jr_wU/s1600/Burlap+Screw+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pepElTAVY7I/U4qwhgsp-PI/AAAAAAAALsk/D5X_O9Jr_wU/s1600/Burlap+Screw+Bag.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I do keep miscellaneous screws in a cute burlap bag. Why not?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsuLNa1XckM/U4q6MiT40YI/AAAAAAAALs8/WdURMKoUrkg/s1600/Vintage+Leather+Portfolio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsuLNa1XckM/U4q6MiT40YI/AAAAAAAALs8/WdURMKoUrkg/s1600/Vintage+Leather+Portfolio.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's just something about a worn leather bag that makes me happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, I'm a weirdo like that :) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slbl8EFAAF4/U4q6KLqHnoI/AAAAAAAALs0/nZlJCZ3xfeM/s1600/Leather+Tool+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slbl8EFAAF4/U4q6KLqHnoI/AAAAAAAALs0/nZlJCZ3xfeM/s1600/Leather+Tool+Bag.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many ways to make the everyday details of life a little prettier, a little more special, a little more <i>you.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Today, a worn leather bag and a sentimental hankie is working for me :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are some of the ways you've made the items you work with in your home more suited to your personal style? I'd love to hear about it! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/feathered-nest-friday_12.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/06/welcome-fridays-unfolded-113.html" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded at Nancherrow</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/06/wow-us-wednesdays-172.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no-215.html" target="_blank">Show and Share {new name!} at Coastal Charm</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/knick-of-time-tuesday-139-vintage.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/06/219th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-92.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/06/scoop-121.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/05/sundays-at-home-no-14-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-102.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-68970222413461093212014-05-29T20:45:00.000-07:002014-06-04T00:55:04.245-07:00Creating a Life Blog Headers {and summer art!} <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVRFqeeh_4g/U4Qk3ZOIldI/AAAAAAAALnM/GgYk8eNL7Es/s1600/april+5+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVRFqeeh_4g/U4Qk3ZOIldI/AAAAAAAALnM/GgYk8eNL7Es/s1600/april+5+header.jpg" height="264" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite parts of blogging is creating a header {sometimes referred to as a banner} that represents the current season or projects I've recently completed, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I try to use </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">some of my very favorite photos when creating a header, and so I thought it would be fun to gather some of them together here. Sort of like a Creating a Life memory book : )</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This isn't all of them, and they won't necessarily be in the order they've appeared, because I'm just not that organized- darn it! But I hope you'll enjoy a little Creating a Life photo tour of the past 19 months {has it really been that long?} </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The one below, from summer of 2013, is probably <i>my</i> all-time favorite. Come take a little stroll down memory lane with me! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFqVMYIFWwI/U4QjmRULpiI/AAAAAAAALlI/tPNJp_Joid4/s1600/August+4+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFqVMYIFWwI/U4QjmRULpiI/AAAAAAAALlI/tPNJp_Joid4/s1600/August+4+Header.jpg" height="288" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlR2v0yL-Gk/U4QjoDt1eQI/AAAAAAAALlg/KgW6ylLgAdo/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Christmas+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlR2v0yL-Gk/U4QjoDt1eQI/AAAAAAAALlg/KgW6ylLgAdo/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Christmas+Header.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysgtj8D-Y5I/U4Qjo-G1QVI/AAAAAAAALlo/c03OOIRjJW4/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Early+Valentine+Header+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysgtj8D-Y5I/U4Qjo-G1QVI/AAAAAAAALlo/c03OOIRjJW4/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Early+Valentine+Header+-+Copy.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeyIJJbfTXE/U4fsHuR0HQI/AAAAAAAALos/-1XSAKv8-SM/s1600/March+13+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeyIJJbfTXE/U4fsHuR0HQI/AAAAAAAALos/-1XSAKv8-SM/s1600/March+13+Header.jpg" height="262" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwkA9ODeVM/U4Qkky6E4tI/AAAAAAAALl8/8xLGXSLw5Tw/s1600/April+2014+Header+Creating+a+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwkA9ODeVM/U4Qkky6E4tI/AAAAAAAALl8/8xLGXSLw5Tw/s1600/April+2014+Header+Creating+a+Life.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you guys tell how much I love those little PicMonkey birds? {smile}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
