tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70989548195488132432024-03-06T00:14:00.887-08:00Jenna SueOur DIY + Design journey continues at jennasuedesign.com/blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-87728969192332788082015-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:002015-02-03T07:05:21.103-08:00We've Moved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-68193499616705971632015-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:002015-02-02T08:17:31.739-08:00New Laundry Room: Floor tile, Part 1Whew, we made it out of January! February is the month of love and I am <i>lo-oving </i>the progress we made in our laundry room this past weekend.<br />
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A few weeks ago after selecting our cabinet color at Lowe's, I walked over to the tile section and immediately spotted this <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_486466-1813-1095730_0__?productId=50015948&Ntt=leonia+sand&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dleonia%2Bsand&facetInfo=">Leonia Sand porcelain tile:</a><br />
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It came in two sizes—12x24" and 6x24". I preferred the wood plank look so I decided on the 6x24" ($2.29/ea). The price was reasonable and I thought it looked lovely against the cabinet color, and that it would also be a nice way to add warmth to all the white, black and gray.<br />
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Saturday at 7am we were at Lowe's to buy all of the supplies, including a $90 wet saw (which ended up being too small for our tiles but we made it work anyway).<br />
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My dad has some experience in this arena so he was kind enough to offer to help for the day. We also did quite a bit of research along with consulting the staff at Lowe's to help us figure out the best plan of attack.<br />
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The first step was to prepare the surface. We went with HardiBoard cement board—it's a couple bucks more than the generic stuff but supposed to be much better. <br />
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I came up with this layout based on the room's floor plan (which were based on measurements from before the demolition began that ended up being larger than the actual size, so we used only 9 boards instead of 10):<br />
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We had never worked with this stuff before so I didn't know what I was in for, but it ended up being the easiest part. It breaks apart easily after scoring with a blade, so my job was to measure and score/cut the pieces to size...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZCcLKHEsuY/VM6SxX2eZlI/AAAAAAAAOOc/8DwDFH_Udy4/s1600/IMG_5357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZCcLKHEsuY/VM6SxX2eZlI/AAAAAAAAOOc/8DwDFH_Udy4/s1600/IMG_5357.jpg" /></a></div>
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while Brad and my dad screwed them into the plywood (using special cement board screws).<br />
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We were able to knock it out (problem free) in two hours. Teamwork!<br />
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Before setting the tile, we had to cover the seams with special mesh tape.<br />
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We did a dry test fit in a few areas to see if there would be any fitment issues. Fortunately, they lined up just perfectly that we didn't need to make any tricky cuts between the transition to the storage room:<br />
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With our layout in place, we snapped a chalk line where the first row would be placed along the wall:<br />
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Then one by one, it was mastic + tile...<br />
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The troweling process immediately brought back memories from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-diy-subway-tile.html">kitchen wall tile installation.</a><br />
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This floor tile was definitely easier since they are larger pieces and you don't have to fight gravity. We had these rows down in an hour:<br />
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Then things got a bit tricky. Since you can't walk on freshly laid tile, we couldn't just tile the storage room as there was no way out. So I had to become a bit of a gymnast—working in a counter clockwise pattern, planning my tiles and stepping in between empty patches until I could contort myself out of there. <br />
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Luckily it worked, and we had an efficient system running where my dad would cut the tiles, Brad would deliver them and help me spread mastic when needed, and I'd set the tiles. In 4.5 hours the room was done.<br />
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That's 4.5 hours straight of crouching for me which doesn't feel so great—but looking at our freshly tiled floor does!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsJ6qNoIOEE/VM6S1IrRyCI/AAAAAAAAOOI/0a1AxUxWfoY/s1600/IMG_5374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsJ6qNoIOEE/VM6S1IrRyCI/AAAAAAAAOOI/0a1AxUxWfoY/s1600/IMG_5374.jpg" /></a><br />
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They look quite a bit more gray in this room than in the store which I wasn't expecting but I guess I don't mind. They actually remind me a lot of our hardwood floors in the rest of the house.<br />
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Tomorrow we'll finish them off with grout and then it's on to the next project!<br />
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And on that note, if you've been following the updates you'll know that this is the last real post you'll see here at jennasuedesign.blogspot.com. Tomorrow morning I'll make one final check in with a link to the new blog, so make sure to mark your calendars (there's also a giveaway involved!) Don't worry, the content will be exactly the same and I'll pick up right from where I left off, the only thing that's changing is the url (so you'll want to make sure to update that tomorrow in your reader/feed/bookmark/etc!)<br />
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See you back here tomorrow for the official launch!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-90796053344180982882015-01-30T07:37:00.000-08:002015-01-30T07:37:07.089-08:00New Laundry Rom: Beadboard wall, Paint & LightingWelcome to the latest installment of our laundry room reno! We made some great progress this week that has me quite excited for the end result. Everything (so far) is coming together as I had envisioned.<br />
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On Tuesday we left off with the storage room looking like this:<br />
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The original plan was to have a wall of Ikea Pax wardrobes but after purchasing them, I realized that I accidentally bought the 23" deep model rather than the 14" deep, leaving just 27" of walking space since the room is only 50" wide. Oops. Not only that, but the ceiling has to be a few inches taller than the wardrobe height so it can slide in after assembly and ours was an inch too short. So scratch that plan.<br />
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After some Pinterest-ing I came up with an even better solution of open wood shelving which I think will look much nicer and help the room feel more open (more on that soon).<br />
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Instead of drywall (which requires several steps and more $) we decided to create a focal wall behind the future shelves with beadboard. Normally I would not recommend nailing headboard directly onto 2x4's without any drywall or hard surface behind it for support, but since it's not exactly a functional wall it doesn't need to be reinforced.<br />
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All it took was two sheets of 4x8's, cut to size and nailed up.<br />
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Done in an hour... easy peasy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkMAbpYc-PE/VMqFwdeJlrI/AAAAAAAAOLo/uCFrKtYTWFk/s1600/IMG_5303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkMAbpYc-PE/VMqFwdeJlrI/AAAAAAAAOLo/uCFrKtYTWFk/s1600/IMG_5303.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNA0D1obZ0w/VMqFwdBHbiI/AAAAAAAAOLg/BlJIZTbIvuA/s1600/IMG_5301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNA0D1obZ0w/VMqFwdBHbiI/AAAAAAAAOLg/BlJIZTbIvuA/s1600/IMG_5301.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't judge my crooked jigsaw cuts... it will be hidden with trim!</i></td></tr>
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After patching & sanding the nail holes, it was time for paint. To save money I grabbed the can we used on the plank and panel walls in our bedroom and the studio, Valspar's Ocean Storm (in eggshell):<br />
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I think the contrast will be a nice break from all the white walls and allow the shelves and storage items to pop.<br />
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Once that was out of the way, it was on to painting all of the drywall. My vision for this room is airy, clean and refreshing (just like fresh laundry), so I naturally chose white for the wall color. We used Valspar Signature color matched to Kelly Moore's Swiss Coffee which is a nice neutral white.<br />
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Goodbye off-white drywall!<br />
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PS—our <a href="http://garyjohnsonphotography.com/">photographer neighbor</a> stopped by last night with his camera and took some wide angle shots for us, so all of the non-iPhone photos in this post are from him!<br />
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Here's a never before captured angle from the back of the storage room:<br />
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And one of the entire cabinet wall:<br />
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We skipped the paint here since we plan to tile over it. But oh, look at the difference. A breath of fresh air.<br />
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Brad also hooked up two of our lamps on the washer/dryer wall.<br />
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I picked up four in-store at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_337487-43501-FS130125-29_0__?productId=50106274&Ntt=bronze+dark+sky+outdoor+wall+light&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dbronze%2Bdark%2Bsky%2Boutdoor%2Bwall%2Blight&facetInfo=">Lowe's</a> in the outdoor lighting section. $30/ea—total bargain!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk4QCe2_rX8/VMqFxO7gHyI/AAAAAAAAOLY/j4WelZOkJ0U/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk4QCe2_rX8/VMqFxO7gHyI/AAAAAAAAOLY/j4WelZOkJ0U/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" /></a></div>
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We have them on dimmers for a little laundry room "mood lighting".<br />
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And painting the walls did help the ceiling look more gray, so that's good.</div>
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First thing tomorrow we're headed to Lowe's to buy materials to tile the floor. We've never tiled a floor or installed cement board so we're total rookies and a little nervous about it (we also plan to buy our own tile saw since there will be future projects). Any tips would be much appreciated! </div>
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Last but not least... I mentioned some big changes to this blog earlier and can now officially announce that this blog will be moving to <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">jennasuedesign.com</a> next <b>Tuesday, February 2nd</b>!</div>
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The new design is in place, the final adjustments have been made and the site is finally ready to launch. I am so excited about the new design... here's a first exclusive look:</div>
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<b>And there will be a giveaway involved</b>! I'll have a new post up Monday with a quick laundry room update, and then a final post on Tuesday linking to the new blog once it is live. Exciting stuff next week all around!</div>
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Wish us luck in our tiling adventure (and make sure to catch our progress on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign/">Instagram</a>!)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-51229592596709251862015-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002015-01-27T08:22:11.942-08:00New Laundry Room: Painted Wood CeilingMy favorite part of this process so far happened yesterday—a freshly painted ceiling! Before I get into that, let's talk about what else we've done in the past few days.<br />
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We still have this back wall of 2x4's in the storage room:<br />
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It needed to be insulated first, so Brad got to work on that Saturday morning (and left a nice little time capsule for someone to discover in 100 years):<br />
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Our plumber also came by to make sure the plumbing was ready to go and close up the washer/dryer box:<br />
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Then it was the (not) fun part... prepping the ceiling for paint. Now, we have no choice but to go for the rustic look here (which I love) but there were some major flaws in this wood. The goal was simply to patch and smooth out the areas that really needed attention (i.e. the 1" holes in the joists where old pipes were ran and the boards that were completely shredded... <br />
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This took quite a bit longer than I had expected (doesn't it always?)... I spent a few hours Friday night patching:<br />
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Then a few more on Saturday, including caulking everywhere the boards met the ceiling. Sanding was the biggest pain. Wood filler is much more stubborn than spackle, let me tell you!<br />
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I spackled/caulked/sanded for about 5 hours on Saturday before calling it quits. Sunday morning I made a few final touchups before our painter arrived. We hired this one out because it needed to be sprayed—we don't own a spray gun but we have a great painter that is <i>extremely </i>reasonable so it was worth every penny.<br />
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Oh, and staining the joists rather than painting crossed my mind for about 0.02 seconds but I decided against it because a) the whole goal was to make the ceiling appear taller, and all that dark wood would visually weigh it down, and b) there were so many imperfections that had to be filled that you would see it through the stain. Painting was the clear choice.<br />
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I wanted to keep it soft and light but instead of pure white, I decided to make things interesting and use the same barely-there gray on the walls in the rest of our house (Valspar's Montpelier Madison White—here's an old photo after it was painted for a good reference):<br />
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And we're both <i>loving</i> the way it turned out...<br />
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Please ignore the rest of the ugly/distracting space right now... it's all about the vision :)<br />
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We had our painter spray the inside of the laundry box while he was at it. The inside shouldn't really be visible but you might catch a glimpse of it around the edges so it was done just to be safe.<br />
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I know the ceiling looks pretty white in these photos, but it's up against beige-ish walls so I think after I paint the walls white it will pop more.<br />
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Here's the view from inside of the storage room—and finally a nicely lit shot of both hard-to-photograph doors (with my iphone, no less):<br />
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And here's that storage room, insulated and ready for beadboard:<br />
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And the back wall to give you an idea of the size—it's small but I have some organization ideas, I'll make it work:<br />
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Usually paint will highlight all the imperfections on a surface which is why I spent so much time trying to patch everything up, but surprisingly, everything looks cleaner and less rustic than when it was just bare wood. Here's a direct before/after of a pretty bad peice:<br />
