Easter Weekend Recap

<span style="font-size: 100%;">This weekend was so perfect. The sun was out and we met up with friends for an egg hunt at Wagner Park (can you spy Lady Liberty?)</span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4330.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe how big Evelyn is looking lately. She is so not a baby anymore (boo), and like most younger siblings, is trying to grow up as fast as possible to keep up with her older sisters. This photo cracks me up - she was throwing a fit because she wanted to stay at school with Grace and Claire. She kept saying "Ina big girl tooooooo!" And then she did the most hilarious sad Eeyore shuffle all the way home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4276.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In between the Easter festivities and all the cooking (I feel like I cook through every holiday! Don't you?), I got to squeeze in some errands and projects. I was especially excited to do a little reconnaissance work on inlay furniture. Can't WAIT to share this project with you next week!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_3109.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looks like Big Lots and Lot Less are selling overstock of the Missoni for Target ottomans. These were only $40!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4279.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My girls are on a whiteboard kick (so helpful for encouraging handwriting practice) and I stopped into Staples to pick up a pack of the new WASHABLE (!) dry erase markers. There might have been a detour made to the Martha Stewart office line section. I'm such a sucker for journals and notebooks. And shagreen? Forgetaboutit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4350.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also popped into the Chelsea flea for about 15 minutes. Just enough time to find a cute little acrylic stool for the bathroom and to take a photo of this adorable idea. Grace and Claire are super into drawing "fancy" outfits. I'm going to copy this idea and frame some of theirs. Maybe on a lavender-gray mat board?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4325-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How was your weekend? I hope it was lovely. xx</div>

Easter Weekend Recap

This weekend was so perfect. The sun was out and we met up with friends for an egg hunt at Wagner Park (can you spy Lady Liberty?) I can...

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Marimekko Pillows

<span style="font-size: 100%;">A few of you asked about the fabric on my hot pink pillows (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/04/jazzing-up-cheap-chairs.html">seen here</a>). </span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0024.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I pulled one of my favorite tricks here and used standard bed pillow cases to make pillow covers. These were Marimekko shams from the clearance aisle at HomeGoods.</span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_2638.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Just use three of the already finished edges and then add your own zipper on the fourth (bottom) edge. Sometimes you can get two pillows out of one king-sized sham! These two pillows ended up costing me about $7 total, including the two zippers, and only took a few minutes at the sewing machine to finish. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/222DSC_0001.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">I hope you all have a lovely weekend! And if you're celebrating, I hope it's a very happy Easter or Passover for you and your family!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">xx</div></div>

Marimekko Pillows

A few of you asked about the fabric on my hot pink pillows ( seen here ). I pulled one of my favorite tricks here and used standard bed pill...

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Full Color Family Photos

<span style="font-size: 100%;">I've always defaulted to black and white for family photos I put on display. I think maybe it feels a little more formal.</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/familyphotos.jpg" style="font-size: 100%;" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">(from </span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/10/bright-happy-dining-room.html" style="font-size: 100%;" target="_blank">this old dining room project</a><span style="font-size: 100%;">)</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">But lately I've been super drawn to family photos in color. It was this gallery wall in Ralph Lauren's home that first caught my eye.</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/3_1286312510_lauren_ed0705_09.jpg" style="font-size: 100%;" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">But then this home on </span><a href="http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/apt-with-lsd-patricia-herrera-lansings-new-york-apartment/#/gallery/apt-with-lsd-patricia-herrera/11" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">APT with LSD</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> fully converted me. I think the trick to pulling off the look is very thin, simple frames. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/patriciaherreravoguehabituallychic10.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">I know I would be instantly drawn to this wall as a visitor! Wouldn't you? I'm dying to put one of these walls in our next place. </span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I think the blocks of color here make this arrangement especially artful</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> - a mostly red/orange tinted photo, photos in mostly blues and one that's mostly all green tinted. More neutral photos fill in the gaps. There is beauty up close in the individual shots and then standing back, the arrangement has a lovely abstract flow. </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">As they say, it's a lot of work to look effortless. :)</span></div><div><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/patriciaherreravoguehabituallychic9.jpg" style="font-size: 100%;" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">PS If you don't mind frames that are a little larger, I'd go with this two-pack from Michaels I used in </span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-parents-new-bedroom.html" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">this project</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> (and </span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-decorate-bedroom-in-week.html" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">here's a shot</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> of the frames in their packaging). SUCH a great deal and the frames are perfectly slim and modern.</span></div>

Full Color Family Photos

I've always defaulted to black and white for family photos I put on display. I think maybe it feels a little more formal. (from this old...