This last one is probably my <i>second</i> favorite. How about you? What's your favorite Creating a Life header? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I don't yet have a separate page for photography, I am going to create a permanent "page" for headers {it will be displayed in the tabs at the top of my blog} and just keep adding to it. For me, each little collage is like a mini piece of art representing my blogging journey. I love that! </span><br />
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Speaking of art...... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">what are <i>your</i> kids doing this summer? </span></div>
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Especially this summer {when I don't think we're going to be able to make any trips-boo!!} MY kids will be looking for some extra creative things to fill the long summer days. Enter the <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2014/05/28/summer-art-camp-kids-huge-art-supply-giveaway/" target="_blank">Summer Art Camp for Kids</a> over at <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/" target="_blank">Jeanne Oliver's creative network</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
This video course is taught by author and paper artist <a href="http://www.courtneywalsh.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Courtney Walsh</a>, and begins June 17th. It's for ages 5-adult and will cover 5 mixed media projects. My kids are going to be in heaven getting to do some art directed by someone other than their mom ;) The course is very affordable, and they're even including some special templates for boys, which my 7 year old Silas will appreciate, being the only boy in a world full of girls over here! </span><br />
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<a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2014/05/28/summer-art-camp-kids-huge-art-supply-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3SBfiwUoE8/U4f5mK_pVXI/AAAAAAAALpI/UVossb-voUo/s1600/summer+art+camp+for+kids+Courtney+Walsh.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Right now Jeanne is doing a super exciting <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2014/05/28/summer-art-camp-kids-huge-art-supply-giveaway/" target="_blank">HUGE art supply giveaway!</a> You won't need any "fancy" art supplies for this course, but it would sure be awesome to win some cool new stuff to play with, right?!</span><br />
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Head over to <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2014/05/28/summer-art-camp-kids-huge-art-supply-giveaway/" target="_blank">Jeanne Oliver Designs</a> to get the scoop on all the details. Get ready to make some fun art AND create some awesome summer memories with your kids! </span><br />
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See ya soon, friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sharing over at</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/show-and-share-party-no-215.html" target="_blank">Show and Share {new name!} at Coastal Charm</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/06/tweak-it-tuesday-92.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/05/sundays-at-home-no-14-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span></span>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-28281898383451217502014-05-22T20:39:00.001-07:002014-05-23T16:51:19.693-07:00Recent Finds, Freebies and Fixer-Uppers<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVpqaDc4UpI/U36wNfZp_-I/AAAAAAAALiQ/2HTAU0DefGI/s1600/Staffordshire+Finlandia+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVpqaDc4UpI/U36wNfZp_-I/AAAAAAAALiQ/2HTAU0DefGI/s1600/Staffordshire+Finlandia+Plate.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know how this happens right? You spot one little thing at the thrift store. One little "treasure" that's calling your name. One thing leads to another.....</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7zaU2d7O-8/U36wIrc3WfI/AAAAAAAALiI/2JWuY7AGvcI/s1600/Staffordshire+England+Finlandia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7zaU2d7O-8/U36wIrc3WfI/AAAAAAAALiI/2JWuY7AGvcI/s1600/Staffordshire+England+Finlandia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's how it was on Mother's Day weekend. My kids and I were in downtown Grand Junction for their annual Art and Music festival, and figured we'd hit a few thrift stores while there. We walked into a Salvation Army store and I spotted two Staffordshire bowls in a pretty blue and white pattern {called Finlandia} that I love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No, I do not need more dishes, but I love it when I find a couple of stray pieces that can be used as, maybe, a soap dish? A dish to hold jewelry on the bathroom counter? Yeah, I'm scrambling for justification :) </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-5qsOE6vl0/U36wHyAbvRI/AAAAAAAALiA/kahsopOi0Zg/s1600/Myott+Finlandia+England.