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Bam. How do you like those putty sculpting skills? I think it worked so well partly because the paint sheen is flat, it's a light color, and the lighting is shining below it rather than directly on it. And wow, the room feels like it almost doubled in size from the very beginning, even after we split it into two rooms... don't you think?<br />
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Same angle:<br />
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I know once we get the wall of cabinets in and washer/dryer installed it won't feel as spacious, but I'm loving how this project is shaping up. Let's hope we can keep this momentum going!<br />
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Now is also a good time to review our cabinet choices. Here's the mockup from Lowe's:<br />
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The sink will be different and there will only be one shelf centered on the right cabinet, but we've got the framework laid out and the cabinets should be ready in 3-4 weeks.<br />
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I chose this cabinet style—Diamond brand's "Hanson" style door:<br />
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In this color (Cloud):<br />
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It's a very pretty soft/warm gray and I can't wait to see how it looks with the lighting in that room. <br />
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On this week's agenda is installing beadboard on the back storage wall, painting it (in a dark gray) and painting all of the drywall white. That starts tonight! Hopefully by Friday it will be ready to share. Week 3—here we go!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-9233683107458543172015-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:002015-01-23T07:53:44.233-08:00New Laundry Room: Salvaged Door DIY'sCan we pause for a moment to take in the current state of our home?<br />
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We've been living in this dust for over two weeks—layers of dirt have been accumulating everywhere and any attempt to clean is futile as it is constantly being dragged through the house by the rotation of workers.<br />
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And our downstairs... well, we've pretty much quarantined it.<br />
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And all of this just for a laundry/storage room. We are so looking forward to this one to be over!<br />
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At least I managed to finish two of my DIY projects—the entrance and pocket doors. First, let's start with the entrance. Here's the original door:<br />
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Just your average hollow core flat panel. I had my heart set on something like this the moment I saw it on Pinterest:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziWpSkZ0a-M/TcoADn76oTI/AAAAAAAABdo/feiLzHj5FG4/s640/13972704209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziWpSkZ0a-M/TcoADn76oTI/AAAAAAAABdo/feiLzHj5FG4/s640/13972704209.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://dreambookdesign.com/2011/05/how-to-hang-a-new-door-in-an-existing-frame/">Source</a></i></td></tr>
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Only, it would have to be black to match our other doors. After no luck on Craigslist and our local Facebook buy & sell, I made a trip to Habitat for Humanity Re-store and found <i>the one.</i>..<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEDoP9ifgEQ/VLSwmyHNbFI/AAAAAAAAN_c/dOjo9yBDnLk/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEDoP9ifgEQ/VLSwmyHNbFI/AAAAAAAAN_c/dOjo9yBDnLk/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" /></a></div>
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It clearly wasn't in mint condition, but I like that old door character. And it was only $10—sold!<br />
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After bringing it home I realized it's the exact same door we have in our kitchen...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peUxPcuQWDc/Uw-28DNI2UI/AAAAAAAAHps/iA9mReP7P5U/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peUxPcuQWDc/Uw-28DNI2UI/AAAAAAAAHps/iA9mReP7P5U/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sidenote — this was taken while our kitchen was still under construction!</i></td></tr>
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After removing the hardware and sanding down all the peeling paint and rough spots, I used my favorite putty to fill in all of the major gaps. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG_ReCm3zGw/VL3ATqfMIRI/AAAAAAAAODQ/ch3Qt9Iibxs/s1600/IMG_5129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG_ReCm3zGw/VL3ATqfMIRI/AAAAAAAAODQ/ch3Qt9Iibxs/s1600/IMG_5129.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've never had much luck with traditional wood putty (it always dries out and is cumbersome to work with) but this stuff you can mix with water to your desired consistency and it goes on smoothly (and it's inexpensive!)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAthm1yBCCA/VL3AUHGMO4I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/ruIzJadZs7g/s1600/IMG_5130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAthm1yBCCA/VL3AUHGMO4I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/ruIzJadZs7g/s1600/IMG_5130.jpg" /></a></div>
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The goal here wasn't a factory smooth finish (if that's what you want, save yourself the headache and buy a new door) but rather less obvious wear and tear.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOlEJJuNGIU/VL3AV2uwzXI/AAAAAAAAODw/NeLaRCBMqM0/s1600/IMG_5131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOlEJJuNGIU/VL3AV2uwzXI/AAAAAAAAODw/NeLaRCBMqM0/s1600/IMG_5131.jpg" /></a></div>
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There weren't quite as many problem areas on the back.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvFyKMskqk/VL3AU6V3jyI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/NG3Oxbpbe4c/s1600/IMG_5132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvFyKMskqk/VL3AU6V3jyI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/NG3Oxbpbe4c/s1600/IMG_5132.jpg" /></a></div>
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After letting it sit overnight, I sanded it smooth and applied a few coats of my go-to paint, Valspar Signature in Dark Kettle Black. This time I used satin (I used flat on the two interior doors I've painted so far but it leaves wipe marks behind when you try to clean it, so I figured satin would be more durable).<br />
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This door was a couple inches larger than the old one, so our contractor Dave had to reframe it. Here's how things are looking now:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEiKyitNLj8/VMF9P-xvMDI/AAAAAAAAOIc/VPlN14o5zkE/s1600/IMG_5963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEiKyitNLj8/VMF9P-xvMDI/AAAAAAAAOIc/VPlN14o5zkE/s1600/IMG_5963.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the dark pic—it's really hard to photograph black doors!<br />
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Here it is in relation to the living room french door.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8UjIuVsAQ/VMF9Qa7NCXI/AAAAAAAAOIc/Nxk2kEII08s/s1600/IMG_5964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8UjIuVsAQ/VMF9Qa7NCXI/AAAAAAAAOIc/Nxk2kEII08s/s1600/IMG_5964.jpg" /></a></div>
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The last step is to frost the glass and add a Laundry decal. I'll be trying out spray frosting and the decal should be here in a few days.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ5aOoHsa6g/VMF9Q7gt7yI/AAAAAAAAOIc/jb1TVIaIfRU/s1600/IMG_5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ5aOoHsa6g/VMF9Q7gt7yI/AAAAAAAAOIc/jb1TVIaIfRU/s1600/IMG_5965.jpg" /></a></div>
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One last shot from inside the room... I haven't decided yet if I'll keep the existing knob or replace it with the same <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-vintage-glass-doorknob-diy-for-under.html">"vintage" glass knob set</a> I used on the french door.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mllBp2EBXI/VMF9TyhhkTI/AAAAAAAAOIE/cTlmcfPL9rA/s1600/IMG_5974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mllBp2EBXI/VMF9TyhhkTI/AAAAAAAAOIE/cTlmcfPL9rA/s1600/IMG_5974.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now—on to the pocket door!<br />
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This door leads underneath the house and will be rarely used—most likely only to gain access to the back of the washer and dryer if needed, so I wanted to keep the footprint small but make it aesthetically pleasing. My favorite way to do that?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6cxF32GN8/U9ZfSccxuNI/AAAAAAAAKZU/o0o6Z5nBSCg/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6cxF32GN8/U9ZfSccxuNI/AAAAAAAAKZU/o0o6Z5nBSCg/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-plain-to-paneled.html">Plywood panels</a>, of course!<br />
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First I needed a door. The slice of wood we had before wasn't going to cut it...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdqHbS6Ldwk/VKsd0cQ1flI/AAAAAAAAN9c/v2aR6lM6e-8/s1600/IMG_5918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdqHbS6Ldwk/VKsd0cQ1flI/AAAAAAAAN9c/v2aR6lM6e-8/s1600/IMG_5918.jpg" /></a></div>
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Re-Store to the rescue again! I grabbed a 28" hollow core door that was part of a closet—forgot to take a before photo, but it looks just like this...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seTtJzR0h-w/VL52VnHNpGI/AAAAAAAAOGk/T5BsEO6AgsI/s1600/4fa5636c-d49f-4df8-8b5c-fc055067ce28_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seTtJzR0h-w/VL52VnHNpGI/AAAAAAAAOGk/T5BsEO6AgsI/s1600/4fa5636c-d49f-4df8-8b5c-fc055067ce28_400.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was about to head to Lowe's to buy a pocket door frame, when out of the corner of my eye I spied one that they had just brought out. It was in good condition and only $20 (compared to $70 at Lowe's). Score.<br />
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So all that was left was my sheet of plywood, which I brought home and cut into strips with my table saw (refer to my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-plain-to-paneled.html">original post</a> for a step by step tutorial!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYhZDvi2gGw/VL3AVp9xQeI/AAAAAAAAOF4/5EcXDwKwxUM/s1600/IMG_5137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYhZDvi2gGw/VL3AVp9xQeI/AAAAAAAAOF4/5EcXDwKwxUM/s1600/IMG_5137.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since the back will never be seen, I only had to add paneling to the front of the door. I also used wood glue this time and clamps so I got away with less finish nails.<br />
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Here's my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/x-M39jPQ7B/?modal=true">instagram photo</a> with both doors ready for sanding & paint...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNBUukQApxY/VL3AdUYV4WI/AAAAAAAAOGA/s34f9uPMWlI/s1600/IMG_5138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNBUukQApxY/VL3AdUYV4WI/AAAAAAAAOGA/s34f9uPMWlI/s1600/IMG_5138.jpg" /></a></div>
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I posted the pocket door frame last week, but here it is again as a reminder:<br />
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We later learned that it was designed for a 30" pocket door but Dave was up for the challenge. He simply added trim around the sides to close in the gap and we were good to go.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijub9GlQFTU/VMF9Ujz7d3I/AAAAAAAAOIQ/ludRfYpZMq4/s1600/IMG_5975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijub9GlQFTU/VMF9Ujz7d3I/AAAAAAAAOIQ/ludRfYpZMq4/s1600/IMG_5975.jpg" /></a></div>
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We installed a pull on the edge (you can barely see a sliver of it in this photo) but you can just as easily slide it with the edge of the trim, so I think I'll leave it as is since we plan to open it almost never. A quick paint touchup needs to be made in the center where it was scratched but other than that it's a done deal.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mujJKNF-WJY/VMF9SGjZiwI/AAAAAAAAOIY/vhSVGwfBuqU/s1600/IMG_5969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mujJKNF-WJY/VMF9SGjZiwI/AAAAAAAAOIY/vhSVGwfBuqU/s1600/IMG_5969.jpg" /></a></div>
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It looks more like a chalkboard finish in these photos because I had to edit the brightness since it's hard to see the detail—but it's very much black in person. Although I'm still having a bit of an issue with residue left behind when I wipe it down. Can anyone recommend any good solution + cleaning material that doesn't leave streaks?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iG_oveMhgM/VMF9RZCqOKI/AAAAAAAAOIc/ZbxoIj28qKI/s1600/IMG_5967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iG_oveMhgM/VMF9RZCqOKI/AAAAAAAAOIc/ZbxoIj28qKI/s1600/IMG_5967.jpg" /></a></div>
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You'll also notice something new on the right—our washer and dryer box is built! No more giant hole underneath the house!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jS-4RHOIsE/VMF9PDEQtDI/AAAAAAAAOIc/upUa02APGII/s1600/IMG_5271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jS-4RHOIsE/VMF9PDEQtDI/AAAAAAAAOIc/upUa02APGII/s1600/IMG_5271.jpg" /></a></div>
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We plan to add a drain underneath the washer, tile the bottom, seal the edges, paint and trim it out. The empty box below will be my first attempt at a DIY drawer (for laundry soap storage).<br />
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Our plumber has spent the past few days tapping into the kitchen lines and running hot/cold and drain lines for our sink on the other side of the room, seen below underneath the hole in the floor:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDL10nmsPk8/VMF9Su7FXmI/AAAAAAAAOIU/pgn-xsiIwKA/s1600/IMG_5971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDL10nmsPk8/VMF9Su7FXmI/AAAAAAAAOIU/pgn-xsiIwKA/s1600/IMG_5971.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today the new plumbing system will be tested and checked for leaks. Once the washer, dryer and sink are installed, our plumber will come back to get everything buttoned up.<br />
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And that's where we are at today! Still no pretty pictures, I know, bear with me here. Tonight I begin the exciting process of removing all of the nails/screws/stray pieces of metal from the ceiling, patching up all of the knots and holes and trying to sand it all down as best as I can. It will still be rustic looking, that's for sure...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHRTL6gJpyU/VMF9VayWETI/AAAAAAAAOIA/KmAx74cknc0/s1600/IMG_5976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHRTL6gJpyU/VMF9VayWETI/AAAAAAAAOIA/KmAx74cknc0/s1600/IMG_5976.jpg" /></a></div>
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But I'm excited to see how this never-before-attempted ceiling look works out. Brand new territory here, people!<br />
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We have painters coming Sunday to spray the ceiling so I should have some finished photos on Monday or Tuesday of that. Though I'll probably be too excited to wait and end up sharing on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign/">Instagram</a>, so follow me there to make sure you don't miss a minute of this riveting renovation! :)<br />
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And one more thing... some big changes are happening around here. January is the season of clean slates and new beginnings, and I've been inspired to do something I've been thinking about for a while—a website rebranding and redesign!<br />
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<a href="http://scontent-a-lax.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10914303_1545076865746566_1715344923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a-lax.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10914303_1545076865746566_1715344923_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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This includes the blog, too. A new and improved version will soon be hosted at <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">jennasuedesign.com</a> instead of blogspot. I'll share more in the coming week (it's all coming together behind the scenes right now and should be ready to launch in another week or so). Looking forward to a fresh start this new year!<br />
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Happy Weekend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-27446681155338400482015-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:002015-01-20T11:06:32.343-08:00New Laundry Room: A blank slateIt feels like it's been a month since my post <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-laundry-room-demolition-day.html">last week</a>... so much has happened in this room!<br />
