Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise. #BringTheTropicsHome #CollectiveBias

Enjoy the warm sunshine and bring the tropics home to your house with this summer pineapple hand painting. 

If there is one thing I love this time of year, it has got to be getting outside to enjoy the warm sunshine. I love to sit in our rockers on the porch and enjoy the cool breeze. But some days the heat is just too much to bear forcing me to be stuck indoors when it is so pretty outside.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

I have found the perfect way to still enjoy the outdoors and even bring the tropics indoor with this summer pineapple hand painting. Your kids will even have a blast making it. Let’s be honest though. Kids can be messy and even us adults at times. No worries. Not only do I have a perfect craft for you to try yourself, but one that will also take care of those messes.

What is that you’re asking? The new all® Fresh Tropical Mist™ brings out the aroma of the tropics and delivers it right to your backyard. The new scent is so fresh but with the same trusted stain fighting power to fight those stubborn grass stains and even paint now that seem to just jump onto your clothes, especially during the summer.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

I found mine while shopping at Walmart and just knew I had to have it. It is a brand that I can trust for great stain removal that is also very fresh. Plus if it reminds me of the beach, then I’m all for it!

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

Now let’s bring that fresh aroma of the tropics home with a summer pineapple hand painting inspired by the all® Fresh Tropical Mist™.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

The fun part of this craft is that you can spread out some newspapers on your porch or in the grass for your kids to get to work. If you are making one yourself, you may not need all these extra precautions or maybe you do if you’re like me. I seem to always wear more paint or ink than anything else.

I started by using a piece of plain cardstock and watercolors. Using a paintbrush, I made a simple watercolor design using shades of pink, orange, and yellow. I simply brushed the watercolors in a square or circular shape until all the colors were blended and no white space was left. Then allow time for it to dry.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

Next I used acrylic stamps and an acrylic stamp block to spell out “Hello summer” and stamped it on the bottom of the paper using black ink. I wrote over it in black permanent marker to cover any flaws from the ink.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

Next I painted the palm of my hand a bright yellow using acrylic paint and a bright lime green acrylic paint to my fingers except my thumb.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

Press your hand onto the middle of the page for the pineapple. Then use an orange permanent marker to make extra details on the pineapple once it has dried.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

And that’s all there is to it. Now you just need to hang it up inside and invite the tropics and summer indoors. Plus who doesn’t love a good pineapple? They are everywhere so why not make your own too.

Summer Pineapple Hand Painting

If you would love to enjoy the tropics even in your backyard, then be sure to check out all®’s website and click Where to Buy to find a store near you. Also find other crafts HERE to make even more summer memories. And if that isn’t good enough, be sure to print your coupon as well before heading out. What is your favorite summer memory or activity to enjoy? Please let me know in the comments below. I am always looking for fun and new ideas.

Your kids will love making this summer pineapple hand painting and getting outdoors. But don't worry about the mess. all® Fresh Tropical Mist™ has got you covered.

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Moss Covered Letter Decor

What a great way to spruce up your house by bringing a little nature indoors with this moss covered letter decor that is just the perfect touch.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

One thing that I love to do in my own home is to make different decorations and wall decor myself. It saves me a ton of money and many times looks like something that I would have bought in an expensive store for so much more.  This moss covered letter decor is no different.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

I found this letter when shopping at Michaels a while back on clearance. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with it when I bought it, but it was too good of a deal to pass it up. Then one day I had one of those light bulb moments, and then it all came together so perfectly.

Plus the green moss is so bright and colorful that it makes you think of summer and bringing a little outdoors inside your home. Now get ready to make your own.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

Supplies:

Moss Covered Letter Decor

  1. Start by painting the monogram letter with mod podge using the foam brush.
  2. Place or sprinkle the moss over the entire letter until it is completely covered. *I recommend doing this over a newspaper to prevent a huge mess and also to reuse any moss that doesn’t stick.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

3. Use a hot glue gun to glue each end of a strip of burlap ribbon or twine to the back of the letter if you choose to hang it.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

Moss Covered Letter Decor

I ended up hanging mine in my master bathroom on the wall above my garden tub. It would also be perfect as part of a gallery wall or styled on a shelf. I did a little mini makeover on my master bathroom last year, and this letter decor was part of it. Be sure to check it my master bathroom makeover ideas on other ways to use moss in your decor.