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-5qsOE6vl0/U36wHyAbvRI/AAAAAAAALiA/kahsopOi0Zg/s1600/Myott+Finlandia+England.jpg" height="640" width="618" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I asked the clerk for a price on the TWO BOWLS....come to find out they had been separated from a set in another part of the store, and she was not willing to sell them individually. Sigh. I think you see where this is going. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn3gdiJ2tUE/U36v4xlvxEI/AAAAAAAALhg/jBZ9QfXWe3k/s1600/Blue+and+White+China+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn3gdiJ2tUE/U36v4xlvxEI/AAAAAAAALhg/jBZ9QfXWe3k/s1600/Blue+and+White+China+cups.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I ended up taking all she had. Not a 'complete' set, but several bowls, dessert plates, one dinner plate, some mugs and saucers. More than I need or want! I will have some of these pieces listed at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePennyandthePearl" target="_blank">The Penny and the Pearl</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSAsB9bP9as/U36v8C0CkjI/AAAAAAAALhw/g_Jl6sZmnEo/s1600/Delft+Shakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSAsB9bP9as/U36v8C0CkjI/AAAAAAAALhw/g_Jl6sZmnEo/s1600/Delft+Shakers.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember a few weeks ago when my daughter and I made that crazy turnaround trip to Denver to see <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-shade-y-kind-of-day.html" target="_blank">Switchfoot</a>? I found these sweet little blue and white vintage shakers at a thrift shop right across the street from the concert venue. These I'll be keeping : ) </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23KZ1Lxykjc/U36uei3NiII/AAAAAAAALhA/V4p9-XTr3d0/s1600/Fixer+Upper+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23KZ1Lxykjc/U36uei3NiII/AAAAAAAALhA/V4p9-XTr3d0/s1600/Fixer+Upper+Cabinet.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you follow me over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creatingalifenow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you may have already been questioning my sanity over this piece! It was a freebie at a yard sale this past weekend and, I just can't help it, I see lots of potential here! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qXhKRZD-0/U36u6MmPhYI/AAAAAAAALhI/G7XFqT2cBII/s1600/Cabinet+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qXhKRZD-0/U36u6MmPhYI/AAAAAAAALhI/G7XFqT2cBII/s1600/Cabinet+project.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I did wrangle this beast into my minivan all by myself. I brought it home, removed the back (which was crumbling) and all the broken door pieces and hardware. Here she sits in the "possibility pile" in my garage this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Picture it with the crown molding reattached, a drop cloth curtain gathered across the bottom and the top three shelves full of white ironstone. I'll keep you posted! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0NOKitrYm0/U36vZqzH2uI/AAAAAAAALhY/CSxb_8MoJvU/s1600/Wakefield+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0NOKitrYm0/U36vZqzH2uI/AAAAAAAALhY/CSxb_8MoJvU/s1600/Wakefield+Table.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This may be my favorite recent treasure. A freebie at the same yard sale, I fell in love with the rustic, weathered look of this little Heywood Wakefield table. One woman's trash...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZC3Zgh5pWQ/U36vYHsCujI/AAAAAAAALhQ/uOEFpfekKww/s1600/Heywood+Wakefield+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZC3Zgh5pWQ/U36vYHsCujI/AAAAAAAALhQ/uOEFpfekKww/s1600/Heywood+Wakefield+Table.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--shRuhixh94/U36v7Mk0kpI/AAAAAAAALho/CaVIOzCIyZo/s1600/Ironstone+Cake+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--shRuhixh94/U36v7Mk0kpI/AAAAAAAALho/CaVIOzCIyZo/s1600/Ironstone+Cake+Plate.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had fun the last few days trying it out as a photo backdrop. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_105w4AOjM/U36v_qiPeFI/AAAAAAAALh4/O1wpVrxqyFA/s1600/Ironstone+Tureen+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_105w4AOjM/U36v_qiPeFI/AAAAAAAALh4/O1wpVrxqyFA/s1600/Ironstone+Tureen+Plate.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9I-8zeINfc/U36w9Hfo5OI/AAAAAAAALiw/s1mW_bFmc14/s1600/Rustic+Table+Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9I-8zeINfc/U36w9Hfo5OI/AAAAAAAALiw/s1mW_bFmc14/s1600/Rustic+Table+Bathroom.