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For the past 7 days we've had our contractor, plumber, HVAC, electrician, cabinet guy and drywall crew (along with us) working in there from sunrise to sunset. Needless to say, it's the fastest progress we've ever made on a remodel.<br />
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Let's revisit how this place looked last Tuesday....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ocgS933J8k/VLSwo0vjKNI/AAAAAAAAN_4/xo7Yl-fkkWU/s1600/IMG_5053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ocgS933J8k/VLSwo0vjKNI/AAAAAAAAN_4/xo7Yl-fkkWU/s1600/IMG_5053.jpg" /></a></div>
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The floor was gone and it was time for some demo. Our contractor Dave is lightning fast and had the dirt cleared, floor joists rebuilt, plywood in, AC vent removed and the back wall up within hours:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkLZf0QXt6Q/VL3ANdzNL4I/AAAAAAAAOGE/7rmemcfHw78/s1600/IMG_5098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkLZf0QXt6Q/VL3ANdzNL4I/AAAAAAAAOGE/7rmemcfHw78/s1600/IMG_5098.jpg" /></a></div>
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He also straightened the horizontal braces between the joists which looks <i>so</i> much better. We installed a new AC system last week so all of the old vents were able to be removed.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQW2dKl-VfA/VL3AUy4lp4I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/3-xd6oZA9zY/s1600/IMG_5099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQW2dKl-VfA/VL3AUy4lp4I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/3-xd6oZA9zY/s1600/IMG_5099.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next it was time for the new wall to go up! If you are just tuning in to this project, the back area will be a storage room.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lV4_KExzGe0/VL3APeyopTI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/xwf6N3LC9dQ/s1600/IMG_5103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lV4_KExzGe0/VL3APeyopTI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/xwf6N3LC9dQ/s1600/IMG_5103.jpg" /></a></div>
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On the right wall, Dave cut out a hole (around 55" wide) which is where we'll recess our washer and dryer. Before building the enclosure, he had to dig out a good amount of the hillside to make room. The space behind the wall is enclosed underneath the house so nothing can get in (there's concrete walls and insulation beneath the ceiling). <br />
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We decided to keep our existing ceiling fixtures and mount them in the center of the room to minimize the wiring. Our electrician ran conduit across the joists in a few locations (conduit is needed for exposed ceilings under 8' tall) which carry all of the wiring for the ceiling lights and lamps each side of the room. They're only visible when standing in the back of the room (see below), and once the ceiling is painted it should all blend in pretty well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kQpenXjTbg/VL3ASD2FW-I/AAAAAAAAOC8/mTck3pWdJjA/s1600/IMG_5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kQpenXjTbg/VL3ASD2FW-I/AAAAAAAAOC8/mTck3pWdJjA/s1600/IMG_5122.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the two wall lamp locations above what will be the cabinet/sink wall:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4tcmeaML1ODDxL0XUBtFFIzjuL7L61GIqbIRWI67Ws7VSNqxgWDQnxAQ3ocIeFs7meBzitRLwbSJN3D1BkecXDZrNEaSj-KVD_4Xtvv_5wqlV8WwRVxH_8-h-41IUXbKZBQgU8gxTaVE/s1600/IMG_5121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4tcmeaML1ODDxL0XUBtFFIzjuL7L61GIqbIRWI67Ws7VSNqxgWDQnxAQ3ocIeFs7meBzitRLwbSJN3D1BkecXDZrNEaSj-KVD_4Xtvv_5wqlV8WwRVxH_8-h-41IUXbKZBQgU8gxTaVE/s1600/IMG_5121.jpg" /> </a></div>
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And another centered over the washer/dryer—and more progress on the washer/dryer enclosure:</div>
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We also added a second switch (one for the ceiling lights, one for the wall lamps) and put everything on dimmers.</div>
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We needed a door leading underneath the house to have access to the back of the washer/dryer, and I was able to find this pocket door assembly for just $20 at Habitat for Humanity Restore! I also picked up a used $10 door and gave it a makeover (more on that in a few days).</div>
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Here's the pocket door assembly installation in action—you can get a good view of the space back there—not very warm and inviting!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da51KavZJYc/VL3AOTrfWkI/AAAAAAAAOGE/rhnLNsnOBvI/s1600/IMG_5100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da51KavZJYc/VL3AOTrfWkI/AAAAAAAAOGE/rhnLNsnOBvI/s1600/IMG_5100.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next came the most exciting part—drywall! We've never done drywall before (and frankly don't have the time/energy/confidence to tackle it this time) so Dave knocked it all out in one afternoon.<br />
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And we now have a storage room!<br />
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This was completed Friday night and the drywallers were coming Saturday, but Dave had to take off early and couldn't finish so we spent our Friday night patching all the holes and attempting to figure it out.<br />
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We had to fill all these gaps between the joists...<br />
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But our box cutter blade was dull so it took a while.<br />
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At around 11pm we retired for the night and let the drywall guys finish the job. They're about 100x faster than us so it worked out better.<br />
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They spent all day Saturday mudding... already it was looking so much better! <br />
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You instagrammers <a href="http://instagram.com/p/x-GCbTvQ8g/?modal=true">already saw this</a>, right? ;)<br />
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Witness the magic of drywall mud... before:<br />
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And after:<br />
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On Sunday they came back and sanded it all down perfectly smooth which was the highlight of this project so far. I just <i>love</i> a good smooth wall—such an improvement over the sloppy texture that was in there!<br />
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Don't worry, all the drywall edges will be covered with trim!<br />
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I'm also loving the way it looks with the ceiling joists. I have to admit, I was nervous about the whole exposed ceiling look being a little too rustic and out of my comfort zone, but now that the drywall is complete I can picture the end result and think it will be one of my favorite feaures. We only went this route because the ceilings are so low but even if they were standard height, it has a lot more character than drywall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_19JolsAKyMmoQFOU4Ty9oWo7CgQVM20ktLFGirCHayfjjrFRt1ZgxWsfs_o_0jHGpiJJiwAHNI670zbqcz5eZQZPOVzH_r1B1khfrlYt2RwlSwgP7KLnEeBLC2qA2gV6yRKGDhhI9gi/s1600/IMG_5228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_19JolsAKyMmoQFOU4Ty9oWo7CgQVM20ktLFGirCHayfjjrFRt1ZgxWsfs_o_0jHGpiJJiwAHNI670zbqcz5eZQZPOVzH_r1B1khfrlYt2RwlSwgP7KLnEeBLC2qA2gV6yRKGDhhI9gi/s1600/IMG_5228.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's a peek at the inside of the storage room... </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKNLEsxxno/VL3AZs0bopI/AAAAAAAAOFg/-lJcR5CyWLc/s1600/IMG_5232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKNLEsxxno/VL3AZs0bopI/AAAAAAAAOFg/-lJcR5CyWLc/s1600/IMG_5232.jpg" /></a> </div>
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I just came up with a new plan for this space last night and I'm anxious to get started!</div>
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Here's looking towards the entrance after I crawled inside the washer/dryer box for a better view (the black french door leads up the stairs to the living room): </div>
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And here's looking straight ahead to the future cabinet/sink/tile wall:<br />
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And then to the right at the storage room wall:<br />
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Today, Dave is scheduled to install both the pocket door and main entrance door and hopefully build out the washer/dryer box (depending on how far the plumber gets). </div>
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As you can imagine, it has been a bit crazy around here with trying to schedule all these workers around each other and make sure everything is done in the right order! There have been a few hiccups but fortunately no huge mistakes so far and we've been very pleased with the progress.</div>
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After this week, it will slow down a bit since we'll be taking over with the DIY side of things—paint, trim, floor tile (possibly), wrapping up electrical, finishing the storage room, building a storage drawer and barn door. The cabinets are ordered and won't arrive for another 4+ weeks so we'll have to do everything else in that time.</div>
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If all goes as planned, I'll have another post up in a few days with our new entrance & pocket doors. I love the way these turned out so make sure to check back on Friday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-6833448664799106092015-01-13T09:47:00.001-08:002015-01-16T12:17:27.619-08:00New Laundry Room: Demolition Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-new-laundry-room-plan.html">Last week</a> I introduced you to the empty room downstairs which we've decided to convert into our new laundry room:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGYgzCS1uUE/VKseI8J6B8I/AAAAAAAAN-A/pzmFVhRtK-s/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGYgzCS1uUE/VKseI8J6B8I/AAAAAAAAN-A/pzmFVhRtK-s/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" /></a></div>
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We were dying to know what was above those 7' ceilings, so we ripped the drywall out right away...<br />
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No big surprises up there, whew. Just a couple wires we'll have to re-route and some bracing boards we'll line up into one row:<br />
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Since we can't lower the floor, we wanted to leave the ceiling exposed to gain every little bit of height we can (the room has no windows and we're hoping to avoid a closet/jail cell atmosphere).<br />
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There was insulation between the ceiling joists, so we consulted with a pro who said if we removed that from the ceiling, we'd have to insulate the floor instead.<br />
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So the entire floor had to come out... but not before we dealt with this funky platform in the back:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIKr32L2qwc/VLSwnurGV6I/AAAAAAAAOAM/392OBcSsf74/s1600/IMG_5022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIKr32L2qwc/VLSwnurGV6I/AAAAAAAAOAM/392OBcSsf74/s1600/IMG_5022.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, that giant AC vent is going away this week!</i></td></tr>
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Luckily it came up without any issues.<br />
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It seems the original builders just didn't want to bother digging out the ground any further and added that platform out of laziness (or to save money? who knows).<br />
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After the platform was removed, we were left with a pile of exposed rock/clay/dirt underneath the house...<br />
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So Brad and I spent the better part of Sunday with shovels, digging and excavating as much of it as we could manage...<br />
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Oh, and see that step of concrete in the back? That's the foundation and unfortunately we can't remove it without compromising the structural integrity of the house, so that's staying. Instead we'll have to build a new wall right in front of it. We'll lose about 10" or so, but I'm not super concerned as this house is filled with plenty of (unused) storage space already.<br />
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Yesterday our contractor finished digging out the ground and removed the floor (he'll rebuild it in the back so it's all nice and level):<br />
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Here's the current view from the entrance:<br />
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And from the back of the room, looking towards the entrance:<br />
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We're using a new guy and he has been great! He works so fast and we're anticipating he'll be done by the end of the week so we can get our drywall finished and smooth this weekend.<br />
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Here's a rough placement of the recessed washer/dryer nook (although it's going to have to be lowered a bit):<br />
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As I type this, he's probably cutting out that wall right now. Meanwhile, I'll be at Ikea getting our sink, faucet and countertops! We decided to go with Lowe's for the cabinets since they'll need to be customized (and I prefer the color/selection—definitely pricier than Ikea but it should be worth it in the end).<br />
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We're expecting some major progress this week, hopefully you'll barely recognize the room in the next post! I know these iPhone demo pictures aren't very exciting, but the progress is and soon enough we'll have some fun projects unfolding. I hope you'll stick around and watch this room come to life—see you next week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.groopdealz.com/deal/personalized-house-number-art-print/41111"><img border="0" src="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10903672_1013098292040863_433277374_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Get it <a href="http://www.groopdealz.com/deal/personalized-house-number-art-print/41111">here now</a>!</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-80258890659420573872015-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:002015-01-06T07:00:04.011-08:00A New Laundry Room: The PlanWell hello there & Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2015 with a renovation that I am <i>so</i> excited about, because 1) it solves a major problem with our house, and 2) this might be the biggest before & after transformation ever. <div>
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In my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/best-of-2014-year-in-review.html">2014 recap</a> post I spilled the beans that we're doing a laundry room renovation. But it's not just a renovation, we're creating a new room from scratch!</div>
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Here's what we're working with now—I had to break out the wide angle lens for this space—it's so tiny!</div>
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It's not even a room—just a 60" long pass through between the garage door and the hall door.</div>
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The layout is horrible. The washer and dryer aren't configured properly, they stick out too far, and you can't open more than one door without it hitting something else, let alone try to fit a laundry basket in there!</div>
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Don't be fooled by the lens—I can easily reach my arms out and touch both doors. We tried to think of every way possible to widen the room but there's a bathroom on either side and no way to knock out the walls. It was hopeless.</div>
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Then last month in a stroke of genius, Brad suggested we convert our empty room downstairs to a laundry room. Best idea ever!</div>
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Now, this "room" hardly qualifies as a room. It's a small and narrow dungeon-like space with 7' tall ceilings, no windows/ventilation, and exposed HVAC pipes. It's a small prison cell, basically. </div>
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Here's how it looked when we moved in:</div>
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Brad decided to use the main area as a makeshift office and I filled the back with storage. Excuse the mess, this was right as we were cleaning it out.</div>
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Looking towards the entrance: </div>