Moss Covered Letter Decor

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

Bring some outdoors in with this easy to make moss covered letter decor that is perfect for a styled shelf or gallery wall. Get the full How-to NOW for this pop of green that you will love and need more of.

This post was originally published on By Dawn Nicole on October 8, 2015.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

Changing out the decorations in your house for each season and holiday can become expensive, overwhelming, and a ton of work if you let it be that way. I have found the perfect way to add a few simple touches no matter what the occasion with this decorative shelving made from a rustic pallet tray.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

Your house doesn’t have to look like Santa Claus or the Easter bunny threw up in it. A few, simple touches usually turn out to be the best and most classic looking decorations. Get your home ready for the next big occasion with this simple project and tips.

Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion 

Sometimes we are held back from turning out home into a gorgeous oasis for any party or holiday because we think it cost so much money and takes forever to do so. I am so ready for you to be able to change all of that today.

I found this rustic pallet tray from Walnut Hollow along with their woodburner for the perfect, simple touch. Pallet trays, pallet art, and just about anything pallet related is so popular right now.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

To get started I used white chalky finish spray paint and sprayed the entire tray until it was coated completely. I used the woodburner with the flow point attached, which is basically just a rounded off circular top, to add simple touches of polka dots in each of the corners.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

Turn the tray onto its side and voila, you have a shelf. A quite rustic shelf perfect for any room or décor.

I started adding small items that I already had around the house that paired together perfectly. The empty picture frame was just a wooden frame that I spray painted gold. I placed a small Bible in front of it along with a small gold, tea light candle holder.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

On the other end of the shelf, I placed a vase that I made using milk bottles and acrylic paint. You can find that tutorial HERE. Inside the vase are a few clippings from a money tree that my grandparents had in their backyard. (And yes that’s a real thing.)

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

Beside the vase was a metal sign with my “F” monogram. To add a little more rustic touch, I found an empty wooden spool I had that came with twine on it before. Adding different items that are of different heights and sizes gives a perfect balance.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

I could still keep some of the same items, add a few, take away a few, and I have the perfect way to style this shelf for every holiday. Just changing out the type of flowers I use is one simple change. When Fall gets here, all I have to do is add a few small pumpkins. Let Christmas come and have no fear. I just add a few tree trimmings and some ornamanets.

You can do this same thing with many different areas of your house. Try this pallet tray as exactly that…a tray on your coffee table. Change a few items each holiday and you are all set.

How to Decorate Your Home for Every Occasion

Be sure to get yourself a rustic pallet tray, and you are well on your way to having a home decorated no matter what the occasion may be without spending a fortune. Hang your shelf and get started now. You won’t regret it.

Be sure to check out all these other bloggers who have teamed up with me to show you all the fun you can create with this same pallet tray and many other wooden projects using a wood burner.

Pallet Tray Projects

Pocketful Of Posies:  DIY Military Coin Shadow Box

Vintage Romance Style: Easy DIY Laptop Stand

Shabby Grace Blog: Herb Garden Tray

Vintage Paint and More: DIY Vintage Pallet Tray

Domicile 37: Electronics Tray

Iris Nacole: Bohemian Tray

Green With Decor: Decorating The Bathroom Walls

Medium Basswood Round

A Shade of Teal: DIY Clock

One Mile Home Style:  Golden Home Sweet Home Wall Art

Flourish & Knot: Monogrammed Cheese Board

Knock It Off Kim: Rustic Treat Stand

Farmhouse 40: Wood Open Sign

DIY Beautify:  Wood Slice Clock

Creatively Homespun:  DIY Children’s Step Stool

Chatfield Court:  DIY House Numbers

Large Round Clock

Monica Wants It: Gold Polka Dot Clock

The Twin Cedars: DIY Lazy Susan

Tastefully Frugal:  DIY Drum Clock

Uncookie Cutter: Tabletop Clock

The House Down The Lane:  Kid’s Art Cheese Tray

Refashionably Late: Stenciled Clock

My Life From Home: DIY Baseball Clock

Old House To New Home: DIY Stenciled Clock

 

Overwhelmed with trying to decorate your home for every holiday? No longer feel burdened with the expense of gorgeous and over the top details. This wooden shelf idea is perfect to decorate no matter what occasion or holiday. Find out how you can too and get all the tips and pointers.

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

This post is sponsored by Walnut Hollow, but all opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise!