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't decide yet where I will use it. It looks really cute on the porch! I also really like it next to my chair in the living room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hmm...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zF_d1d_e25g/U36w5XBBNdI/AAAAAAAALio/wa_XnJdbQyg/s1600/Rustic+Bath+Elements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zF_d1d_e25g/U36w5XBBNdI/AAAAAAAALio/wa_XnJdbQyg/s1600/Rustic+Bath+Elements.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it may end up in the master bathroom :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdUXHAGLWLo/U36w465mc7I/AAAAAAAALig/4D2VyI11cps/s1600/Rustic+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdUXHAGLWLo/U36w465mc7I/AAAAAAAALig/4D2VyI11cps/s1600/Rustic+Bath.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Decisions, decisions...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for stopping by, friends. Freebies and fixer uppers wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you here to share them with ; ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Sharing this week over at</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/05/treasure-hunt-thursday-156-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/05/feathered-nest-friday_22.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-home-171.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a></div>
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<br />Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-22680613701206799852014-05-16T20:26:00.002-07:002014-05-24T23:36:23.614-07:00Rustic Farmhouse Style Pendant Light Shades<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtWT_HZgMQs/U3a1H5vx1UI/AAAAAAAALd8/Wa0IQPC2iPI/s1600/Junk+Style+Garden+Fence+Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtWT_HZgMQs/U3a1H5vx1UI/AAAAAAAALd8/Wa0IQPC2iPI/s1600/Junk+Style+Garden+Fence+Shade.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hey guys! I hope you've had a wonderful spring week in your neck of the woods. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I do like to "keep it real" around here, but</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">posting blog photos with dishes in the sink? Yes, well...it's been a busy (but fun!) week around here. I was anxious to show you my 'finally finished' junk style shades for our kitchen pendant lights, so I hope you'll forgive my less-than-tidy sink today. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYiHsAlZv-Q/U3anJFJST5I/AAAAAAAALdY/8MFXAhWCOFM/s1600/Kitchen+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYiHsAlZv-Q/U3anJFJST5I/AAAAAAAALdY/8MFXAhWCOFM/s1600/Kitchen+Update.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About a month ago I shared my <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/04/farmhouse-style-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">Farmhouse Style Kitchen Update</a>. We actually live in a fairly new, more contemporary style home, so "farmhouse" is really more of a dream than a reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I've tried to bring in some of the vintage farmhouse feel that I love without looking crazy with the style of the house. One of the biggest challenges in this space has been the very contemporary light fixtures. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSH2kxzJMk/U3aoqevIhCI/AAAAAAAALdw/le_t-Zp75Qg/s1600/DIY+Junk+Style+Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSH2kxzJMk/U3aoqevIhCI/AAAAAAAALdw/le_t-Zp75Qg/s1600/DIY+Junk+Style+Chandelier.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are renting our home, and although I do own a couple of really cool vintage chandeliers, I haven't wanted to invest the effort into actually taking down the existing fixtures, installing the vintage fixtures and then having to undo all of that when and if we move. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A temporary fix I created in the dining area is this shade I built out of vintage garden fencing (and a hula hoop!) to simply camouflage the fixture I didn't like. I've updated the fabric since I first hung it, but you can find the original tutorial <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2013/09/junk-style-diy-garden-fencing-shade.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnWQ6bVq4w8/U3anJ9EDX9I/AAAAAAAALdg/tjNi5cRoHXc/s1600/pendant+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnWQ6bVq4w8/U3anJ9EDX9I/AAAAAAAALdg/tjNi5cRoHXc/s1600/pendant+lights.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/2014/04/farmhouse-style-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">kitchen</a> I've also been wanting to find a way to create something that ties in with the dining room shade, that would hide the two contemporary glass fixtures over the island. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q00m1ev9tAQ/U3bAPHjgC-I/AAAAAAAALec/6U546kk0hfc/s1600/Junk+Style+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q00m1ev9tAQ/U3bAPHjgC-I/AAAAAAAALec/6U546kk0hfc/s1600/Junk+Style+Lights.