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Just to give you an idea of where this is in the house, it's just off the living room downstairs. Here's the view of the entrance from the staircase (the living room is on a half level):</div>
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And here it is from the downstairs hallway:</div>
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Ready to see the plan?</div>
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Here's our to-do list:</div>
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<b>1. Rip out the ceiling </b>We can't raise the height, but by keeping the joists exposed we'll gain an extra 8" visually. I'll have it painted a soft gray and go with a rustic-industrial-chic look. </div>
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<b>2. Rip out the floors, insulate & tile </b>Because we're eliminating our ceiling insulation, we need to insulate underneath the floor which requires ripping it all out and starting from scratch. I plan to use a light colored wood-like tile all the way through.</div>
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<b>3. Rip out the back platforms </b>We're working with a handyman on the demo who says he can dig out the ground and make the floor all one level.</div>
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<b>4. Build a wall and add a storage room in the back </b>Once the floor is level, A wall will go up and I'll add Ikea wardrobes across the back wall along with other storage solutions to keep all of our home decor organized and easily accessible.</div>
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<b>5. Recess the washer and dryer </b>Behind the back wall of this room is a small open area underneath the house. Our handyman will dig out & create a platform, build a box for the washer/dryer and recess it so it's flush with the wall and doesn't take up any space inside the room. I also want to create built in drawers below the washer/dryer for extra storage.</div>
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<b>6. Skim coat the walls </b>There's currently a mess of mismatched & poorly patched wall texture. We thought about covering it all with headboard then decided to keep it simple and skim coat it instead so it's smooth drywall. </div>
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<b>7. Add cabinetry & a sink along the back wall </b>Here's the general layout:</div>
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I used Ikea cabinets as an example, but what I want is fairly custom so I'm going to get a quote from Lowe's to see if it's a better option. I do know I'll be using the ikea farmhouse sink and faucet, light gray cabinets, butcher block countertops, white subway tile, a reclaimed wood floating shelf and wall lamps.</div>
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<b>8. Lighting </b>There will be four wall lamps (shown in the photo above)—two on each main wall. We'll also have two fixtures in the center of the room on the ceiling with spotlights to illuminate different areas. Since the ceiling is completely exposed, lighting is tricky and we need to keep it clean and simple to minimize the wires (we normally do recessed which isn't possible here). </div>
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<b>9. New doors </b>We're reframing the main entry door and I have something fun for that in mind. I'll also be building a sliding barn door to separate the storage room, and we're eliminating this useless sliver of wood and adding a pocket door (this leads to more empty space under the house for storage):</div>
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<b>10. Hooks & storage solutions</b> I'll add hooks for hangers/clothes drying, as well as a spot to hang an ironing board and possibly an interchangeable gallery wall. Still working out the details!</div>
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It's easy to break this down into 10 steps but of course there will be a ton of work involved behind the scenes—demo, electrical for ceiling lights, appliances & wall lamps, new plumbing for the sink and washer/dryer, rebuilding a floor, putting up a wall & doors, drywall, tile, paint, etc etc! It's basically a small scale kitchen reno.</div>
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And then we have the old laundry room—that will be converted into desk/workspace nook for Brad with cabinets for storage. But I'm not even thinking about that until this laundry room is finished! We have our subcontractors lined up, and the project timeline will depend on when our handyman can start (we're waiting to hear back). I would say a couple months as a rough estimate but hopefully sooner. </div>
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I also have big changes in the works for my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">website</a> and this blog that will keep me occupied for a while so it's going to be quite busy around here—can't wait to share those!</div>
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Hopefully by next week I'll have lots of demo to show you. We've been planning for weeks and are anxious to get this ball rolling. Here's to starting the new year off right!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-21337868197791775692014-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:002014-12-30T08:22:41.654-08:00Best of 2014: A year in reviewWith just two days left of this year, I can't help but look back and reflect on how much has changed in our home. We've been busier and accomplished more in the past 363 days than all our prior days of home ownership combined. There have been so many ups and downs on this roller coaster ride, but going into 2015 we both feel more confident and ready to take on bigger and better challenges.<br />
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Let's start with a recap of our Room Makeover Reveals...<br />
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/foyer-update-reveal.html">April: Foyer </a><br />
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-chronicles-reveal.html">April: Kitchen </a><br />
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/our-home-theater-room-reveal_12.html">May: Home Theater Room</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl0tGXjhX3g/U3Dwy5_UJFI/AAAAAAAAJBw/_nyGfaL58ik/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl0tGXjhX3g/U3Dwy5_UJFI/AAAAAAAAJBw/_nyGfaL58ik/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-jenna-sue-design-co-studio-reveal.html">May: Studio </a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cXx6TQvm2uo/U4dbYL-JW8I/AAAAAAAAJUs/ld5C-N5TM_I/s1600/IMG_3398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cXx6TQvm2uo/U4dbYL-JW8I/AAAAAAAAJUs/ld5C-N5TM_I/s1600/IMG_3398.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/master-makeover-reveal.html">August: Master Bedroom</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyHxenctFcA/U-hEIDMxXgI/AAAAAAAAKos/cNs2R7Fe0M8/s1600/IMG_4600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyHxenctFcA/U-hEIDMxXgI/AAAAAAAAKos/cNs2R7Fe0M8/s1600/IMG_4600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/diy-bar-cart-deck-makeover-for-fall.html">October: Backyard Deck</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utwbzmeDejM/VC7JNXwFDQI/AAAAAAAAM_M/xQFmyIXsRjM/s1600/IMG_5138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utwbzmeDejM/VC7JNXwFDQI/AAAAAAAAM_M/xQFmyIXsRjM/s1600/IMG_5138.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-big-living-room-reveal.html">October: Living Room</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIEI1K0VWVY/VE568cspLTI/AAAAAAAANTc/eaKN8kvk0dw/s1600/IMG_5458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIEI1K0VWVY/VE568cspLTI/AAAAAAAANTc/eaKN8kvk0dw/s1600/IMG_5458.jpg" /></a></div>
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Whew... that was a lot of work for one year! Now let's move on to my personal favorite DIY projects. It was difficult to narrow these down as each project came with its own set of pros and cons, but I'd do any of these ones again in a heartbeat.<br />
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1. Building this <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-details-diy-cabinet-tree.html">living room cabinet:</a><br />
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2. Transforming <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-floor-mirrorfrom.html">this Ikea floor mirror:</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7F3BZY5UUVs/U9BWEgdSxcI/AAAAAAAAKWg/DeN4khA67Gk/s1600/BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7F3BZY5UUVs/U9BWEgdSxcI/AAAAAAAAKWg/DeN4khA67Gk/s1600/BA.jpg" /></a></div>
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3. Creating <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-paneled-wall.html">this paneled wall:</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-013I9lm49SU/U-hEJNbwjEI/AAAAAAAAKpA/2cm8rd5-kZk/s1600/IMG_4606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-013I9lm49SU/U-hEJNbwjEI/AAAAAAAAKpA/2cm8rd5-kZk/s1600/IMG_4606.jpg" /></a></div>
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4. This entire <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/master-makeover-customized-pax-wardrobe.html">wardrobe vanity:</a><br />
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<b>Bonus:</b> Favorite post in general award goes to our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-part-1.html">Christmas home tour.</a>..<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQp_0DjuJ4k/VIaQ1Wm35LI/AAAAAAAANsM/IhQv4dp52xk/s1600/IMG_5774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQp_0DjuJ4k/VIaQ1Wm35LI/AAAAAAAANsM/IhQv4dp52xk/s1600/IMG_5774.jpg" /></a></div>
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And most exciting news of the year would have to be our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/bhg-magazine-shoot-recap.html">BHG features!</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4RoGsD2tqQ/VECBaU2EHUI/AAAAAAAANMs/WMltPpC547E/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4RoGsD2tqQ/VECBaU2EHUI/AAAAAAAANMs/WMltPpC547E/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" /></a></div>
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And finally, here are your favorites from the year based on views:<br />
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1. <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-plain-to-paneled.html">DIY plain to paneled door</a> (this also has to be in my top 5 favorite projects)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6cxF32GN8/U9ZfSccxuNI/AAAAAAAAKZU/o0o6Z5nBSCg/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6cxF32GN8/U9ZfSccxuNI/AAAAAAAAKZU/o0o6Z5nBSCg/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-source-list-budget-breakdown.html">Kitchen Source List & Budget Breakdown</a><br />
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3. <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/06/foyer-update-diy-salvaged-door.html">DIY Salvaged Door</a><br />
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4. <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-ikea-pax-pantry.html">Ikea Pax Pantry</a> (one of my favorite features of our kitchen)<br />
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Some of you have been on this ride with us since our Florida home and
remember these posts, while others have recently joined and will
discover some new content—either way, we truly appreciate everyone's
support and thank you for checking in to follow our progress this year! <br />
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So what's in store for 2015? Some of you sleuths who follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennasuedesign/">Pinterest</a> already figured it out after I posted this on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xFyc_zPQ8w/?modal=true">instagram</a> a few days ago...<br />
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It's laundry room makeover! And not just a <i>makeover</i>—we're completely creating a new laundry room from scratch. Relocating our current washer and dryer from an upstairs pass through to an empty room downstairs. We've been planning for a couple weeks and I have a fairly good idea of colors, layout and materials but if you have any dedicated laundry boards on Pinterest, please link to them in the comments below! I need all the inspiration I can get as we lock down our sources over the next few weeks.<br />
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I have so much to share but will have to save it for a dedicated post next week, so don't go anywhere! I hope you all have a happy and safe NYE and a virtual Cheers to 2015... see you next year!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-24893203621879842322014-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-19T06:00:01.636-08:005 Days of Holiday DIY's: JOY ChalkboardHappy Friday! It's the last day of my 5 Days of holiday DIY's...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffgPUK_gKRM/VI32aRIz_dI/AAAAAAAANzI/85SkH1o59W4/s1600/5Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffgPUK_gKRM/VI32aRIz_dI/AAAAAAAANzI/85SkH1o59W4/s1600/5Days.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's a recap of this week if you missed anything:<br />
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Day 1: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">Branchlers + free printables</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-easy-tree.html">Quick + easy tree ornaments</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-no-sew-sweater.html">No sew sweater stocking</a><br />
Day 4: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-1-minute-mini.html">1 minute mini wreath and DIY garland </a><br />
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Today I'm sharing how I made this JOY chalkboard for $0 using materials I had on hand:<br />
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I had a few of these wood panels lying around in the garage (not entirely sure what their purpose was but I knew I could make it into something fun).<br />
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Aiming for a shabby look, I gave it a quick sanding expose some of the wood underneath with my Mouse (one of my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-favorite-things-in-2014.html">favorite things from 2014</a>):<br />
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Instead of painting the inside, I thought it would be neat to turn it into a chalkboard so I could switch it up if needed. I found a simple chalkboard paint recipe online—2 tbsp of unsanded grout (mixed with water) and 1 cup of paint (I used leftover Valspar paint in eggshell). I actually just eyeballed the measurements—I only needed a tiny bit.<br />
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Because there's grout in it, this stuff takes a very long time to dry. Around an hour for a thick coat—I gave it three coats since I had a lot of extra paint.<br />
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For the "O", I made another <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-1-minute-mini.html">1 minute mini wreath</a> and secured it with a small clear command hook, then freehanded the J and Y in chalk. And that's it—such an easy project!<br />
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You could use any board you have lying around for this, or add trim around the edges for a framed look. A very inexpensive project even if you're starting from scratch, and it really livens up any space.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38rSYgjgF7c/VIaQ9oT18MI/AAAAAAAANvo/D5yvqjCyuQw/s1600/IMG_5827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38rSYgjgF7c/VIaQ9oT18MI/AAAAAAAANvo/D5yvqjCyuQw/s1600/IMG_5827.jpg" /></a></div>
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And that's a wrap for my 5 Days of Holiday DIY's! I hope you were able to take away some new ideas and inspiration to use in your own home this year or in seasons to come. Next year I'll definitely get started earlier so I don't have to cram it all into one weekend :)<br />
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We'll be spending the next week enjoying time with family, but I'll be back before the new year to reveal plans for our next renovation—I can't wait to share what's in store! In the meantime, let's keep in touch on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign/">Instagram</a>!<br />
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Happy holidays to you and your family from Brad, Jenna, Susie & Biscuit,<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-46351177710384813532014-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-18T06:00:02.955-08:005 Days of Holiday DIY's: 1 minute mini-wreath and DIY pine garlandWelcome to Day 4 of my 5 Days of Holiday DIY's!<br />
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If you missed anything this week, make sure to get caught up now:<br />
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Day 1: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">Branchlers + free printables</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-easy-tree.html">Quick + easy tree ornaments</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-no-sew-sweater.html">No sew sweater stocking</a><br />