DIY Moss Covered Arrangement

Hate Winter? Love Spring? If you answered YES to both of these questions then you are not alone. This moss covered arrangement is sure to bring some of the outdoors in with a pop of brightness. It is definitely the perfect way to welcome Spring! Plus it’s easy to make and looks much more expensive.

*Just a side note in case you are wondering. I went shopping this weekend at TJ Maxx and saw all the beautiful potted plants they had with succulents and hydrangeas and many more. I couldn’t wait to make my own floral arrangement but instead use moss for an arrangement that I could essentially leave out all year long.

Moss Covered Arrangement

DIY Moss Covered Arrangement

Supplies:

*Let me first say that Styrofoam and moss can be pricey so be sure to use a coupon if you buy it at a craft store or even check at your local dollar store where I usually find mine.

Moss Covered Arrangement

Place a skewer on the bottom of your styrofoam ball to make it easier to hold while you place the moss.

Using a foam brush, paint the mod podge over the entire ball.

Place the moss or sprinkle it over the entire ball until it is completely covered. *I recommend doing this over newspaper as it can become messy. Plus you can reuse the moss that doesn’t stick.

DIY Moss Covered Arrangement 2

You may also want to use hot glue gun to keep any stubborn spots glued down better.

Remove the skewer and place the ball in the planter.

Moss Covered Arrangement

You are now ready to display your arrangement and add some color to your space. I placed mine around my garden tub after I recently made over my master bathroom. It works perfectly to bring a little bit of nature inside.

Moss Covered Arrangement

This project cost me about $4.00 to actually make. How affordable is that? Plus you can make more and different sizes to use throughout other areas in your house.

Bring some nature indoors with this EASY to make and budget friendly Moss Covered Arrangement. Come find out what supplies you will need to get started now.

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

This post was originally posted on Fantabulosity on September 24, 2015.

Geometric Metallic Canvas Art

One of my favorite things about decorating and home décor is wall art. I find it to be so gorgeous and unique that it really can make or break a room.

The only downfall to that is that sometimes, well actually the majority of the time, wall art will cost you an arm and a leg when you walk into the store to shop.

But what if I told you that doesn’t have to be the case anymore? You would be ecstatic right? Well at least I know I am.

Geometric Canvas Art

You can make your very own canvas art with just a few supplies that will cost you much, much less than buying the art. Plus the best part is that you get to personalize it the way you like to match any room.

Supplies:

  • Canvas
  • Paint
  • Painters tape
  • Paintbrushes

Geometric Canvas Art

You will start by using the painters tape to give your canvas a design when painting it. I really love the geometric feel that this will make. It seems to be that geometric design is just about everywhere.

Geometric Canvas Art

Start placing your tape and don’t worry about any exactness. Part of the fun is seeing what comes of it once you peel the tape off.

I used a metallic bronze and shimmer pink to match a microwave table that I recently redid completely with these same paints and stencils. I love the way I can tie the two together and have them match perfectly.

Now start painting your canvas. Foam paintbrushes worked the best for me. They may be cheap but they work great. The foam didn’t leave any bristle marks on the canvas either.

Geometric Canvas Art

You may find that you need 2 coats of paint depending on your paint. I went ahead and did 2 coats to really make the color more vibrant.

Now for the hard part, waiting until it has completely dried. Once it has and you have gained lots of patience, you are ready for the fun part.

Peel off the tape to reveal your beautiful creation. I loved seeing what came of just a blank and boring canvas.

Geometric Canvas Art

I didn’t want to go overboard with the shimmer pink in respect to my husband, but I actually love the little pops of pink here and there to add a little extra color.

Geometric Canvas Art

I hung it over the microwave table which matches just perfectly and makes the space perfect.

Geometric Canvas Art

If you are needing to cover a large wall or area, this is one of the best ways to do so without spending a fortune. Be sure to also use your coupons when shopping for the canvas. It really helps, and who doesn’t love saving money?

I would love to see your creations. Please share with me on social media or any ideas you may have in the comments below.

Decorate your home with your own DIY wall art for much less the cost. Get the full details and find out everything you need at thesoutherncouture.com.

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

This post was originally shared on By Dawn Nicole on August 27, 2015. 

 

Moss Covered Letter Decor

There is something just so cute and adorable about anything that is monogrammed. For some reason, I just can’t seem to get enough. I am sharing how to make your own moss covered monogram letter over at By Dawn Nicole today. I love how mine turned out hanging in my master bathroom above my garden tub.

