Christmas Cheer Using What’s On Hand…

It seems I start decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier these days. I always have a house full of relatives for Thanksgiving, and I like having it out of the way before it gets busy around here. Its also cozy having our turkey dinner by the tree.

I try to use what’s on hand, so I don’t go out and blow money on decorations for two months out of the year. I’ve accumulated quite a lot of holiday stuff over the years though. A lot of it I made or repurposed.

My artificial tree in the living room was one that I bought for my Urban Farmhouse suite last year. I got it for $40 while out thrifting! Its full, classic and stands over 10 feet tall.

 

I wanted to do something really relaxed and whimsical for the mantel this year. I had a large vintage frame that I used as a chalkboard at Urban Farmhouse over the years. I originally planned to use the chalkboard and write a cute saying on it in white chalk, but then I kept thinking about the subway art that’s so in right now.

I found this great Free Printable Christmas Subway Art that I thought would be perfect for the frame. You can get it here.

Some of the other things I had on hand were vintage decorations that I just used in a new way this year.

  

For the formal living and sitting room, I wanted to keep it a little more sophisticated…again, just adding touches with things I had on hand.

 

The tree in our front room was another great find on Craigslist. It was still sealed in the box and was originally purchased for a model home that sold before the holidays. I think I’ll try one of those no-sew ruffle tree skirts I keep seeing on Pinterest….the one in the picture is too dinky for this tree.

 

I always like extending the décor into other rooms in the house in small doses as well, including the bedroom.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!!

Time for Christmas Cards!

Its that time again…and for those of you with young kids, you know that Christmas cards aren’t the same without pictures!

I used to pay for photography sessions, but after investing in a good camera for Urban Farmhouse, I decided to try my luck at my own mini photo sessions with my favorite subject, Nikolas.

Yesterday morning I took Nikolas to a really cool area over by our local library to see if we could get a good shot or two for our card this year.

Drum roll please….I think we found a winner!

Aside from the one above, I got some other really great shots, just letting him discover the area and get silly with me.

  

Before I knew it, I had dozens of great shots that I can now use for grandparent gifts! (Busy moms gotta love multi-tasking!)

 

  

(The G.Q. Pose!!!)

 

 

Here’s My Amateur Photography Pointers:

1. When photographing kids, let them lead you and take cues…if they wanna get silly, let them get silly…personality is the key to great pictures!

2. For outside shots, overcast weather is best (no squinty eyes and shadows!).

3. I don’t have an expensive lense, but I do rely on an editing program to get cool effects. (I use Picasa and Picnik….it’s free and super easy to use!!!)

4. Don’t overload on props…keep it simple for timeless photos.

5. Snap Away! I took 500 pictures in 35 minutes, but got the shots I wanted and then some.

Most importantly…have fun!

We laughed so hard we had tears streaming down our faces by the end of the shoot. Then we went to have milk shakes and hamburgers together. It was a great date with my boy. In twenty years from now when I look back at these pictures, I know I’ll feel the happiness of our day.

 

Good Luck! Now, go out and make some memories with your kiddos!

Salvaged Driftwood Dresser

I had a client come to me in search of a masculine dresser for her son’s room that I could redo with a driftwood flair. I knew I needed to search for a piece with clean, modern lines.

It seems I walk past pieces like this on a daily basis when I’m out junkin’ and never give them a second glance.

BEFORE

She showed me a picture to work off of for inspiration and I immediately had a vision, that eventually turned into this….

I am so in love with how this dresser transformation turned out that I think my Nikolas now needs one in his room too!

I can’t wait to see it in his new room! Thanks for a super fun project this week, Heather!

Spider Back Chair Makeover Revealed!

I knew these little chairs had some big potential!

 

I still have two available for a makeover….email me if you are interested!

Practice Makes Perfect…Especially with Driftwood!

I was pretty excited when I first figured out how to “paint” a driftwood finish, giving pieces the weathered look that’s so in right now.
My first attempts were decent but I think I’ve finally tweaked the process enough now to give a truly realistic finish with some subtle wood grain.
This is a dining set I found and refinished this week for a super cool family here in Frisco.

They could see past the maroon, vinyl seats and chipped up tabletop to the beautiful French look we were going for.

I’m loving how the colors of the table contrast so well against their dark hardwood floors.
 
Thanks Carrie and Jeb! You guys rock!

I guess its just like the ole’ saying…practice makes perfect.
If you’d like me to find your perfect piece of furniture and give it a weathered, driftwood look, give me a shout!baylorkls@aol.com

They Beg to be Beautiful!

Can’t you see them screaming…”Make Me Over, Darling!” Well, maybe that’s just what I see. But, nonetheless…I’m excited to announce that I now have access to an inventory of great pieces that need makeovers! Here’s what I’ve got so far…

Chair Inventory

   

     

Table Inventory

   

 

 

If you can see the beautiful potential in these pieces like I can, then I bet you are as excited as me!

Case in Point….The Chevron Chair Makeover.

  

A little inspirational eye candy for ya…

 

 

 

To inquire about any of these pieces, contact Kristen….hurry, before they’re gone!