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Room Tours: Jenna's Rental Bedroom Redo

<span style="font-size: 100%;">Jenna from </span><a href="http://jwkstyle.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">JWK Style</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> submitted today's room tour. I LOVE her idea of over-dyeing toile prints with a bright color! Such an expensive look for not a lot of money! Thanks for joining us today, </span><a href="http://jwkstyle.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Jenna</a><span style="font-size: 100%;">!</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">******</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">When we moved into our rent house, the master bedroom was incredibly dark and depressing. After we painted I wanted to keep it as bright and fresh as possible. I was hoping for a completely different look than our previous bedroom, but I couldn't justify buying all new curtain fabric and bedding.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6355.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I love the bold toiles by </span><a href="http://www.manuelcanovas.com/collections/toiles/#1001223" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Manuel Canovas</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> so I attempted a similar look with </span><a href="http://www.ritdye.com/store/colors/teal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">teal RIT dye</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> using our traditional blue and white toile. I played around with scraps to find the right shade and used about 1 bottle of dye per curtain panel in the washing machine. Luckily there was enough fabric leftover to sew a bedskirt, so I was able to pull off a whole new color scheme for our bedroom for next to nothing!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_9162.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">This was our bedroom before we moved in. We replaced the mini-blinds with inexpensive roman shades from the hardware store and hung our own curtain rods. I couldn't find curtain hardware I liked so I bought the 'antique brass' finish and spray painted the rods, clips, and rings with metallic gold Valspar. To prevent scratching, I used 2 coats of Polyurethane Gloss. So far so good!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6348.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Above the bed I hung an oil painting I found at Salvation Army a few years ago. Since there was so much color on the walls I decided on all-white bedding. I made the throw pillow out of silk ikat and the white duvet cover is an inexpensive one from Bed Bath & Beyond. I replaced the basic pillow cases with monogrammed shams from Pottery Barn and the ones behind them are from Target.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4335.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Most of our bedroom furniture was (very graciously) handed down to us but it was a mismatched mess. I wanted everything to coordinate so I painted everything myself to save money. The wicker chest (that doubles as my accessory closet) was a traditional white one that I spray painted. I replaced the wicker knobs with beaded ones from Anthropologie but eventually all the embellished parts popped off.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6223.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">The gold backs stayed on the dresser and I reused the beaded pieces as lamp finials for our bedside lamps. (They remind me of the ones by </span><a href="http://www.chicshopla.com/collections/finials" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Hillary Thomas Designs</a><span style="font-size: 100%;">.)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6065.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6071.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">The antique ginger jar lamps are from one of my favorite stores in San Antonio, </span><a href="http://www.shopacrosstexas.com/category.php?category=antiques&id=320" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Pagoda</a><span style="font-size: 100%;">. The other bedside table used to be dark mahogany and I just painted around the existing handles.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6468.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Since our bathroom doesn't have any counter space or wall outlets, I made a 'vanity' for myself between the windows. A mirror, desk, and chair is really all you need!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6544.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">(Before)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_9164.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">The desk came from a hotel salvage store and I repainted it to match the bedside tables. Soon after, I came across </span><a href="http://jwkstyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/sorry-for-silence.html" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">a similar desk</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> so I added detailing with gold leaf paint. The antique chair was a hand-me-down that I also painted and recovered.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6169.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">For jewelry storage I used my pineapple sconces for bangles and brooches and a few vintage bowls on my desk to hold necklaces. The pink and gold sugar dish is from a vintage serving set and it's the perfect size for earrings.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4268.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">My makeup is scattered on a tray where I can easily find it since I'm usually running out the door! I keep a notepad on my desk to jot down sewing ideas and notes.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5911.jpg" /></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">I love this tiny milk glass lamp that was my grandparents. I keep my favorite L'Objet candle and perfume beside it.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5901.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I made the lips print on a whim while I was trying to find the perfect shade of red lipstick. It reminded me of </span><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p10215905-sa-i1148961/andy-warhol-lips.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=ae5adfd05d0045a4af591fcf195348d0&searchstring=andy+warhol+lips" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Andy Warhol's Lips Print</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> so I blotted, outlined, and framed it!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4278.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Our dresser across from the bed was my first piece of furniture to paint. It was a typical French Provincial piece that was light brown with dark brass handles. Whenever they start looking dingy I take them off and glob on some Brasso to keep them shiny.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4852.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Since I'm especially prone to making piles, I like to have bowls around to conceal them. Dry cleaning tags and safety pins live in this one.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4280.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5012.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Trays are also ideal for easy cleaning and containing clutter. The one on my bedside table forces me to keep it tidy. Otherwise I'd have months of magazines piled up!!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6082.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Sources:</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Paint color: Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Toile fabric: (hand-me-down) Waverly "Country Life"</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Roman Shades: Lowe's</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Headboard: Pottery Barn</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Throw pillow fabric: Bermingham & Co. thru Brunschwig & Fils</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Sheets and duvet: Bed Bath & Beyond</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ginger jar lamps: Pagoda</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Vintage tin: The Guild Shop</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Mirrored tray: Target</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Embroidered coasters: market in San Miguel</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Clock: Pottery Barn</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Pineapple sconces: Two's Company</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Mini ginger jar: Etsy</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Pink dish: Anthropologie</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Vintage dishes: The Guild Shop</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Rug: Round Top</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Coral candle: L'Objet</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">White porcelain tray: Target</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Mirror: hand me down from my mother-in-law</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Market tote: flea market in Deauville</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Chair fabric: Celerie Kemble for Schumacher</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">NYC Print: framed Cavallini wrapping paper</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Gold framed art: Christmas present</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Antique tray: Etsy</span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Calendar: Jack & Lulu</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Room Tours: Jenna's Rental Bedroom Redo

Jenna from JWK Style submitted today's room tour. I LOVE her idea of over-dyeing toile prints with a bright color! Such an expensive lo...

