Oil Rubbed Bronze DIY Light Fixture

Well friends, I took the plunge and did my first oil rubbed bronze project. The lights in our bathroom were chrome, and I really liked their lines, but they just didn't match with the new knobs and faucets that we'd installed. After researching the Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint, I figured this was something I could take a stab at. I wouldn't use this for a faucet or anything that gets frequently touched, but I think for light fixtures it's perfect.

This was my first adventure in wiring (since I did this while Mr. SE was in Denver), but I made sure to shut off the breaker for the whole house so as to not electrocute myself! Once the cords were disconnected, it was pretty simple. I put my new eco-tarp on the floor of our garage (w/the door open-- don't worry!) and covered the bulb sockets with masking tape. 

Two thin coats were all I needed, and this beauty was shining like a brand new girl! What do you think?

Ps- don't hate on my lack of photography skills. Point and click, baby. 

Button Monograms: DIY Style

While perusing Pinterest today, I stumbled on the CUTEST image. A wall hanging with a monogram made entirely of buttons. How fantastic! The pillows and wall hangings are absolutely gorgeous, but right now I can't swing the $65 price tag. If you have the money, definitely support Letter Perfect Designs and purchase one of hers!

We'll be making the wall hanging, but isn't the pillow cute too?

For our house, I'd rather save for a date night with my handsome hubs (who doesn't mind the flurry of fabric scraps and glue that is my craft world). They seem simple enough to make, and I might even try it one night this week. Armed with coupons (I'm back on the train full force), I'm sure I can do this for less than $20. 

Hobby Lobby canvases on sale for 40% off

(or get a square piece of scrap wood at Lowe's)

Fabric for the back

All Waverly is 50% off at Joann's!

 This neutral/silver fabric is perfect and I have JUST the place for it

Buttons from Joann's (w/coupon)

Have you done any fun knock-off crafts lately? Please post a link!

Update: the table + leaf + 4 chairs has arrived from North Carolina (via my mom and aunt) and I cannot wait to start staining it. Once we have the table stained gorgeous walnut, we'll be able to pick and install a new chandelier, as well as buy a matching rug. So exciting! The most neglected room in the house (dining area) will now be on par with the rest of its' room friends. 

Office Update

Current view of the room standing in the doorway

It's been awhile since I updated you on the process of our home office. Mr. SE and I have been in our home for over a year now, and the feel of our house is beginning to take shape. Maya Angelou always says that "your home should rise up to greet you", and I believe that our home is doing just that. While other rooms of the house took shape, our home office was neglected and became the catch-all room that we all hate, but all have. My hands have been full with organizing and DIY projects to make this the office of my dreams.

Shall we review where we started? This is the room on move-in day:

Completed So Far:

Accessorized bookshelf using books and other trinkets in coordinating colors

Purchased a matching dog bed

Added Sheer burnout curtains and matching stainless rod

Pulled together vignette on table: 

grandfather's milk glass, table lamp, and framed bridal sketch

Created fabric bulletin board

Re-covered office chair in navy/white stripes and fastened coordinating green bow

Cleaned and spruced up my desk with scrapbooking paper, along with some cute office supply holders

Built storage unit and organized supplies in matching bins 

(more on this empty wall/armoire below)

Duffie and Lucy were insistent on being a part of this photo shoot

Still Need To Do:

Spray paint frames to hang around open wall (like picture below, but a little more spread out). 

Move armoire/linen closet into another room.

Update ceiling fan

I'm thinking either a white fan or white drum pendant

What do you think? Do you like the palette I chose? This room has been a labor of love, and not something that was completed overnight. I'm really happy with the way it's turning out!