Painted Cross Stitch Wall Mural

I was amazed when I came across this painted cross stitch idea from Dutch

artist Eline Pellinkhof, who recreated a cross stitch -in grandiose style using

a simple grid technique.   

by Eline Pellinkohf

What do you think?

Swanky Spray Paint Transformations

Ok, time for a cool post!
Spray paint transformations! 
Yes, that's fun things you can do with spray paint to transform an object and give it an entirely new look.
 Awesome? Of course it is! 

First off - are you the type of person who walks right past the old glassware and knickknack figurines at a flea market or at the thrift shop without giving them a second glance? Check out these photos below and I promise you won't ever look at those things the same way again...

This cute dish was made by Morena from plastic & glass dollar store finds and silver spray paint (above and below)

 Check out the DIY here

Wood plaques + dollar store figurines + glue + spray paint = awesome



The ever popular spray painted mason jars

Spray painted canning mason jars

...These shells, by Chic Done Cheap, are spray painted

Spray painted wooden bangle bracelets by Vozclothingandart via Etsy

This one is a GREAT craft for the kids - first, you spray paint a wreath entirely white, then once it is dry, give the kids some colorful kid-safe acrylic paints and brushes and let them go to town adding color as they please. This is a great way to encourage creativity and teach color coordination. Encourage them to experiment!





I've seen lots of these old chandeliers redone in many different colors, but I like this red one by justlaine



Before and after Birdbath by Mamaroots. I'd love one in purple or red!



The same goes with garden furniture. Again, love!

Awesome adjustable spray paint swivel lamp made by Weasel Works via Etsy

What color would YOU paint this?

How to do it? Click here for some quick tips on how to use spray paint


What do you think?
Have you ever done a spray paint transformation?

What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Vintage Dining Room Set Makeover: Paint It Black

What a difference a coat of paint can make! 

I've been pining over the look of traditional vintage dining room sets with black chairs and black table bottoms where the table top is left with a natural wood finish. (similar to the table and chairs shown in the photo below)

This photo was my color inspiration:

Inspiration photo

Then I came across an old dining room set that was decent quality and in pretty good shape, but desperately in need of a makeover. The hunter green chairs and table were still living in the 80's! Thankfully the table top was never painted, but left with it's beautiful natural wood finish. I knew then and there that I had found the perfect candidate to transform into the dining set that I always wanted!

Check out the before and after photos:
The old look (hunter green chair in front)
 Versus the new look (chair in back newly painted black)

DIY: The first thing I did was remove the seats from the chairs and painted the chairs black. I used Satin Black Rust-oleum satin paint from a can (classic low-sheen finish smooth protective enamel paint.) I prefer hand painting with a brush as opposed to using cans of spray paint. Not only do I enjoy brush painting because I find it relaxing, but I think brush painting gives you a more finished, professional look. 

If you prefer spray painting, it's available in a spray paint too!

After I painted the four chairs, I painted the bottom portion of the table and the table legs with the same paint. I left the table top as-is, with it's natural wood finish. (you can see the table top in the photos below) I love the look of the natural brown wood against  sleek black! (Don't forget to paint the extra table extension piece!)

The old seat fabric was outdated burgundy and was glued to the seat as opposed to being stapled, so I was able to easily peel the old fabric right off of the seat!

Next I laid out the old chair cover fabric over my new fabric and used it as a template to get the right size of material for each seat. I just cut right around the old fabric, leaving an extra half inch or so. Easy!

Here you can see my new fabric beneath the old fabric.

Next I pulled the new fabric around the seat and stapled with a staple gun. 

The finished seat! 

One of the finished chairs

My newly revamped dining set! (everything that is black used to be hunter green)

I used Waverly "Farmer's Market" decor fabric from Joanne's Fabric store. I was thrilled to find this fabric, which coordinated perfectly with my soon-to-be new dining room paint colors...

(yes I still have to paint!)

This photo was my wall color inspiration for my dining room and kitchen makeover (still a work in progress!)

I wanted sage green walls in the kitchen and dining room (my kitchen leads into my dining room - the previous owners knocked down the wall that separated the rooms) with one opposing dining room wall painted plum.  The paint colors I chose were:
Sherwin William's Expressive Plum:

and
Sherwin Williams Garden Sage:

The painting starts this weekend and after it is finished I will post photos of the completed dining room makeover, so be sure to check back!