Moss Covered Monogram Letter Decor

Moss Covered Monogram Letter Decor

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

DIY Moss Covered Arrangement

It is with much excitement that I bring to you this fun and new home decor piece that you can make too. I really have loved using moss and decor that is simple but yet makes a bold statement. This moss covered arrangement cost me only $4.00 to make and is just stunning sitting around my garden tub. Head over to Fantabulosity though to get the full tutorial. Let her know I sent you too. You will love Jessica!

DIY Moss Covered Arrangement

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ICantEven #BigLots #CollectiveBias

I am doing something very brave today for all of you. I am actually showing pictures of my master bathroom and how it looked about 3 weeks ago. Do not judge me. You will want to stick around for the after photos to check out how Big Lots helped me to transform this space into something brand new and beautiful.

Making over a room doesn't have to cost a fortune or become a huge challenge. With just a few changes, you can have a new and inviting room again. Check out these ideas from thesoutherncouture.com now.

Around my garden tub was just a clutter of random picture frames, and candles that didn’t even match or coordinate. I had so much silver and bronze instead of one uniform look. And what about those hideous shades that the previous homeowner had over the windows? Talk about blocking out all that gorgeous natural light.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

It is so true that if a space doesn’t look cozy and inviting, then you probably won’t use it and will neglect cleaning it some too. Well that’s exactly what my tub became. I used to enjoy bubble baths in it and just relaxing, but with so much random stuff, I didn’t even want to bother with it anymore.

It’s such a shame too, because I do think the garden tub and bathroom can be so relaxing, and our own little oasis. I knew I had to do something about it which is why I headed over to Big Lots right away for a room transformation.

I remember shopping at Big Lots with my parents when I was a child and seeing how much stylish, quality decor they had. We would buy high quality furniture that was value priced. Those features made it the   go-to place for our family’s furniture needs. Now, as an adult, I always find a huge selection of furniture along with other home décor products including window panels, wall décor, picture frames, throw pillows, candles, and so much more.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

My master bedroom is already decorated with blue and grey so I thought it would be good to continue the color scheme to my bathroom to keep them coordinated. I couldn’t believe it when I went into the store and found this gorgeous chair.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

I was so pleasantly surprised with the selection of furniture and that I found several pieces I can’t wait to go back and pick up for other areas in my home.

The employee who was working in the furniture section was so patient and helpful with me considering the fact I can be quite indecisive at times. He even loaded the chair in my car for me, which made my life so much easier.

It had the exact same color palette that I was wanting – I couldn’t believe it – I was so happy! Of course, styles and assortment vary by store, so be sure to keep that in mind when you head to your nearest Big Lots.

I have the perfect spot for this chair in my bathroom, as I have been wanting either a bench or chair for seating when getting ready, or just something cozy to relax in. The throw pillow I found there also matched perfectly and makes it extra comfy too.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Now that I had the chair which would be my inspiration and main focus for the bathroom, I was set and ready to get started with everything else. If you are feeling overwhelmed with where to start with a room, I recommend finding one central piece of furniture or fabric to plan everything else around.

Most people also think that in order to makeover a room, you need to paint and change all the colors and decorations. That is simply not true. The key is to work with what you do have and improve on it. There are certain things about my bathroom that I would love to change, such as my shower door, but that will come in time. For now, the bathroom looks brand new, and I couldn’t be happier.

To help you get started transforming a room in your home, I will share some pointers that help me.

First, to recap, before you go shopping, decide on one piece of furniture, fabric, or a color scheme that you would like to plan around. Your shopping trip will become so much easier when you have a plan in mind.

Before shopping, make a list of things you will need to buy. When I don’t make a list, it never fails that I return home and have forgotten something completely.

Don’t be afraid to throw out the old and get some new in your home. I had been hanging on to old picture frames and other random pieces of décor because I had had them for a long time. I completely cleared everything out first and kept only what I knew would still work with the look I wanted, then got rid of the rest of it.

Check out the walls. You will want some kind of wall art or picture frames, especially if the room is already painted white. It’s as simple as giving the room a little extra color. Above my new chair are two smaller walls where I was previously hanging my robe. I still wanted to be able to do this, but I moved the robe hook to a narrower wall opposite the chair.

The other wall was perfect for hanging a beautiful picture. When looking for wall art or frames, keep your color palette in mind.