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Today I'm excited to share how I added lots of fresh greenery to our home (for free!) and a new mini-wreath DIY I discovered that might be my favorite holiday trick yet.<br />
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First, we have the garland.<br />
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A large banister and staircase calls for a massive garland, and a ton of evergreen clippings. Luckily, our front yard is covered in evergreen bushes so I spent about an hour gathering clippings one day...<br />
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Larger peices make this easier and faster, so I'd recommend cutting at least 1 foot sections.<br />
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I read somewhere that you should hammer the ends of the stalks so they absorb more water and soak them overnight before assembling so they'll last longer. It has been over three weeks and they're still green, so I'm glad I followed that advice!<br />
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My supplies were simply floral wire and a spool of twine.<br />
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I had two different species of evergreen so I ended up alternating them both for a more organic/layered look. <br />
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Starting with my first piece, I wrapped the stem around the twine a couple times then wrapped that with the floral wire near the base. About halfway down my stalk I added another branch and did the same.<br />
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If your branches aren't very full, you may need to add more.<br />
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The twine just helped to keep everything in line while the floral wire actually secured them so they wouldn't fall off. <br />
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Keep in mind you don't need to cut the twine or floral wire until the very end—just keep wrapping. It went by faster than I thought!<br />
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To keep it fuller looking, be careful to wrap the wire under the smaller branches instead of gathering it all underneath the wire—try to keep it as close to the stalk as possible so the pine needles can hang freely.<br />
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I only attached most of them about halfway to let the tops hang loose.<br />
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I think this photo was taken after only 30 minutes or so—I thought it was going to be a pain but it was actually enjoyable and went by fast!<br />
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I had to make over 30 feet though, so it still ended up taking at least a couple hours.<br />
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Once I was happy with the length, I found this sticky-back plastic apparatus in the garage and sec it to the end of my banister, along with some floral wire to secure the garland. </div>
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That was all I needed—the weight of the garland wrapped around the banister held the rest of it in place.<br />
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To finish it off, I bought a few spools of wired burlap ribbon and made a large bow for each post (four in total).<br />
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Can't get enough of bows this year!<br />
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Okay, ready for the easiest wreath you'll ever make in your life? All you need is just one evergreen clipping, some floral wire and ribbon (optional).<br />
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Step 1: Cut the branches off the main stalk of your clipping.<br />
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Step 2: Take your floral wire and make a circle (then cut the wire and wrap the two ends to secure). It doesn't have to be perfect.<br />
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Step 3: Place your first branchlet along the hoop and tightly wrap it (in the center) a couple times with your wire.<br />
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Step 4: Take the middle of your second piece and join it with the stalk end of your first, and wrap it a couple times around your hoop (don't cut the wire when you're done wrapping, just keep going!)<br />
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Step 5: Repeat until you make your way back to the first piece, being careful to wrap only stem so the pine needles hang free.<br />
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How easy is that? It literally takes just one minute.<br />
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Of course I had to put a bow on it.<br />
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I hung them to the front and back of our bedroom door using small clear command hooks. I love it against the black and think it's the cutest thing ever—one day after all of my doors have been remodeled they'll each get two for Christmas :)<br />
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You could put them on anything though—kitchen cabinets, coat hooks, backs of chairs, mirrors—you name it. Find an evergreen near you and go crazy.<br />
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Check back tomorrow for the final installment of my last minute DIY holiday projects! Next up is another one that cost me $0 to make... stay tuned!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-15617990596825760362014-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-17T06:00:00.651-08:005 Days of Holiday DIY's: No Sew Sweater StockingIt's Day 3 and we're halfway through my 5 Days of holiday DIY's!<br />
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If you missed the first two posts, learn how to make Branchlers and grab some <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">free holiday printables here</a>, and find out how I made all of my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-easy-tree.html">tree ornaments here.</a><br />
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Today's project is one that I wasn't even sure I could pull off. It was a bit of a last minute idea, after only finding two different store bought sweater stockings I liked and wanting a third... because three just seemed better than two.<br />
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Can you tell which one was DIY'd?<br />
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If you guessed the one on the left, you win a free tutorial on how to make it! <br />
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It all started with this $5 thrift store sweater vest...<br />
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Not the cheapest thrift store find admittedly, but the buttons were just perfect and it was basically an exact color match to the other two.<br />
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Step 1: Trace and cut. I used one of the other stockings as a template and loosely traced it onto the back of my sweater in two different areas (I wanted this one to be a bit different so I made it longer and skinner). This is where I remind you that you're supposed to trace one backwards unless you want one side of your stocking fabric to be inside out.<br />
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Whoops. Good thing you only see one side of it when it's hanging, right? I was rushing through this project and didn't really think about it. <br />
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Next, grab your stitch witchery. I've used this stuff plenty of times on other fabric and had no idea if it would work or not on sweater material (Spoiler alert: it did).<br />
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After setting the iron on the highest setting, I lined up both sides of my stocking with the stitching tape along the edge in between, set a wet cloth on top and ironed them together (the tape uses heat and moisture to bond the fabric together).<br />
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I proceeded to do this all along the edge of the stocking, leaving the top open.<br />
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This part will be the inside so it doesn't have to look pretty! I think the key here, especially with this material, is to let it cool completely before handling it too much as the seam can easily come undone it you pull on the fabric while it's still bonding.<br />
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I loved the buttons that came with my sweater and wanted to incorporate it onto the stocking, so I cut a strip of fabric where the button slits were to attach around the top of my stocking.<br />
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With the stocking turned inside out, I carefully folded back the top edge and lined it up with the edge of my top piece. I had to fold it back so that you wouldn't see the seam once everything was turned inside out.<br />
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It's a little tricky applying the stitching tape here, but it worked well enough. Here it is attached to the top:<br />
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At this point you're basically done! Here it is turned inside out:<br />
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The final step was to cut my strip off with the buttons. Then I simply buttoned it onto the stocking, folded down the top part and tucked the material inside.<br />
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There was an open edge where the two ends met so to keep it together I threaded some twine between both ends and tied a bow (which also doubled as a hanger).<br />
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I might actually like it more than the store bought stockings.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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Another $5 + one hour project checked off the list! Anyone else make their own stockings this year? I kept finding these great tutorials but they all required sewing machines. I hope one day I'll learn/have time to figure out this sewing thing... until then, stitch witchery forever!<br />
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Don't miss Day 4's project, coming tomorrow!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-45975724307850257712014-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-16T06:00:06.524-08:005 Days of Holiday DIY's: Easy Tree OrnamentsWelcome to Day 2 of my 5 Days of Holiday DIY's, where I'm sharing my quick and easy Christmas projects for all those last minute DIY'ers!<br />
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If you missed yesterday's post, make sure to check out my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">branchlers tutorial and free printable downloads.</a><br />
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Today is all about the Christmas tree ornaments...<br />
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Like I've mentioned before, I was basically starting entirely from scratch this year so I needed to fill this tree up with decor that wouldn't be a budget breaker.<br />
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For my base I started off with 20 yards of 6" jute burlap ribbon <a href="https://www.sunshinecrafts.com/p/BURLAP-6-X-5-YARDS-NATURAL-240GSM-FL-DP-2914-042">purchased here</a> for under $22 shipped. I'll definitely reuse it again so I think it was a pretty good deal!<br />
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I also found this <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/271416769707?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT">pom fringe trim</a> for $1 yard on Ebay and bought 20 yards to drape around the tree. I love the touch of whimsy it adds.<br />
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Then it was on to the ornaments. The first thing I knew I wanted from the beginning was big bows.<br />
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This was super easy—I bought a few rolls of this ribbon on sale from Joann's, divided them into equal pieces and tied them into bows. They bring the perfect amount of red and they're my favorite part of the tree!<br />
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Another thing I knew I had to have was pinecones. I have a ton of these lying around so I chose the smallest/lightweight of the bunch, cut some ribbon, made some bows, and glued everything together:<br />
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Pinecones and bows go together like pb&j, don't you think?<br />
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Next it was time to bring a personal element in. Right before Thanksgiving I got the idea to have our guests write out things they were thankful for onto these hang tags (purchased at Joanns):<br />
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I thought it would be neat if they had an aged look, so I dipped them in coffee, hot water and a bit of cinnamon to stain the paper:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rsXRvgaZ414/VI36oadAddI/AAAAAAAAN44/Is86xMBBkcc/s1600/IMG_4810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rsXRvgaZ414/VI36oadAddI/AAAAAAAAN44/Is86xMBBkcc/s1600/IMG_4810.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't make the water too hot or the paper will fall apart!</i></td></tr>
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After preheating the oven to 200°, I removed the tags from the mixture so they weren't soaking wet...<br />
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Then spread them onto a cookie sheet and placed them into the oven:<br />
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I babysat them for a while, checking often and removed them once they were dry (maybe 20-30 minutes?)<br />
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We used a variety of different pens and some of the ink bled in the drying process—I think the best results were had with the fine tip permanent markers.<br />
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To hang I simply used some wire ornament hangers from the dollar store.<br />
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For the final touches, I enlisted some inexpensive store bought ornaments to help fill in the gaps. During a trip to Ikea last month I picked up this set of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90283764/">56 ornaments</a> for just $10—what a steal!<br />
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However, I was going with a more neutral/rustic theme this year so decided not to use silver. Easy fix—I simply strung all the ornaments between a couple trees outside and spray painted them white. </div>
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I also found a handful of white pom pom ornaments I had made <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-diy-christmas-mantle.html">a couple years ago</a> so I threw those up as well.</div>
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The Ikea ornament set came with a tree topper, but I decided to make it a little more cozy and warm with yarn I found on sale at Joann's (can you tell Joann's is the only craft store within 50 miles of this town?)<br />
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It was an easy 10 minute project... just glue and wrap...<br />
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A good solution for my time constraints, I think!<br />
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And there you have it, my simple cozy traditional rustic DIY Christmas tree :)<br />
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See you back here tomorrow for more last minute holiday DIY's!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-37808900055381604082014-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-15T06:00:01.030-08:005 Days of Holiday DIY's: Branchlers + Free PrintablesToday kicks off a full week of easy holiday DIY's that can be done last minute on any budget!<br />
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When I started brainstorming our Christmas decor this year, I had so many ideas and dreams to fill every room in our home with beautifully crafted unique handmade masterpieces (ha).<br />
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Well, then we had family in town for Thanksgiving and work became crazy so I had to abandon my elaborate plans and come up with a handful of quick DIY's to decorate and photograph our home in time for two Christmas blog tours.<br />
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It was quite the task, but after a few DIY marathon days and nights I pulled it off and now I can share the details!<br />
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And if I can do these in the constraints I was working with, I promise anyone can!<br />
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Each day this week I'll be sharing a new project—starting with one of my favorite's today: "Branchlers".<br />
