Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Pretty Little Things and Two Easy Projects


I spent most of the day cleaning today! My daughter scrubbed the grout in the shower (I hate tiles) and I scrubbed floors and cleaned bathrooms among other things. My reward or incentive (however you want to look at it) was that when I was done I was going to be able to do some fun stuff. Which to me means fluffing and take pictures. So here are a few pretty little things around my house.



This cute little fabric sign was only $1.99 at TJ Maxx! It sort of looks like burlap but it's a softer material.



Some blooms from my garden.



My husband said we needed some coasters out on the porch since that's where we have our morning coffee. So I made some really easy ones. Here's how:



Get some cheap tiles, any stamp you want, and a stamp pad. For this project I bought a StazOn stamp because I wanted blue and I only have two ink pads - red and black. They only had two kinds at Michaels and this one said for all surfaces. I much prefer the Archival Ink (waterproof & non smear) that I've used stamping plates (which I got from Hobby Lobby). But the StazOn worked o.k. All you have to do is wash the tiles, dry, stamp and let dry. We've already used these and they wipe clean just fine.



I have to show you the inside of that apothecary jar because it's one of my favorite things! I filled the jar with some blue sand and stuck some really interesting shells in there. We have a bag of really cool shells and we've been having fun rearranging the shells as we feel like it. I never know if it's been changed and it's fun to have a look to see if it has!



I saw a really big shell ball when I was at TJ Maxx and I thought "I can do that"! Holey Moley -those two shells look like they have eyes! I used what I had - you use nicer shells!



I already had some small Styrofoam balls. I hot glued shells all the way around the ball. Let me just say this...... I burned my fingers so bad with that hot glue!! Put the glue on the ball and then put the shells in the glue!! Why I tried putting the glue on the shell is beyond me. There's not enough surface on these small shells for glue. So save your fingers and either use a different glue or do it as I told you to not as I did!!



A nightlight in my hall bathroom. There are so many pretty ones these days there's no reason to have just a plain one with a bulb!



A little $4.99 stitchery from TJ Maxx - I really love the sentiment!



After I cleaned the glass door I took down the forsythia wreath and put up my favorite one - hydrangeas - I added a little starfish on the top.



Lastly, I changed my Maxie statue's bow (Maxie is our Golden Retriever for those of you new to this blog). I like to coordinate it with the wreath on the door.



I hope you try one of those projects! They're really quick and easy to do. I haven't had time to paint my potting bench yet but hopefully I will tomorrow if it doesn't rain. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week everyone!




46 comments:

Jennifer said...

I love the coasters! What a fun idea....and so very simple! I know that I will have to give these a try. They would make a cute gift as well.

Don't you just love TJ Maxx? It has to be one of my favorite places to shop.

I hope that you are having a lovely week,
Jennifer

About Southern Belle said...

Oh, I like the coaster idea and the small stitchery from TJ Maxx was really cute too! I'll have to stop by TJ Maxx, I didn't realized they sold household items.

Manuela said...

Oh my, I *love* all your ideas! My son brought home a bag full of seashells from our last trip down to S.America and now I know what I can do with some of them!
And the coaster idea is just great! So cool to be learning from another Manuela! :)
Hope you have great weather!

Kathi said...

Beautiful photos! There's that green tray that I LOVE and the blue sand! What a great idea!

Paula@SweetPea said...

You were a busy bee today! I love all of your shell ideas! I know that I don't have enough shells here to make a shell ball, but I can certainly collect some when we go to the beach. Your tile idea would make a great hostest gift. I have a whole box of those in the basement. You are an inspiration!

Melanie@TheOldWhiteCottage said...

Your hydrangeas are so pretty! I love everything about that picture. One of my hydrangeas is blooming, but I've been too afraid of making it look bare by cutting off some stems. I may just have to go for it! And the cushions in that picture! I was looking at chair pads just like that but I couldn't find 6 for my table. :-(

Love the shell projects too. I'm going to visit my parents this weekend (they live near the beach) and one of the things on my list is a place that sells TONS of shells.

Ally's Corner said...

Coasters are so cool. I made many and sold them when we were fundraising for Alana's adoption.
I don't think I have any left or I would post a picture of them. But I had a crafty friend help me with them. The coasters were very pretty.
Hope the rain hold off for you today, we are off to the pool later today.
PS Check out my blog I used spray paint.

Ally

Kathleen Grace said...

You do the most beautiful things in your home! It is always an inspiration to read your posts:>)

southerninspiration said...

Hydrangeas are my favorite, and I need to get my shells out, too. Some really pretty projects, Manuela! I am always inspired!

suzanne

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Isn't it great to have a clean house AND be able to fluff! I did that yesterday too!

I love all the shells and beachy things. Gives me more ideas .......

Victoria said...

Oh your hydrangea blooms look beautiful against the blue of your sofa cushions! How pretty!

Love the moss balls too. Did you make those?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Great ideas! I love the coaster idea. And changing the bow on Maxie is the perfect finishing touch!
Hugs,
Penny

Tiffany said...

Absolutely beautiful decorations. I love your style! I may have to buy some colored sand for my seashells now.

Rebekah said...

The possibilities of the styrofoam ball are endless!!

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Good idea to use colored sand in the jar with the sea shells. Thanks for sharing all your lovelies.

Rhonda said...

Thank you for all the projects and instructions.

I love the quote about home - our kids are grown but I know they felt like home was their paradise when they were growing up. Home really is my world.

about gardening, I worked on my hydrangaes like you taught and hopefully 4 more will grow up too.
Thanks!

Suzann said...

You always have the best ideas!!! Guess that's why I love ya.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great ideas! I will be back later to get a closer look.
Glenda

Beth at Aunties said...

