Thursday, May 27, 2010

A Mary Engelbreit Scottie Dog Birthday

It all started when I found some super cute scottie dog notecards in the dollar bin at Michael's on the day before I HAD to get the invitations sent out for my little one's party. I didn't have any theme in mind, so. . .

I grabbed a notepad, too, (and a few other things that I hope to show in another post). I have a huge collection of curling ribbon, so I picked some colors I liked and picked up some sidewalk chalk at the dollar bins at Target.

I ripped the plastic off the chalk and removed the paper label, too - really sticky, but doable!

I cut out the scotties from the top of the notepad and attached them to the buckets with packing tape. I just need a tiny extra piece for the bottom of the circle.


Added some curling ribbon and presto - super-cute party favors!

Of course, we had to have a coordinating outfit - mostly because I haven't sewn since Christmas and was looking for any excuse!


I found some fabric on ebay and on etsy. Unfortunately it is discontinued, so it was priced accordingly, but I didn't need much. I just used the width of the fabric for the bottom tier and subtracted about 1/4 the length for the top tier. I sewed the ribbon (both top and bottom edges) right along the seam line then sewed the bow on separately.

I found this cute ruffle shirt at Old Navy and added some ribbon to coordinate with the skirt. I pinned it right on the edge and stitched both the top and bottom edges of the ribbon. I couldn't resist making a head scarf with ribbon trim, too!

Now we just have to wait until Saturday to celebrate!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My Cabinets are Going In

My cabinet installer arrived today to begin putting in my kitchen cabinets!!! I can't tell you how excited I am!

I finally get to see them without plastic wrap!

Lots of drawers! And isn't the lazy susan going to be fun! Finally some use for that-corner-where-things-go-to-disappear!

I won't have countertops for a while, but I should still be able to show you pretty photos of the cabinets soon!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Ceiling Retexture in Progress ... and Done!

It doesn't matter what you call it - acoustic, popcorn, cottage cheese, or something else - scraping this off the ceiling can be messy!


Making progress!


My new favorite "tool!" So much easier than using a simple squirt bottle. But it didn't make me any neater!


Almost done - it took me about 4 evenings.

In case you can't tell in the photo, new texture that matches the walls was sprayed on (not by me!), and since I forgot to buy primer about 4 coats of paint (another 3 nights)!
Touch-ups coming soon (I also had to repaint the corners of the walls where new sheetrock was attached and lucky me I had almost a gallon of paint left over from painting 4 years ago).


It's already worth it - my husband is totally impressed with the new look!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Birthday Sale

To celebrate my birthday this year, I am having a 25% sale now through Sunday evening!
Come check out some of my favorite designs!
-CottageInTheSun



Sunday, May 9, 2010

Kitchen Remodel Plan - A Bit Revised


Original Plan - make this 7 foot kitchen ceiling go away - what where they thinking?!
Revised plan -
Wow! What a huge beam! Bummer, definitely structural. And really . . . wires, wires everywhere!


Two really fast electricians and one sheetrock installer later... Recessed Lights!

And a skinny beam that only hints at the 7 foot ceiling that used to be!


Making progress!!












Happy Birthday to me - a little early



My mom surprised me today with my birthday present just a bit early!

She has very recently started creating mosaics (I think this is her 3rd or 4th piece) and made this gorgeous tray for me!


the stems are from my Gramma's brown Dot and Daisy Marcrest bowl that my kids dropped...


and the corner pieces and some flowers are from my formerly fabulous maroon Coors Rosebud oval platter that I managed to break (boo for potholes).


Thanks Mom!