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I wish I could take credit for this idea but it was something I spotted a while ago on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662382297400/">Pinterest:</a><br />
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I was obsessed with the plaid and had to copy it. Then I saw these and decided to put both ideas together:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/julie/11-2010/rue-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/julie/11-2010/rue-table.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/steal-this-look-remodelista-holiday-table-rue-magazine"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr>
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I've made a <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/master-makeover-diy-map-chart-antlers.html">real antler plaque</a> before so I figured this had to be just as easy.<br />
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First step: buy a plaque at Joann's. These are super inexpensive, usually a few bucks each. I also picked up a small swatch of plaid fabric.<br />
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I brought out a staple gun just in case but it wasn't needed—the hot glue gun worked fine.<br />
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Starting around the edges, I carefully secured my fabric to the front of the plaque using hot glue.<br />
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I worked my way all around the edges...<br />
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Then I wrapped it onto the back, secured with more hot glue and trimmed the excess.<br />
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Done! At this point you'll want to attach a picture hanger on the back before you start on the branches.<br />
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Next it was time to find some branches. I found two from the yard that had a similar shape and size. Here's one:<br />
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Then I used cutters to trim it down and simplify it a bit.<br />
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After repeating with the second branch, it was time to attach them. There's several ways to do this, but since my branches were fairly light I thought finish nails would be sufficient.<br />
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First I sliced down the bottom using my saw just so that it would have a nice, flat surface area and mount the way I wanted it to...<br />
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Then I shot a couple nails into it—worked like a charm!<br />
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I chose neutral coloring for the fabric so that I could use it throughout the year instead of only during the holidays.<br />
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It's one of my favorite things in the room, and you have to love that it didn't take more than a couple hours and cost less than $5 to make.<br />
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That brings us to the free holiday printables! I wanted to bring some pops of red into our living room and kitchen area so I thought the perfect way was through art.<br />
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This "Making Spirits Bright" print is perfect for a bar setting but of course it can be used anywhere:<br />
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And then there's the matching Joy print which I love:<br />
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It's hard to see from the photos but they have a subtle woven/knit background detail:<br />
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They're both 8x10" for easy framing. I really enjoyed creating them and hope they can bring some holiday cheer to your home!<br />
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The set is available as a free high resolution download from my <a href="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5">Facebook page</a>—you just need to make sure you're signed up for the shop newsletter and then you'll be prompted to start the download.<br />
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Tomorrow I'll be back with Day 2 of this Holiday DIY week, so make sure to check in for more last minute handmade inspiration!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-31732364711434501802014-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:002014-12-11T07:08:45.475-08:00Christmas Home Tour Part 2Hello again! Today is Day 2 of my Christmas Home tour and this time I have the honor of linking up with a fabulous group of talented bloggers organized by Chris at <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/">Just A Girl</a>:<br />
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If you traveled here from <a href="http://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour.html">320 Sycamore,</a> welcome! This stop takes place in a little mountain town in Northern California, in a home I like to call "cozy cottage cabin"...<br />
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If you missed Part 1, please make sure to visit <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-part-1.html">yesterday's tour of our living room and master bedroom!</a><br />
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Today is all about the front porch, foyer, kitchen and dining area. Let's start with the front porch, shall we?<br />
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Almost everything you see here is a DIY or flea market find. Like the <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/diy-easy-inexpensive-planter-boxes.html">planter boxes</a> I built last month.<br />
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We have an amazing local flea market and I was lucky enough to score this vintage sled, lantern, bucket and scarf for almost nothing. The fresh cedar and berry clippings were from down the street.<br />
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I know you've probably seen plenty of these JOY signs lately, but I couldn't help myself! It was made from materials I had so it was 100% free and it just fit so nicely next to the front door. I'll share a tutorial next week.<br />
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These pine swags are my new favorite thing. So much easier to make than wreaths! These were made from cedar and pinecones from the yard, a scrap of fabric and bells on sale at Joann's.<br />
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The chair and crate were also flea market finds, filled with more collected greenery and cut branches.<br />
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Simple and very inexpensive decorating—my kind of style!<br />
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Let's head inside to the foyer.<br />
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I gave this space <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/foyer-update-reveal.html">a makeover</a> back in April and the white planks provide the perfect backdrop for all seasons.<br />
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Atop the DIY shelf are more fresh greenery from the yard, a DIY <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/fall-front-porch-foyer-free-printable.html">framed WiFi print</a> for guests and a wire basket filled with our Christmas cards/incoming mail and candy canes for departing guests.<br />
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See that red plaid? Here's an easy and inexpensive tip to carry a theme throughout your house: buy some fabric and some pinking shears!<br />
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I originally purchased a couple yards of this on sale (at Joann's) for a holiday backdrop for <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">my shop</a>:<br />
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I loved it so much and wanted to incorporate it into my holiday decor this year, so I used pinking shears to cut it up and make it into boot linings (as shown above), ribbon/bows for all of my swags and wreaths:<br />
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Gift wrap:<br />
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And I still have some leftover for anything else that may come up. It's such a great way to stretch your dollar and tie every room together!<br />
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Okay, onto the next room. I found this garland from a couple years back and tied it to the railing off our kitchen/dining room:<br />
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And here's that space to the right:<br />
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I'm all about the bows this year.<br />
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Our kitchen and dining area is one big room, and the red + white + natural greenery theme this year was carried into both spaces.<br />
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Just beyond the railing is our living room below so it's a bit of an open concept. <br />
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I brought out our white china and set up the space for a cookies & hot cocoa spread. It was a hit last night with our guests so I think I'll keep everything out for a while!<br />
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The red check fabric was on sale at Joann's—I cut it in half with pinking shears and layered it with burlap and canvas fabric beneath.<br />
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The fresh cedar and holly leaves clipped from my parent's yard are my favorite elements.<br />
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The bar wall is also set up for entertaining (and used very frequently!)<br />
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The "Making Spirits Bright" print was a DIY... I thought it was pretty clever ;) It will also be available as a free download next week on the blog!<br />
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To the left of the bar on the back wall is our huge chalkboard with a new <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Stratford-Spruce-Artificial-Christmas-Wreath-p/str-w.htm?CAWELAID=120012600000002281&bh=1&gclid=CJnez8TIvMICFQeVfgod-nUAiA">24" Stratford Spruce Wreath </a>from Balsam Hill. Most of our greenery is real this year but I'm so happy to have at least one thing that won't be wilted or dead in a few weeks!<br />
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It's so realistic looking and I just love it all lit up at night.<br />
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The kitchen was kept simple with a few red dishes, greenery and berries.<br />
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And that concludes the tour! Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by—I hope you enjoyed your stay and perhaps took away some inspiration for your own home.<br />
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Next up is my girl Roeshel at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2014/12/11/holiday-home-tour-part-2/">DIY Showoff</a>—she's always got something amazing up her sleeve so make sure to head over and check it out! And if you've missed any of the stops on the tour, head back over to <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/holiday-home-tour/">J</a><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/holiday-home-tour/">ust A Girl's Holiday Home Tour Pag</a><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/holiday-home-tour/">e</a> to get caught up.<br />
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I'll be back next week sharing five days of my easy DIY holiday crafts that can all be done for about $5 or less! Can't wait to share.<br />
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In the meantime... Merry Christmas to all...<br />
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....and to all a good night.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-69221478049172674152014-12-10T03:00:00.000-08:002014-12-10T07:25:40.819-08:00Christmas Home Tour Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome, friends old and new! I'm so excited that the Christmas season is upon us and I have the opportunity to let you into our home to see how we celebrate the holiday.</div>
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It's the busiest time of year for me—hence the lack of posting since before Thanksgiving! It has honestly been the most hectic couple weeks of my life and it feels amazing to finally be done with the house and able to enjoy it.</div>
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This past weekend I managed to shop for supplies/decor, DIY and decorate the entire house in two nights. All while making and shipping out a record number of <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/">art prints</a>! It's truly a Christmas miracle that I pulled it off in time.</div>
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If you're visiting for the first time, hello! My name is Jenna and I live in a quiet little town in the foothills of Northern California with my husband and our two cats. We just moved here in February and have been renovating our 1970's home non-stop—you can see the progress so far on my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">home tour page</a>.</div>
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Without further ado, let's get this tour started!</div>
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I have 75 photos (!) to share so this tour will be split up into two posts. Today I'm sharing our living room and master bedroom, and tomorrow will be our front porch, foyer and kitchen/dining area.</div>
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Let's head down into the living room, shall we?</div>
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When choosing a style this year, I had a blank slate to work with. No stash of old Christmas decorations (well, just a few from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/p/florida-house.html">Florida home</a> but they were turquoise and I'm on hiatus from that color).</div>
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Since relocating from the beach to the rural mountains last year, my decor style has evolved and I'm all about cozy cabin decor with a dose of cottage and farmhouse mixed in.</div>
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With vaulted ceilings and large picture windows overlooking the countryside, our home lends itself to that style so this year I was craving a traditional red, white and green storybook type setting.</div>
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I've actually never decorated with red in my life. I never even purchased any red decor until this season.</div>
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It has absolutely won me over.</div>
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In my home you'll find mostly flea market scores, DIY projects and budget buys.</div>
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If there's a way to do it myself, I'm there. Like <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-details-diy-cabinet-tree.html">this cabinet</a> I built a few months ago (my favorite build ever)...</div>
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And also the <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/07/easy-diy-50-gallery-wall.html">DIY matted photo frames</a>. Everything on the shelf was a flea market/thrift find.</div>
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I didn't have any large plant pots so I wrapped all my potted trees in old collected scarves this year. I love how easy (and free) it is!</div>
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The one thing we did splurge on though was this quartz stone fireplace....<br />
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Worth every penny.</div>
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I relocated my <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/roman-numerals/">Roman Numerals print</a> from the mantel to this side table. I can't get enough of classic black and white in any season.</div>
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The black and gray sweater pillows are Pottery Barn finds I picked up new on Ebay for a steal.</div>
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I love mixing in and repurposing vintage pieces, like this flea market trunk which serves as extra storage + a side table.</div>
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I'm a bit obsessed with textiles lately and have been collecting blankets, like this $1 flea market find on Saturday...</div>
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And these cable knit stockings (one of which was a no-sew DIY from a sweater, tutorial next week...)</div>
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Bows were also heavily incorporated this year. I used a roll of fabric ribbon and tied one onto every banister (the garland was made from evergreen from our front yard, another DIY for next week).</div>
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And this "branchler" plaque? Another DIY, of course...</div>