Don’t forget about organization. Before my bathroom refresh, my counters had different bins and cups to hold cotton balls, hair ties, q-tips, etc. You name it and it was probably there. My makeup was also a hot mess all over the place.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

I first cleaned things up and then moved different containers around so that I only had one style in one place. These marble containers that I had before still matched perfectly with the chair.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

For a hand towel, I was just using a folded towel sitting on the counter. Now I have a beautiful towel holder that is actually serving its purpose as it should. These really are simple ways to redo a space that don’t take a lot of time.

Now for that garden tub. Don’t be afraid to get inspiration from others. I love looking at other home interior design websites and magazines for great ideas. I tend to store ideas I want to try in the future somewhere in my brain with all the other mess. That’s where I started with this part.

I wanted the bathtub to be its own little getaway within the bathroom since I do use it for relaxing. That’s when I got the idea to use these window panels that I found at Big Lots and hang them with a curtain rod in front of the tub. This has got to be my favorite part of the whole transformation.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

I can easily close the curtains for privacy when I’m soaking or leave them open to let in some fresh sunshine. This simple transformation didn’t break the bank but made my bathroom into an oasis.

On the wall beside the garden tub is a full length mirror. Every girl must have her full length to check her outfit before walking out the door.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Don’t forget about the essentials. Around the tub, I included different items that I use when soaking it up. A wicker basket with towels rolled up and ready to go is a must. I even included washcloths to use when washing my face.

A beautiful tray resting on the side of the tub contains an assortment of soaps including bath salts, a sugar scrub, and even bath bombs. Now I can pick whatever I like depending on how much pampering I need that day. I also have one of my favorite perfumes and lotions for when I get done bathing.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas 16

I kept some of the baskets I was using on my counter before, but grouped them together. I was still able to use them, but they look much better when they aren’t mixed among something completely different. I paired them with a soy candle that immediately made me think of a spa when I smelled it. I couldn’t even wait to get it home and burn it. I will definitely be going back for more.

To top it off, I placed an ocean view shadow box to get my relaxation started when I’m lying in the tub. Let’s face it, the beach is really where my heart is every day.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Now all I need is some quiet time to myself and I am ready to go. With just a few simple changes and purchases, I was able to transform my bathroom without the hassle of painting it (which I really don’t like to do) and save money while shopping at Big Lots for all I needed.

Master Bathroom Makeover Ideas

What space in your home is in need of a mini-makeover or transformation? Please tell me I wasn’t the only one with an embarrassing room. I would love to know from you too in the comments below. Be sure to check out Big Lots Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more inspiration.

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

Hanging Watermelon Sign

I have seen so many people saying on social media lately that they aren’t ready for fall yet and trying to hang onto summer for as long as they can. Well I don’t blame them one bit. That’s why I’m sharing this hanging watermelon sign to keep the warm sunshine alive.

Make your own summer decor with this hanging watermelon decor. It is perfect for your front porch too. See how easy it is at thesoutherncouture.com.

It may be hard to find watermelon still in your grocery store, but you can still enjoy this cute sign and dream of watermelon instead.

How this sign came up is actually an interesting story. I had this sign that I found at the dollar store for Fourth of July. Normally I would just take it down and pack it away until Labor Day, but then inspiration just struck me out of nowhere.

Hanging Watermelon Sign 2

The shape is the same as a watermelon slice so why not make my own. Then when I would normally take it down, all I have to do is just flip it around and I know have 2-for-1 decoration. It even came with the twine already to make it even easier.

So you probably don’t have this exact same sign to use, but you can use anything that is a half-moon shape. You could also buy a wooden circle from the craft store and then cut it in half.

The back of my sign was already red which would have worked perfect, but I really wanted to brighten it up a little bit with some pink craft paint.

I painted the entire sign pink and then started with the rounded side. I painted a white layer around and let it dry. Then paint lime green on top of the white leaving a little of the white showing. Once it has dried, I paint the darker green still allowing the previous colors to show.

Using a black sharpie marker, write the 25 cents on the pink. I used a white colored pencil first to draw the outline in case I messed up. You could also have the watermelon say “Welcome” and use vinyl and a cutting machine.

Hanging Watermelon Sign

Using spouncers and black craft paint, I painted the black polka dots for the seeds.

Once everything was dry, I tied a red ribbon at the top onto the twine which can easily be moved around to work for either side of the sign.

