Reviving old ornaments

If I've said it once, then I've said it a million times: Spray paint fixes everything. Ever buy something and a few years later wonder why on earth you bought it in the first place? Yeah, that was me and purple ornaments. They're pretty, but they're just not me. Silver, however, is right up my alley.  I love the soft glow that it brings, especially so when lit by twinkly Christmas lights.

And how on earth do you paint 18 round ornaments? Hang them on a tree! No... not that tree, pick a tree outside. First make sure your hubby doesn't care about perfect trees and all (mine doesn't). This is the perfect time of year, because there's no leaves left to get in your way. Pop the tops off first (and paint them if you need to).

Put the ornaments on the tree and use some cheap flat black paint to cover the original color. Mine took about 3 coats, just let it dry in between.

Next spritz them with your chrome spray paint, leaving little bits of black still show through. It will make them look all vintagey and yummy, kinda like aged mercury glass.

So pretty, so cheap, since it was things all in my cabinets. I bet you prolly have some chrome paint left from other projects, too.

And, since I'm in the Christmas spirit, I'm going to give the Christmas Carnival one more day! There are still so many people signing up for the great giveaways, I want to make sure that everyone has enough time to get around to all 24 great goodies. Just leave a comment on each post to make sure you get your chance to win. To find all the posts, go HERE.

And if you're looking for more Christmas goodies, you can check out my new ebook, Christmas Cheats. It's full of eight new tutorials, all shown step by step, they are great, easy and oh so budget friendly, and your friends and family will love them!

Posted at DIY Day

Blue (and chocolate) Christmas

I love aqua. Really, I do. Although it most reminds me of summer, I also love it at Christmas. A few years back I got a big glass ornament, all crackely and vintagesque and lovely. It's been my absolute favorite (see it in the center?). This year, I decided to make it the star of my dining room decorations.

I coupled some 50% off glass ornaments (silver balls - $2.50) with some $4 a dozen glitter and light aqua ornaments from Big Lots. However, the tops on the Big Lots ornaments were all gold, so I popped them off and spritzed them with some chrome spray paint and made them perfectly silver. Those little details make a big difference. (Stop back tomorrow for more spray painting fun!)

Using three $1 spools of big brown ribbon from Dollar General and three 44 cent of assorted spools of ribbon from Walmart, I strung up the ornaments at random lengths. Once they were all dressed up, I threaded them all on a $1.49 Ikea curtain rod (minus the Lifesaver ends).

Although I tried to keep it under $10, it came to $12.31. I went a little over budget, but I love the way it looks. All the items can be reused and I can see using this idea year after year. If you had a lot of ornaments (I didn't) you could probably pull this look off with things you already have in your stash.

I've done so many projects this week, I can't wait to share them with ya'll! If you didn't get in on the Christmas Carnival, make sure that you leave comments on all the posts (there are 24 of them). There's some GREAT giveaways and you don't wanna miss out on them!

See ya tomorrow, girlies!

Posted at Met Monday & Make it for Monday

What a party!

WOW! I think I need a nap after shopping at all the lovely shops yesterday at our first Christmas Carnival. Didn't get around to everyone? It's ok! You have until midnight on Monday night, so that everyone has time to get in on the fun. Make sure you left a comment on each post that you wanted to enter the giveaway. Be sure and tell your friends, so they can get in on the great giveaways, too! Winners will be posted on Tuesday night.

Life will get back to normal around here this week ~ I've got some great ideas for using ornaments to decorate and even a clever way to make ornaments for your tree. It will be a fun filled week of holiday decorating, so I hope you'll stick around and find something that will help you holiday up your home.

Photo by Janell at Max and Isabella Rooms

Christmas Carnival {The Rose Bridge}

Well, gang, we've come to the very last giveaway of my first Christmas Carnival here at the cottage. All winners will be announced on Tuesday, so you have until whenever I get to picking winners on that day.

I love when I come across a website that is a virtual antique mall, all online. The Rose Bridge is one of those places, they bring together some great shops, all in one place. Angie had found a plethora of great vendors, all with amazing finds.

Even the smallest of little girls deserve the fanciest of shoes. These adorable baby shoes are so pretty, they could be decor!

Angie believes that life is too short, even your soap should be beautiful! Life's little luxuries can help you find ways to dress up the ordinary.

A little bit of Paris is good for the soul. When it comes in a pillow..... oh it's all the better!

Since The Rose Bridge helps you make every little aspect of your life more beautiful, how about paying your bills? You can win a shabby and chic letter sorter... perfect for organizing in style! Just leave a sweet little love note below.

{The above post was sponsored by The Rose Bridge. Although the space was paid for, my opinion is never for sale.}

Christmas Carnival {Pins & Paper}

In our big bloggy world, it's really cool when you can meet someone online that lives close enough to you that you can become real life friends - hang out & chat for hours kinda friends. That is what kind of friend I have in Kristen. She and her sister, Katie, run a beautiful online shop, Pins & Paper. They also have an amazing blog, too.

I can personally tell you these are the most beautiful products. The ribbon is the best I've ever seen! These CD books are on my Christmas list for some special girls in my life.

Although she's calling it a "shoe organizer," this would be a PERFECT way to organize your fabrics in you sewing room. You could fit several yards of fabric in each hole and hang it on the back of a door. How long did you spend last week digging out that burlap??? Yeah... you need this! It's made with a gorgeous, soft sateen cotton fabric, it's absolutely divine! OH ~ and its ON SALE!!!

Or how about a place to organize all that lovely jewelry that you've bought at all the amazing shops highlighted here today? Or maybe you need something to pack your pretties for traveling this holiday season... Or do you have a collegiate on your list? Yeah, dorm rooms are small and these would be perfect for that, too. See.... They've got you covered!

And, my sweet friends are giving away a special secret surprise! Go leave a sweet little love note, because you're gonna flip when you get this prize.

{The above post was sponsored by Pins & Paper. Although the space is paid for, my friendship is never available for purchase.}

Christmas Carnival {With Love, Little Mama}

 You're about to fall in love with Lynn and her online shop With Love, Little Mama. It's filled with wonderful cottage & romantic decor.

There are so many lovely things to browse through, and sweet romantic finds can be found with just the click of your mouse. It's like going to a French flea market, while in your PJs.... so fun!

If cottage is your style, I'm sure you'll fall in love with all the beautiful choices offered in the cottage section.

Or how about finding some sweet for the place you slumber? The Boudoir is the place to go to find great acessories, linens and comforters, all for your comfort.

What's better than a sign to remind you that you're unforgettable? You could win this sign from With Love, Little Mama. Just leave a sweet little love note below.

Christmas Carnival {Bunny Jeans Decor}

It's good to be a girl! We get to dress up and be all...well... GIRLY! And, Bunny Jean has got so many girly wonderful things in her shop, Bunny Jeans Decor.

Forget a hippopotamus, I wanna tutu for Christmas! Lots & lots of tutus!

Pie anyone? Bunny's fruit pie candles are cute and smell oh soooo yummy!

Any little girl would love these adorable Ballerina Piggy Bank? Such girliness!

And you could win some cute Christmas decor, this girl hold gifts. Just leave a sweet little love note below to get your chance at the giveaway.

{This post was sponsored by Bunny Jean's Decor. Although the above space was paid for, my opinion is never for sale.}