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided I'd just try to make some smaller versions of the large shade. Here's how I did it:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9DZJ0XjoY0/U3bANq6hKpI/AAAAAAAALeg/jmx7SWzO7dA/s1600/Junk+Shades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9DZJ0XjoY0/U3bANq6hKpI/AAAAAAAALeg/jmx7SWzO7dA/s1600/Junk+Shades.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year I picked up quite a bit of this old wire garden edging for free during a nearby city's annual spring clean-up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For these smaller shades I took two-section pieces and basically folded it in half, and used needle nose pliers to attach them together. Then I simply started shaping the "frame" by gently bending the pieces into the shape I wanted (bottom right photo). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I forgot to photo the fabric part, but I cut some scraps of vintage feed sack to the height I needed to cover the glass shade. I just added spots of hot glue on the inside of the shade to hold the fabric in place. It is very much NOT perfect. The fabric is really old and frayed and has spots that are there to stay, but it's just the look I was going for! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlT3yqBLhNU/U3bAWa2BViI/AAAAAAAALe0/Zk1SAxUuDqU/s1600/Lamp+shade+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlT3yqBLhNU/U3bAWa2BViI/AAAAAAAALe0/Zk1SAxUuDqU/s1600/Lamp+shade+supplies.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCTHMZ8Tm9o/U3bAOBnbhyI/AAAAAAAALeU/rIoGr-kRCco/s1600/Junk+Style+Lamp+Shade+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCTHMZ8Tm9o/U3bAOBnbhyI/AAAAAAAALeU/rIoGr-kRCco/s1600/Junk+Style+Lamp+Shade+Tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Terrible photo, but as you can see, I found some old rusty wire in my 'stuff' and formed it into a loop around the top of the fixture. It needs to be small enough to stay firmly in place by resting on top of the existing light. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxCaSq4qsU4/U3bAS37Uz5I/AAAAAAAALes/3kJg6Hk1bzM/s1600/Junk+Style+Shade+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxCaSq4qsU4/U3bAS37Uz5I/AAAAAAAALes/3kJg6Hk1bzM/s1600/Junk+Style+Shade+Tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, I almost forgot to tell you- I had originally planned to use the long straight pieces of the fencing that <i>would</i> go into the ground, to bend into the top supports. But when I tried to bend them the way I wanted, they snapped right off. So, on to plan "B".... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cut two more pieces of wire for each shade, and I think the photo speaks for itself. This is very primitive, I know. Let's not forget the Creating a Life m.o.- I <i>always</i> try to come up with a way to make what I want using stuff I already have, and I don't want to spend any money! Besides, these lights are high enough that you can't see this part. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRuzExY-dHM/U3bMB7-JZ1I/AAAAAAAALfk/ChtkOgcgIes/s1600/Junk+Style+Pendant+Shades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRuzExY-dHM/U3bMB7-JZ1I/AAAAAAAALfk/ChtkOgcgIes/s1600/Junk+Style+Pendant+Shades.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z62qCDTMMhc/U3bL5uwhBAI/AAAAAAAALfc/_Ksz8btF0Ig/s1600/Junk+Style+Lights+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z62qCDTMMhc/U3bL5uwhBAI/AAAAAAAALfc/_Ksz8btF0Ig/s1600/Junk+Style+Lights+(2).jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm happy with the way they blend with the dining room shade. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4NMSExbwPI/U3bMFO7wtmI/AAAAAAAALf0/2ksk5Fzs2-s/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Junk+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4NMSExbwPI/U3bMFO7wtmI/AAAAAAAALf0/2ksk5Fzs2-s/s1600/Kitchen+Island+Junk+Lights.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, what can I do about that ceiling fan........ : )</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00ftd51QBso/U3bLzmBcN4I/AAAAAAAALfE/nkXAFPcYEJs/s1600/Double+Pendant+Kitchen+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00ftd51QBso/U3bLzmBcN4I/AAAAAAAALfE/nkXAFPcYEJs/s1600/Double+Pendant+Kitchen+Lights.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cute, rustic, one-of-a-kind and FREE- yay! Haha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for coming by to see what I've been working on, friends. Have a wonderful mid-May week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joining these great parties this week-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2014/05/grow-in-wisdom/" target="_blank">Share Your Creativity at It's Overflowing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/05/fabulous-creative-friday-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/05/welcome-fridays-unfolded-110.html" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded at Nancherrow</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2014/05/treasure-hunt-thursday-156-highlights.html" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/05/share-your-cup-thursday-103.