Hanging Watermelon Sign

Feel free to hang your sign on your porch, in the kitchen, or wherever your heart desires as long as summer is still alive in your house.

Hanging Watermelon Sign

I hope you enjoy the little things in life like remembering summer with dreams of juicy watermelon for this last bit of summer.

Also if you have not already, please join me on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

This post was originally shared on By Dawn Nicole on July 1, 2015. 

 

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

About 6 years ago, my husband was moving into his own apartment and was needing some furniture to use, but not like the really expensive stuff. He just needed some items that were still in good shape and were useful. He wasn’t buying a house at the time and knew that he would want different furniture when that time came.

After buying this microwave table for only $10,  I couldn't help but transform it with a little paint and some stencils. Get all the details so you can start your own at thesoutherncouture.com.

So where else would he start shopping…YARD SALES!!!! Mark and I were just dating at the time, and I was still living in an apartment at my college. Of course being the DIYer and loving to decorate, I wanted to help out anyways. He didn’t mind since that really isn’t his thing anyways. So the two of us and his mom started on a fun thrifting adventure one Saturday.

And that adventure brings to you this microwave table that he actually bought for $10! Yep that’s it! I just love a good yard sale. It worked perfect in his kitchen which was very small giving us extra much needed counter space. Take a look below at some of the before pictures.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

It has been holding my printer in my craft room for quite some time, but I never really liked the wood especially in this specific room. I wanted to paint it but add a little pizazz and color at the same time.

That’s when I came across Royal Design Studios and their beautiful selection of furniture stencils. It was the perfect solution to add some color and design to what would have been such a plain and ordinary piece of furniture.

Stencils are so classic and don’t have to look outdated. I couldn’t wait to try the shattered allover furniture stencil. It seemed simple enough to not be overwhelming for someone who hadn’t stenciled much but still has enough design to make it gorgeous.

The wood of this particular piece didn’t require any sanding beforehand so I just jumped right in and got to painting. I used an interior latex paint in the color white. I had to paint two coats to cover completely.

I’m not going to lie either. I was a little worried when I got started and almost stopped and just gave up. Mark, my husband, was sitting outside in the rocker with me while I painted and could see I was getting so frustrated. He reminded me actually of a post I wrote not long ago about lessons I have learned from failing. Sometimes we need that reminder and encouragement. I am so glad I didn’t give up.

Once the white painted had dried, I measured the top and centered the stencil taping it in place with painter’s tape.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

I was a little nervous at first to start painting with the stencil because I didn’t want the paint to run under or smudge at all. I haven’t really had the best history and success with stencils. Luckily though Royal Designs Studios offers tons of great tutorials and tips for using stencils with the best techniques to get started.

I chose to use 3 different colors for the stencil using the copper kettle stencil crème. They offer these stencil cremes that I had never really heard of before. They are so creamy and soft that I wanted to just dip my hands all in them. I know that sounds sort of weird but they just look so pretty when you open that bottle for the first time.

To add a pop of color to the copper kettle, I decided to accent with shimmer pink and pearl oyster. I couldn’t go without using pink since it is my favorite color. Mark would have never went for pink on furniture, but by using it for just a pop of color I could totally get away with it.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

The 1/2 “ stencil brush was the perfect size to use for this design. I was worried that using a circular motion to paint the stencil would wear out the bristles and bend them too much. I washed the brush with soap and water. I am happy to say that the brush is still in great condition and ready to be used again. It is one brush that I know I will be able to use for many more projects. I can’t wait for my next one.

Once the crème had completely dried, I removed the painter’s tape and the stencil to a brand new beauty. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to stencil. I have tried several times in the past and was not successful at all. Royal Design Studios stencils made it so easy.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

I also painted the knob with the copper kettle stencil creme so it would match, and it pops off the white so beautifully.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

This previous microwave table is something that I can use for so many different things. It would be a perfect drink station at an outdoor BBQ or gathering. When I’m not hosting a party or dinner, I love using it to show off fresh flowers, my copper lantern that happened to be a $3 find at Target, and my latest favorite candle. I also found this white basket at Target for $10 on clearance and love placing magazines or books inside of it.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

I hope this transformation has given you some inspiration to shop for bargains and change them yourself with a new technique that you never thought you could do before.

Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

Enjoy the little things like stenciling!

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This post was sponsored by Royal Design Studios but all opinions are my own.