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I had a lot of fun decorating my antique cabinet.</div>
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This print was another DIY that will be offered as a freebie next week:</div>
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Love these cute gift sacks (this one was found at TJ Maxx):</div>
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Speaking of gifts, let's make our way back to the tree...</div>
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Every ornament was a DIY in some form. Pinecones, ribbons, and hang tags make for inexpensive and easy decor.</div>
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The gift wrapping was all made from kraft paper and leftover scraps of fabric and twine. Almost free!</div>
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I found a couple yards of fur fabric in the remnant pile at a huge discount and cut it into the shape of a rug. Perfect present opening area!</div>
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Hot cocoa, anyone?</div>
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Now that we're all warmed by the fire, let's head back upstairs to the coziest spot in the house... our master bedroom:</div>
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I recently gave our flat white doors <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-plain-to-paneled.html">a makeover</a> and I'm just loving the drama of the black. Perfect backdrop for a fresh mini wreath (tutorial on that next week!)</div>
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I can't get enough plaid this year. There's just something about red plaid, black and white, and pops of green that make me melt.</div>
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All this room needed was some fresh greenery and a few subtle pops of red.</div>
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We like to keep it extra cozy in here year round.</div>
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I toned down the red for a calmer, softer vibe for the bedroom. </div>
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More scarf-wrapped mini trees. My new favorite thing.</div>
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Well, I'd say 51 photos is enough for today! Thank you so much for stopping by and make sure to come back tomorrow for the rest of the tour! And don't forget to check out the rest of these amazingly talented bloggers in the lineup today:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKDT1J_91sU/VIfmMRZETHI/AAAAAAAANw0/sQ_v8yxGfNE/s1600/CHT%2BDay%2B3%2Boverlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKDT1J_91sU/VIfmMRZETHI/AAAAAAAANw0/sQ_v8yxGfNE/s1600/CHT%2BDay%2B3%2Boverlay.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p4KR76-zs" target="_blank">House by Hoff</a> | <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-home-tour-part-1.html" target="_blank">Jenna Sue Design</a> | <a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour/" target="_blank">Love Grows Wild</a> | <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-part-2.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p3iH0o-22P" target="_blank">All Things G&D</a> | <a href="http://diyonthecheap.com/christmas-home-tour-2014/" target="_blank">DIY on the Cheap</a><br />
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And here's the entire tour in case you've missed any so far—huge thanks to <a href="http://www.migonishome.com/">Jen Migonis</a> for organizing it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh8v8fBoV02_KtHdhU_mcaSV_7n3sfJpuUJsImN_gr_ePHddihSL7_jO4puhyphenhyphenVr1Sw_yXrTFdP9ha4UQix79yDFE2CoQEGPhA1UMnRyf4xqipZxamhwEXWVZj6d3zpl4whcSFsQOqrvB0pAmD08LgOMYiEK83xIGR_7yHuWXubmWITgiO-CP9lr2jbe_l71xZRrkafrjPaOz-AX3nRLtw=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Home Tour Graphic" border="0" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7062" src="http://www.migonishome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Christmas-Home-Tour-Graphic-365x1024.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Monday:</b></div>
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<a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/christmas-home-tour" target="_blank">The Happy Housi</a>e | <a href="http://www.everydayenchanting.com/christmas-home-tour-2014/" target="_blank">Everyday Enchanting</a> | <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Maison de Pax</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p4RlNe-ZA" target="_blank">Life on Virginia Street</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p2BNK9-2he" target="_blank">Unskinny Boppy</a> | <a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Setting for Four</a></div>
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<b>Tuesday:</b></div>
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<a href="http://roomsforrentblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/woodland-glam-christmas-tour-2014.html" target="_blank">rooms FOR rent</a> | <a href="http://www.town-n-country-living.com/christmas-home-tour-part-two.html" target="_blank">Town and Country Living</a> | <a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-2014/" target="_blank">On Sutton Place</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p1EQWE-3zh" target="_blank">Design, Dining and Diapers</a> | <a href="http://athomewiththebarkers.com/christmas-house-tour/" target="_blank">At Home with The Barkers</a> | <a href="http://cottageintheoaks.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tours-2014/" target="_blank">Cottage in the Oaks</a></div>
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<b>Wednesday:</b></div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p4KR76-zs" target="_blank">House by Hoff</a> | <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-home-tour-part-1.html" target="_blank">Jenna Sue Design</a> | <a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour/" target="_blank">Love Grows Wild</a> | <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-part-2.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p3iH0o-22P" target="_blank">All Things G&D</a> | <a href="http://diyonthecheap.com/christmas-home-tour-2014/" target="_blank">DIY on the Cheap</a></div>
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<b>Thursday:</b></div>
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<a href="http://rainonatinroof.com/?p=9358" target="_blank">Rain on a Tin Roof</a> | <a href="http://www.makinghomebase.com/holiday-home-tour/" target="_blank">Making Home Base</a> | <a href="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/2014/12/11/our-christmas-home-tour-2/" target="_blank">The Wood Grain Cottage</a> | <a href="http://www.kristendukephotography.com/?p=25221" target="_blank">Capturing Joy</a> | <a href="http://www.makinglemonadeblog.com/christmas-home-tour-holiday-decorating-ideas" target="_blank">Making Lemonade</a></div>
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<b>Friday:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.migonishome.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-2014" target="_blank">Migonis Home</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p32Hzy-2iG" target="_blank">Just a Girl and Her Blog</a> | <a href="http://foxhollowcottage.com/?p=9389" target="_blank">Fox Hollow Cottage</a> | <a href="http://cityfarmhouse.com/2014/12/rustic-christmas-farmhouse-porch.html" target="_blank">City Farmhouse</a> | <a href="http://wp.me/p3gI3C-4Fq" target="_blank">Ciburbanity</a><br />
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See you tomorrow!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--smXcFwbFdA/VHO9Nu9Qf8I/AAAAAAAANm0/3Fzolf9I5uE/s1600/Comp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--smXcFwbFdA/VHO9Nu9Qf8I/AAAAAAAANm0/3Fzolf9I5uE/s1600/Comp.jpg" /></a></div>
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The design/layout is identical to previous years as it has been working for me quite well and I love the fun colors.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAwsrOer1b0/VHO-ahjNg6I/AAAAAAAANnU/6-vpR2diGdk/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAwsrOer1b0/VHO-ahjNg6I/AAAAAAAANnU/6-vpR2diGdk/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" /></a></div>
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For full step by step instructions on how to print/arrange the PDF and get it assembled very inexpensively, see my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/almost-free-monthly-planner.html">2013</a> and <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/my-free-2014-monthly-planner-is-back.html">2014</a> planner posts.<br />
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Here's a look at the monthly spread: <br />
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And the backside notes/monthly cover pages:<br />
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Can't wait to start marking it up... nothing like a fresh blank slate to start the year off!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjuW8hnFm6I/VHO-FgJscAI/AAAAAAAANnM/m7jlsWh-i9Y/s1600/IMG_5638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjuW8hnFm6I/VHO-FgJscAI/AAAAAAAANnM/m7jlsWh-i9Y/s1600/IMG_5638.jpg" /></a></div>
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Click here to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign/app_212097992149339">download your free PDF</a> from my Facebook page. You'll just need to enter your name & email to subscribe to my shop newsletter (don't worry, you'll only receive a handful of emails per year). You definitely want to be on this list anyway to stay up to date on the latest releases/sales! <br />
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Speaking of which... we're coming up on my largest sale of the year. It's going to be huge, 24 hours only, and if you've been eyeing any prints in <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">my shop</a>, trust me... now is the time to snag them!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXDrS27PNlQ/VHPCnHgmZHI/AAAAAAAANnk/nxwRRO4F3ow/s1600/Promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXDrS27PNlQ/VHPCnHgmZHI/AAAAAAAANnk/nxwRRO4F3ow/s1600/Promo.jpg" /></a></div>
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I can't give away any more details yet, but if you're on my list you'll see an email this weekend with a coupon code for early access! Keep your eyes peeled.<br />
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Wishing you all the happiest of Thanksgivings and I hope it's overflowing with turkey and cider and pumpkin pie and family. I'm getting a head start on some holiday decorating before our guests arrive so hopefully I'll have some fun DIY's lined up for you guys next week!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-91392145696147045162014-11-20T07:38:00.000-08:002014-11-20T07:38:59.216-08:00Our Thanksgiving TablescapeExactly one week from this moment I'll be chopping apples, basting a turkey, stirring cider and preparing stuffing for a room full of some of my favorite people. This is exactly what I envisioned for our dining room—the reason we built a massive 9 foot table that can easily fit our party of 10 on Thanksgiving. <br />
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Yesterday I put the finishing touches on our table setting and now we're ready for the big day. I'm going to call this style "simple cozy country casual meets refined rustic"... so many adjectives, I can't choose.<br />
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Since I plan to spend a lot of time and effort on Christmas decorating this year, I decided to keep it simple for Thanksgiving and use mostly what I had. I think I spent around just $30 for everything.<br />
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The jumping off point was this table runner—2 yards of $3 fabric from fabric.com (looks like it's not available on their website anymore, bummer!). No sewing involved, just cut it in half, folded and ironed the edges and plopped it down. Easy peasy.<br />
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Then I layered a super inexpensive (I think it was $5 or $10?) runner I found at Walmart in the candle/home/wedding section...<br />
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I had all but two of the woven Ikea placemats, so I picked those up last weekend. I already had the dishes (scored them at our flea market—$30 for a full set!)<br />
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The wood box centerpiece was a DIY project from this past spring, and I filled it with pine clippings, berries and pinecones from the yard, along with pillar candles and candlesticks.<br />
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A few mini pumpkins were added to keep things festive, along with some branch wood coasters I purchased for a steal on Ebay earlier this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZzK_0wO_xTUmRPDfkQ22BvD3jRLom6JqDt0HGoSH0AmqCNLMELwsbC45FNp7956pMjjqyCFAqfNmTVPt-rqtrYx44XgaGwFQ2HkKXhyphenhyphenuH-31UPSU2uLd76iIphXHsFQNzBQAFMCR4Hd5/s1600/IMG_5624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZzK_0wO_xTUmRPDfkQ22BvD3jRLom6JqDt0HGoSH0AmqCNLMELwsbC45FNp7956pMjjqyCFAqfNmTVPt-rqtrYx44XgaGwFQ2HkKXhyphenhyphenuH-31UPSU2uLd76iIphXHsFQNzBQAFMCR4Hd5/s1600/IMG_5624.jpg" /></a></div>
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I didn't want another pattern to compete with the plaid runner so I found these brown cloth napkins at a <a href="http://www.yourchaircovers.com/20-inch-polyester-cloth-napkins-chocolate-brown/">wedding supply store</a> for just 53 cents each! I'll definitely be using them again in the future.<br />
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I was gifted my Grandma's silverware set so this was the perfect occasion to break it out—a simple twine bow holds them together. <br />
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The name tags were printed on card stock, cut and hole punched, and wrapped around more pine clippings from the yard.<br />
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Instead of wine charms, I bought a package of gold alphabet stickers for a couple bucks on Ebay and added each guests' intials.<br />
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And in lieu of a thankful tree, guests will write what they're thankful for on blank tags. Then I'll age them and hang them on our Christmas tree as ornaments to enjoy until next year (I'll make sure to post that later!)<br />
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Neutral pillows and blankets line the bench seat for added coziness.<br />
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I set the table for 8 for these photos, but we'll be adding one person to each end of the table on the big day. <br />
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You may also notice the lack of slipcovers on our chairs. We've actually been living without them for months now (per Brad's request) and I kind of like it this way, so they'll stay for now.<br />
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Can't forget the <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/easy-chalkboard-lettering-tutorial-free.html">chalkboard DIY</a>...<br />
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And that's that! My very first Thanksgiving table and first time ever hosting Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed we don't burn the turkey :)<br />
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I have a special treat for you all next week... something that has been in high demand—my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/my-free-2014-monthly-planner-is-back.html">free printable planner</a> for 2015! I'll be working on it this weekend and should have it up early next week. I'll also be getting a head start on my Christmas crafting, so keep an eye on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a> for sneak peeks!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-46955346072233057252014-11-19T08:20:00.004-08:002014-11-19T08:21:35.203-08:00Recent Shopping Trips: H&M Home, Ikea + A Balsam Hill ContestYesterday I shared my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-favorite-things-in-2014.html">Favorite Things</a>, and today I thought it'd be fun to show you my latest purchases and what I've been stalking online for the holidays!<br />
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I mentioned <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/department/HOME">H&M Home</a> as one of my favorites and I know some of you hadn't heard they've expanded to a Home line. They've basically replaced Ikea as my favorite home decor source ever. <br />