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs.Olson</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/05/wow-us-wednesdays-170.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/05/kitchen-blues.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/05/knick-of-time-tuesday-137-vintage_19.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/05/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no-213.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm</a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/05/knick-of-time-tuesday-137-vintage.html" target="_blank">Knick of Time Tuesday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.worthingcourtblog.com/2014/05/scoop-link-party-119.html" target="_blank">The Scoop at Worthing Court</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/05/tweak-it-tuesday-90.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/lewiss-woodpecker-rose-breasted-grosbeak-in-a-spring-garden/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/05/217th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/05/sundays-at-home-no-12-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/05/pj-239-upcycled-link-party.html" target="_blank">Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2014/05/diy-projects-junkin-joe-may-16-2014.html" target="_blank">Junkin' Joe at The Cottage Market</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-home-170.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</a></span><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/05/feathered-nest-friday_15.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</span></a>Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188022577894343993.post-12606293079692698582014-05-15T23:01:00.003-07:002014-05-17T21:38:58.508-07:00Maggie Rose {and the business of creating} <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmx1G5XAuGI/U3WFAW_ILPI/AAAAAAAALb0/an-aTDHyjcM/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Paper+Doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmx1G5XAuGI/U3WFAW_ILPI/AAAAAAAALb0/an-aTDHyjcM/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Paper+Doll.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet Maggie Rose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, no giggling please :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've been around here for awhile, you've probably heard me talk about being creative and crafty pretty much my entire life. If you're new here, I welcome you to my little corner of the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to know a little about the path that led me to Creating a Life, you can head over <a href="http://mustlovejunk.blogspot.com/2014/01/saturday-spotlight-jeanette-from.html" target="_blank">here</a> for a little overview of my journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, waaay back in the early 90's I was completely taken with the, then, new and popular trend of woodcrafting. I remember the thrilling experience of purchasing my first power tool, a Sears Craftsman scroll saw. You <i>are</i> giggling, aren't you? </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pr3yrNL9YmA/U3WR2Mw6SeI/AAAAAAAALcU/4vwQ7S3vx5g/s1600/Wooden+Doll+Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pr3yrNL9YmA/U3WR2Mw6SeI/AAAAAAAALcU/4vwQ7S3vx5g/s1600/Wooden+Doll+Shoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had my little wood shop set up in the garage. I <i>loved</i> the smell of sawdust, and stocking up on sandpaper, brushes and all the awesome late 80's, early 90's mauve and blue paints. Shopping for wood was a blast and for Christmas I asked my husband for a belt sander, and was over the moon when I received it! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VlEGdhx9E/U3WFEiEJUdI/AAAAAAAALcE/7t73CZF347s/s1600/Wood+Doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VlEGdhx9E/U3WFEiEJUdI/AAAAAAAALcE/7t73CZF347s/s1600/Wood+Doll.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I <i>am</i> aware that some women like gifts of jewelry : ) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-963pPPHxMd8/U3WR22HyS-I/AAAAAAAALcc/8Insm5BYf24/s1600/Wooden+Doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-963pPPHxMd8/U3WR22HyS-I/AAAAAAAALcc/8Insm5BYf24/s1600/Wooden+Doll.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought many, many wood crafting magazines and mail order patterns, and was happily involved in learning to create cute stuff with wood. All with no Pinterest, can you believe it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I named my tiny enterprise "Simple Treasures Wood Shop" and sold some things to friends and family and did some craft shows. One Christmas, I did lots of vintage style old world Santas, etc and my mom took them to her office and sold them to her co-workers. Go, mom! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N990_ZV7kSc/U3WR7oaoN3I/AAAAAAAALck/PDPUgAmn68k/s1600/Wooden+Paper+Doll+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N990_ZV7kSc/U3WR7oaoN3I/AAAAAAAALck/PDPUgAmn68k/s1600/Wooden+Paper+Doll+Dress.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a great hobby, and a fun way to make a little money while staying home with my new daughter. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTEyEuX4KxQ/U3WRytAUsJI/AAAAAAAALcM/D1pLMm9P1mY/s1600/Maggie+Rose+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTEyEuX4KxQ/U3WRytAUsJI/AAAAAAAALcM/D1pLMm9P1mY/s1600/Maggie+Rose+detail.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Miss Maggie Rose was the very first wood craft I ever completed from a magazine tutorial. I fell in love with the idea of a wooden "paper doll", and decided to make her for my daughter. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TEDdEM-mq0/U3WFA3QCX5I/AAAAAAAALb8/ca3iCpWQTtI/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Wooden+Doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TEDdEM-mq0/U3WFA3QCX5I/AAAAAAAALb8/ca3iCpWQTtI/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Wooden+Doll.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That tiny little girl I made this for just turned 23 this week! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCeNZUDeA0/U3f0uFPkHTI/AAAAAAAALgE/yH77q533NGU/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCeNZUDeA0/U3f0uFPkHTI/AAAAAAAALgE/yH77q533NGU/s1600/Creating+a+Life+Blog.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My other daughters (the youngest is 10) also played with Maggie when they were little, so she's been well loved. You never know where she will show up these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a toy box, in a kitchen drawer.....she's just always <i>around</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So why am I talking about my past woodcrafting business and Maggie Rose today? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starting on May 20th I am participating in a 3 week online course called <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/building-a-creatively-made-business-2-0" target="_blank">Building a Creatively Made Business 2.0</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/building-a-creatively-made-business-2-0" target="_blank"><img alt="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/building-a-creatively-made-business-2-0" src="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bcmd2-bw1-1-1024x1024.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many of you will recognize these very talented ladies who are teaching the course. <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/" target="_blank">Marian Parsons</a> (a.k.a. Miss Mustard Seed), <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jeanne Oliver</a> and <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, Jennifer Rizzo did a post where she showed a photo of some of <i>her </i>earlier<i> </i><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/05/new-week.html" target="_blank">creative adventures</a> and it made me smile as it brought to mind some of my first real creative endeavors, like Maggie Rose and all those wood crafting projects : )</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn2n4uOIlYA/U3WE716zStI/AAAAAAAALbs/88IwFLBaDcY/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn2n4uOIlYA/U3WE716zStI/AAAAAAAALbs/88IwFLBaDcY/s1600/Maggie+Rose+Doll.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm super excited about this course and what I will learn that will guide me and help me get more focus in this next season of my creative life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for more information about the course and to register. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, this week Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo did a fun "pre-course" Q & A video that gives a great overview of what the course will be covering. Click <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2014/05/13/fun-business-qa-video-blog-today/" target="_blank">here</a> for more info and to watch the video. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you and I will be classmates?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be back tomorrow to share my junk-y farmhouse style kitchen pendant shades!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jeanette</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing over at</span><br />
<a href="http://www.thoughtsfromalice.com/2014/05/sundays-at-home-no-12-link-party.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Sundays at Home at Thoughts From Alice</a></div>
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Jeanette@Creating a Life Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16717273896278612876noreply@blogger.com4