Read more »

I changed my mind

<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;">So remember when <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-see-chalk-board-in-my-future.html" target="_blank">I bought this mirror</a>?</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;">And had plans to turn it into a chalkboard?</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Breakfast-Area-1.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Well, I totally didn't get around to it and I'm so glad! I moved the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/sneak-peek-living-room-bookshelves.html" target="_blank">coral/black bookshelf</a> to the back of our apartment and scooted the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-skirted-console.html" target="_blank">skirted console</a> over to that wall. Once the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-shade-for-gg-sconces.html" target="_blank">sconces</a> were over in the gallery wall, the old mirror felt really small. On a whim I pulled out this mirror that was intended to be a chalkboard, and it was true love. The mirror fits the wall perfectly and looks great in the space!</span><br /><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/22DSC_0013.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0007.jpg" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So the moral of the story is sometimes procrastination pays off.</div>

I changed my mind

So remember when I bought this mirror ? And had plans to turn it into a chalkboard? Well, I totally didn't get around to it and I'm...

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Jazzing Up Cheap Chairs

<span style="font-size: 100%;">I am not a fan of cheap upholstery. My philosophy is buy the best upholstery your budget can afford and then DIY/rework/save up for the other items in a room. If you know how to upholster, vintage furniture is a great route. They just don't make things like they used to, so nowadays you really get what you pay for when it comes to new upholstery.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-02-19at90518PM.png" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I don't know what I was thinking then a while back when I ordered some cheap chairs on a whim. I had been shopping for a new pair of chairs for a long time, but everything I liked was at least $1500 per chair with my discount (like the Odette chairs below from MGBW). We're thinking of moving in September so it just didn't make sense to shell out thousands for chairs right now. Plus, I didn't want to wait two months to get them.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-02-17at113752PM.png" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Then last month we hosted five dinner parties and I was desperate for chairs. I looked on Overstock and Wayfair when I was up against a wall </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">and saw <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=baxton+heddery+chair&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13165002810697605413&sa=X&ei=AxJ5T_qnCaiI0QHbzqTgDQ&ved=0CFAQ8wIwAQ" target="_blank">these chairs</a>. They were on sale for $275 each and I had a 25% coupon code and there was free shipping, so I went ahead and just bought them. I liked the shape of the arms (they sort of reminded me a little bit of the Odette chairs) and I liked the nail head trim. And they came in just two days.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">When they arrived I was a bit disappointed. They weren't as nice and crisp looking as the photos and they just felt blah. Rather than deal with returning them (and since we *really* needed extra seating), I decided to jazz the chairs up.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4188.jpg" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I went to my local fabric store (JEM) and bought six yards of black twill tape that was about the same width of the upholstery nail. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4114.jpg" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I used these handy staple removers to take out all the old upholstery nails</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4204.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I actually thought the brushed nickel was pretty and would have looked great with the black twill tape, but I have some polished nickel lighting nearby and it was all looking a little matchy-matchy. So I bought some brass nails and brass caster cups for the front feet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4206.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To get started with the new trim job, I just rolled the end of the twill tape under:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4208.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And used the old nail hole to make things really easy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4214.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4219.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The only real trick to keep in mind is to pull the ribbon tight so there is no gaping between the nails. I also went back and tapped everything in with an upholstery hammer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4220.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To keep the corners smooth, I just folded the ribbon in under itself and put the nail into the folds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4233-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I added brass caster cups from Lee Valley but the legs ended up being a little wider than I expected so I had to cut away some of the wood so the casters would fit right. It was a pain! Totally recommend double checking your dimensions before adding casters!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4235.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the front view of the finished chairs. It's not a drastic change, but I think the trim and casters help the chairs look a little less cheap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/222DSC_0001.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I like them from the side best.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0004.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a wider shot of the space. In case you need a refresher here's a link to our <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-home.html" target="_blank">floor plan</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4247.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They've grown on me. I like the shape of the arms a lot and I think the new contrasting trim highlights the shape. So even though I broke my own rule about not wasting money on cheap upholstery, I think I'm pretty happy with these chairs for now and they fit in well with the mix of furniture styles I have in the space.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0050.jpg" /></div></div>

Jazzing Up Cheap Chairs

I am not a fan of cheap upholstery. My philosophy is buy the best upholstery your budget can afford and then DIY/rework/save up for the othe...

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