{Christmas Decor}: Wreath journey from Trash to Treasure

You've heard the 'Happily Ever After' story about child adoption.  Kudos to those people who has a big heart to open up their house to the needy kids.  My version of adoption is getting stuff from consignment store and transform it into a master piece in my house.  Due to super excitement I had to finish this project, I didn't take pictures of before and during transformation.

It was my lucky day to find all cone wreath with vines at Goodwill store.  I am not sure what I was gonna do with it but I bought it anyway.  Then one thing lead to another...

From $ 2.92 old looking wreath,

These vines was on the wreath.  I removed them.

To trendy yet cozy looking wreath.
I've added only one berry branch that I cut into pieces $ 0.99, 1 branch of wooden buttons $ 4.99, 3 Snowmen that I purchased from Michael's a while ago $ 1.29 each and 2 Poinsettias at $2.20 each.

I am still working on this wreath so come back again to see the final master piece.

Old {broken} window in lieu of picture frame

I am so excited to finally finish my mantel decoration.  After visiting garage sales, consignment stores and my favorite flower supply vendors....
Here is my mantel :)  I want it to have a little vintage touch, but on the cleaner side.  Also something that I can add on to reflect the occasions.

Need to put family picture behind the window frame

 The wrought iron basket on right is a place to put TV remote control etc.
I re-painted an old broken window since I saw inspiration from a local store.  They put different printed card stock paper behind the glass window but I am planning to put my daughter's picture instead.   The original design didn't have the ducks, instead it was a black and red picture frame.  Now the frame is on the table underneath the mantel.  That table will be my next project :)

Still have the missing red candle to put inside the candlestick.  We can add  little decorations on the topiary too to reflect the Holidays.

Books from Goodwill store for $ 1.25.

This pine cone can be replaced with stack of mini pumpkins for Halloween and Thanksgiving

Hope you are inspired with my design. 

Bringing {Vintage} to your home

All furniture in my house were bought from IKEA so there's no vintage looking to it.  We just hang on to it until we find a perfect house we call home. Then, I will do my yard the way it supposed to be, decorate the house with vintage and shabby chic style, have a real working studio etc etc.  For now I just create and adding vintage stuff to my house.

The best place to find 'vintage' stuff is Goodwill and other consignment stores, also garage sale.

This is what I plan to add in the dining room:  Burlap place mats and a rattan basket to store the place mats.  If I make my own place mats, it will cost me less than $ 10 for 10 place mats.  The rattan basket will range from $ 10-20.  I suggest to invest a good one, not the cheap looking one.

Tutorial

Basically you need burlap, stencil, acrylic paint, brush and blue painter tape to make these burlap place mats.

For the kitchen, I made a mason jar soap dispenser and threw away all the plastic dispense.
You'll need mason jar, spray paints, soap dispenser, drill and nose pliers. 

Tutorial

Tutorial click here

I am making these Wall Terrarium too, but with artificial plants :)  and paint the jars white and the clams black.

I am hoping to post my creation soon, hopefully by next week.  Till then....

{Inspirations}: Lovely in the summer

We are in the peak of summer season now.  I am not a fan of 'hot' weather but I love the happy and fun celebrations this season brings.  Not to mention, the vibrant and colorful decorations.  I've had fun gazing at the pictures in my 'summer' folder and wondered when I can turn these ideas into reality. 

I hand selected these pictures below based on the simplicity and DIY friendliness.

by Martha Stewart

by Martha Stewart

{Cultural} Chinese New Year - DIY Table decor

Chinese New Year is a traditional Chinese holidays.  In China it is known as "Spring Festival", marks the end of the winter season.  It is not an official holiday in the United States, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebration with food, presents, red and gold decoration, new clothing, dragon show and firecracker.

simple yet elegant table settings

The red color is a must have in Chinese New Year celebration, it signifies 'happiness, wealth and longevity'.  People dress in red to have dinner with family and friends.  The youngsters wish the elders happy new year, good health etc and as return the elders give the youngsters red envelope with money. (sweeeeet)

Pastel version DIY table setting from Martha Stweart

Mexican Paper Flowers perfect for table decoration from Mad In Craft

Eccentric paper flowers - how to click here

Party favor in the shape of flowers? Also from Martha Stewart

I am gonna get busy making these flowers for my client wedding ... ciao and stay tune for the pictures.