You never cease to amaze me with your creativity!
The coasters and all your sea shells were both great projects!

Can't wait to see what you do next!

Beth~♥

Scrappy quilter said...

I too love the coasters. I'm going to try making those. Just have to get some staz-on. Wonderful pictures.

GlorV1 said...

Manuela I'm needing coaster's and that's a great idea. I've got a lot of those white tiles, so I'll put a few to use. Great stuff. Have a great day and I love Maxie's statue.

Barb said...

Hi Manuela, oh, so pretty. I just love the little sign hanging on the door and you are inspiring me to bring out my shells. Living in Florida, I have shells everywhere!!

I posted about some things around the house today also. Isn't it wonderful!!

Everything is just delightful!!!!

Barb

Linda's Blue Gate said...

You really LOVE the fluffing and nesting part....... and it shows..... cause after you fluff it always looks like a million..... you are such daily inspiration...
HUgs
Linda
Sorry you had problems getting to me...... try clicking here...

erin said...

love maxie's new ribbon, so pretty.

i've a bunch of sea shells and am thinking now of the sand in the glass jar and putting shells in...thanks for the inspiration.

always enjoy stopping by and seeing what you've done. such a pleasure.

have a lovely rest of the week.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

What great ideas Manuela! I love all of those starfish and shells everywhere. The apothecary jar with the blue sand is awesome!

So cute!

XOXO
Jen

Rhondi said...

Hi Manuela
You always have such great ideas. Thanks for sharing them with us!
((hugs)) Rhondi

Betsy Brock said...

We are kindred spirits, Manuela. My absolute favorite thing to do is fluffing and puttering around my nest! :) Love your new touches!

Angie said...

Love the lime green tray with those blue hydrangeas sitting on it. That color combination is just gorgeous!!!

Marianna said...

Love the dog...I walk through our neighborhood nearly every day and one of my favorite things is the yard with the stone ducks outfitted for the season. They are currently in graduate attire!

Marianna

Betty said...

My, you've been a busy girl! So many interesting accessories...the night light is gorgeous....

Blessings,
Betty

Free Art Printables said...

Super cute things Manuela! Jen

Darlene said...

I LOVE those blue hydrangea blooms....gorgeous!!! Your coasters and the shell project turned out great. I need to get busy doing some projects! Love that saying on the little stitchery from TJ Maxx! Hope you are having a great week!♥

Amanda said...

Thanks for all the great ideas! Very inspiring!
:-)

Unknown said...

Great quick and easy projects, Manuela! I LOVE the coasters and the blue sand! :)

JD/ Jill said...

Lovely post, lots of great ideas there. I also like to use a hot glue gun, and I have also been known to burn my fingers...I usually make sure I have a dish near by with cold water in it, it immediately will stop the hot wax from burning on your fingers.

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Everything is just gorgeous and so fresh looking! TJ Maxx sure has some fun things- cute embroidery!!

xx
Becky

Southern Fried Gal said...

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will come back for a visit! Quite a few things caught my eye on my vist here so I'm officially a follower! I LOVE the bell jar cloche - the color is fabulous!

Terri Steffes said...

I always love coming here! I love the coasters, too, but I thought you said you hated tiles (hehehe)

TJ Maxx is the bomb. (did I just say the bomb?)

Margaret's Ramblings said...

What a pretty house you have. I always look forward to when you show us around.

I love the coasters, they would make a lovely gift.

Margaret

Rosemary said...

Cute sign!! Love TJ Maxx!
Great little project!
Have a nice weekend,
Rosemary

Chloe m said...

Thanks for the cute ideas... I am so going to Tj maxx. They must love the free advertising, LOl!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am slow to notice comments!

Sue said...

Manuela, You are always an inspiration. After I read your posts I want to go do something that makes me feel good about my home. Hugs, Sue

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Great inspiration in this post! Hydrangeas are my favorite flowers, and yours look gorgeous in that vase. That coaster idea is fabulous, and I love your shells. (I ALWAYS burn a finger or two when I use the glue gun, but I love using it). Thanks so much for always inspiring me. laurie

Lady Katherine said...

Love the hydrangea wreath! Coasters are a great idea! I trying to come up with one that has a lip on it. Hubby loves ice tea and loves to place it where no coasters are! Love the stitchery! I use woven coasters a lot, you have to make some!

Lady Katherine said...

Love the shell balls, Great idea! I love books too! I going to try and get Hubby to build me two book shelves in the parlor on each side of the mantel. For all my books are packed up! I need a library! Double duty for my parlor, he always saying is a waste of space. But it has all my oldest thing in there and he found out he did not want them in the family room, when my daughter and children came to stay, after leaving her husband. We had to move beds in there. So I get to keep it and have a library too I hope!

Susie Q said...

One of the things I miss about Georgia are the hydrangeas. Someone a few blocks over has some and we've had so much rain lately that ALL the roses in the neighborhood are gorgeous. I'm sorry the lilacs in the medians didn't make it this year though.

I also wanted to say that I love your blog. So many of your things make me smile and projects on my list are ones that you inspired.

And since I lost my job 2 weeks ago (thank you for that stimulus Mr. President...it's working out REALLY well) I've more time for doing things around the house. Our local landfill is my source for free paint that I mix and match (I do wonder if I'll find the pale colors I want for the yard chairs). The half bath is painted and I have been ordered to figure out how to take some pics ;D, our bedroom and den are next. By getting so much of it free, we should be able to afford a gallon for each room (they are not that big. I wish Kilz Casual colors could be posted, but I can't find a place to do it on their site.

hugs to you and many thanks.