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There's way too much good stuff to highlight (their prices are unbeatable I'm obsessed with pretty much everything), but here are just a few of my favorites right now...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200243662%20002%2098%200224.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200243662%20002%2098%200224.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/32528?article=32528-A"><i>Knit Cushion Cover - $24.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3LV%200228602%20003%2094%206800.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3LV%200228602%20003%2094%206800.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/27121?article=27121-A">Jacquard-weave Cushion Cover - $17.95</a> (I came so close to buying this!)</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3CY%200217064%20001%2066%200766.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3CY%200217064%20001%2066%200766.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/28686?article=28686-A">Checked Cushion Cover - $17.95</a> (almost bought this too!)</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3BL%200221870%20001%2031%203832.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=4&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3BL%200221870%20001%2031%203832.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=4&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24938?article=24938-A">Cotton Cushion Cover - $5.95</a> (that price is not a typo!)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3CL%200217280%20001%2015%205640.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3CL%200217280%20001%2015%205640.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/23250?article=23250-A"><i>Checked Throw - $34.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2013/2AE%200205507%20005%2080%200436.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2013/2AE%200205507%20005%2080%200436.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/21894?article=21894-E"><i>Ceramic Jar - $5.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3JV%200211883%20007%2000%208978.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3JV%200211883%20007%2000%208978.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24937?article=24937-C#article=24937-D"><i>Storage Basket - $9.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200248766%20001%2040%208360.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200248766%20001%2040%208360.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=3&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/44499?article=44499-A"><i>Pillowcase - $9.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3DV%200229942%20003%2066%200791.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=6&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3DV%200229942%20003%2066%200791.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=6&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/27582?article=27582-C"><i>Pillowcase - $9.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200239914%20001%2028%200121.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=4&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200239914%20001%2028%200121.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=4&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/30608?article=30608-A"><i>King/Queen Duvuet Set - $59.95</i></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3LV%200240335%20001%2038%200051.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3LV%200240335%20001%2038%200051.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/30817?article=30817-A"><i>King/Queen Duvet Set - $59.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200242298%20001%2088%200020.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200242298%20001%2088%200020.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/31481?article=31481-A"><i>Tea Towel - $4.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200231545%20003%2020%200250.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200231545%20003%2020%200250.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/34047?article=34047-B"><i>Metal Container - $12.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200234809%20001%2060%208200.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200234809%20001%2060%208200.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/46307?article=46307-A"><i>Ceramic Bowl - $5.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/2KV%200210179%20003%2095%203017.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/2KV%200210179%20003%2095%203017.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24931?article=24931-B"><i>Patterned Plate - $5.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3IV%200232556%20001%2021%200214.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=2&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/3IV%200232556%20001%2021%200214.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=2&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/35923?article=35923-A"><i>Wooden Cutting Board - $12.95</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I could go on forever... you'd better just head over there and be prepared to spend hours! Here's what I bought last month:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2013/2AE%200198836%20001%2031%200387.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2013/2AE%200198836%20001%2031%200387.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=1&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/16493?article=16493-A">Linen Cushion Cover - $17.95</a> (I bought 4!)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(I picked up several of the 16x16" pillow inserts to go with them).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200254573%20001%2035%203162.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2014/S00%200254573%20001%2035%203162.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&hmver=5&call=url[file:/product/large]" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/49100?article=49100-A">Christmas Tree Mat - $12.95</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I also bought another fun pillow but it's a Christmas gift so I can't reveal it in case they're reading ;) I wanted to buy everything but I had to practice some restraint since I was planning an Ikea trip...<br />
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If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a>, you may have caught a glimpse of my trip this past weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10802993_762891650451081_1966941038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10802993_762891650451081_1966941038_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm a huge fan of their holiday items this year. I pretty much had to start from scratch with my Christmas decor, as we weren't moved in yet last year and the year before we hardly did any decorating. As usual, I ended up spending a lot more than what was on my shopping list... but it was worth the splurge! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmchyYoUwA/VGvNrQQZJ1I/AAAAAAAANkM/gz7zgGtgagc/s1600/Ikea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmchyYoUwA/VGvNrQQZJ1I/AAAAAAAANkM/gz7zgGtgagc/s1600/Ikea.jpg" /></a></div>
Top row:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90283764/">Ornaments Set:</a> We have no ornaments whatsoever so I picked up this set of 56 silver ornaments for just $10! I'm going with a more natural theme this year so I spray painted them white.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30274526/">Lantern:</a> This wasn't on my shopping list but at just $4, it stole my heart. <br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70258336/">Tree:</a> Oh how I love this baby tree. I picked up some <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20288939/">mini red ornaments</a> to decorate it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30289467/">Throw:</a> This red cable knit throw is the perfect accent for my color scheme this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80243537/">Frames:</a> I always stock up when I'm there! <br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70155673/">Watering can: </a>Perfect for our garden window in the kitchen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30148463/">White Pitcher:</a> I had been looking for one of these forever!<br />
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Bottom row:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90155870/">Plant pot:</a> Love the woven texture on this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80259199/">Candles:</a> Can't beat the price! I bought two sets in white also.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20266225/">Bulbs:</a> Brad says these are the best price on LED bulbs. I bought a bunch for future remodels.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30281273/">Ursula Cushion Covers:</a> I have two of these covers already and they're some of my favorites. Can't get enough!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80289455/">Checked cushion covers:</a> At $6/ea, this might be my favorite pillow in the world right now. I have two in gray and am obsessed. I bought 3 but kinda wish I would have bought more!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40110011/">Placemats:</a> I own 8 already but we're hosting 10 for Thanksgiving so I grabbed a couple more.<br />
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30264037/?query=vitfjaril"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30264037/?query=vitfjaril">White cushion cover:</a> Love the ruffles on this. And it's only $10!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10268828/?query=gulsporre">Curtains:</a> I'm actually using these as a shower curtain in our upstairs guest bath. It's so hard to find ceiling length shower curtains that are cute and these are just $14! I'll have to modify them a bit but I love the style and fabric.<br />
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I forgot to photograph this pillow but I also grabbed this while I was there... it's actually tied with the red checked covers as my favorite pillow ever:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gRvqRsDdSs/VGvNqIOYd5I/AAAAAAAANkE/j3bbbyKP8hw/s1600/IMG_5574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gRvqRsDdSs/VGvNqIOYd5I/AAAAAAAANkE/j3bbbyKP8hw/s1600/IMG_5574.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also not shown in the photos is this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80239979/">metal tray</a> which is currently holding some candles in our living room, and a bunch of cushion inserts. They're so inexpensive and you can never have too many! It was definitely a successful trip and I <i>can't wait </i>to start my Christmas decorating.<br />
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While I'm sharing... anyone interested to see what I found at Forever 21? I know this isn't a fashion blog but I'm just as excited about winter clothes as I am winter decor!<br />
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My fashion style is really the same as my decorating style... cozy, neutral, comfortable, a little feminine and on a budget! Forever 21 has always been one of my favorites. It's hit or miss for me, sometimes I'll leave completely empty handed. But I spent a couple hours shopping last weekend and am super excited about my finds!<br />
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Part 1:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jMy6bGcR5w/VGvNqiycGeI/AAAAAAAANj4/RVzWhOJuupg/s1600/IMG_5575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jMy6bGcR5w/VGvNqiycGeI/AAAAAAAANj4/RVzWhOJuupg/s1600/IMG_5575.jpg" /></a></div>
If you live in warm leggings like me during the cold months, you need to get to your nearest F21 stat! They have so many cute styles... I wanted to take them all home with me but my collection is becoming out of control so I stopped at 3. How cute are the two patterned ones? So festive (and so affordable).<br />
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The lace pink top is fun for going out and the color is gorgeous. I also needed plain long shirts to wear with my leggings so I grabbed some in a variety of colors (tan, off white, dark gray, and gray/black). Along with a few others I have at home, these are versatile enough to wear with any bottoms I have.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLH1G-UQeiI/VGvNpCi2HOI/AAAAAAAANkQ/hbQvdlFNJPQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLH1G-UQeiI/VGvNpCi2HOI/AAAAAAAANkQ/hbQvdlFNJPQ/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I had been looking for a pair of white pants forever, and these fit great and were on sale (love the zipper at the bottom too!)<br />
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The booties have to be my favorite find. I'm <i>super</i> picky about shoes—I won't wear them unless they a) are super comfortable, b) make me at least 5'4" tall, c) are inexpensive. That's a hard combination, but this $26 pair fits the bill.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TRKmsHwMOg/VGvNq9LAOrI/AAAAAAAANkA/ZJKQqmjhx9E/s1600/IMG_5581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TRKmsHwMOg/VGvNq9LAOrI/AAAAAAAANkA/ZJKQqmjhx9E/s1600/IMG_5581.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm also ordering them in black online (they didn't have my size in the store). And you can't forget about the jewelry! There's pieces as low as <b>$2</b>, people. Perfect for someone like me who wants a lot of options, gets bored of things fast and/or loses their jewelry.<br />
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My total for 5 tops, 4 bottoms, a necklace, 3 bracelets, hair ties and booties was just $177. Wow, that money goes so much farther than home renovation dollars!<br />
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And while I'm at it, here's some very wintery cozy finds from last week's Kohl's and TJ Maxx shopping trip:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10808790_811605368892060_1295466277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10808790_811605368892060_1295466277_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/vd9MX3PQ0X/?modal=true"><i>via Instagram</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The leggings are from Kohl's, and the sweater, stocking and blanket are from TJ Maxx. I am head over heels for this blanket!<br />
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And last but not least, I've got a little holiday Pinterest challenge for you...<br />
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Balsam Hill reached out to me to help promote their latest Decorating Challenge, "My Balsam Hill Home"<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KHmCpzMMmM/VGvNpHbYMTI/AAAAAAAANkc/dsMXTqClqf4/s1600/20141106-Pinterest-Giveaway---Decorating-Challenge---Fan-Gate_810x610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KHmCpzMMmM/VGvNpHbYMTI/AAAAAAAANkc/dsMXTqClqf4/s1600/20141106-Pinterest-Giveaway---Decorating-Challenge---Fan-Gate_810x610.jpg" /></a></div>
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I know you've heard of them by now, right? They specialize in super realistic trees, garlands, wreaths and holiday decorations for any style. I ordered their <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Stratford-Spruce-Artificial-Christmas-Wreath-p/STR-W.htm">24" Stratford Spruce Wreath</a> and can't wait to see it in person! I have the perfect spot for it in the kitchen.<br />
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There's <b>4</b> <b>$200 Balsam Hill gift cards</b> up for grabs, and all you have to do is submit an entry form and Pin your favorite products!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6-FABL8fUo/VGvNo09VxVI/AAAAAAAANkU/2MFTawuPEdw/s1600/20141106%2BPinterest%2BGiveaway%2B-%2BDecorating%2BChallenge%2B-%2BPromotional%2BAsset_504x504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6-FABL8fUo/VGvNo09VxVI/AAAAAAAANkU/2MFTawuPEdw/s1600/20141106%2BPinterest%2BGiveaway%2B-%2BDecorating%2BChallenge%2B-%2BPromotional%2BAsset_504x504.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the full details/links:<br />
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(1) Complete and submit the entry form on the Pinterest contest tab found in the Balsam Hill Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/balsamhill">http://www.facebook.com/balsamhill</a>)<br />
(2) Follow <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/balsamhill/">Balsam Hill</a> on Pinterest<br />
(3) Create a Pinterest board entitled "Inspiration Starts At Home". Pin at least 5 products from <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/">http://www.balsamhill.com/</a> and add several other images that inspire them to celebrate an unforgettable season that begins with Thanksgiving and continues to Christmas.<br />
(4) Pins and board description must include the hashtag #MyBalsamHillHome<br />
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Limit: One (1) entry per person and per Pinterest account. Voting is limited to one person or Facebook account per day.<br />
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Official Rules: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/balsam-hill/my-balsam-hill-home-decorating-challenge-pinterest-contest-2014-official-rules/984279604932560">https://www.facebook.com/notes/balsam-hill/my-balsam-hill-home-decorating-challenge-pinterest-contest-2014-official-rules/984279604932560</a><br />
More details can be found on this post: <a href="http://blog.balsamhill.com/2014/11/join-my-balsam-hill-home-decorating-challenge-on-pinterest/">http://blog.balsamhill.com/2014/11/join-my-balsam-hill-home-decorating-challenge-on-pinterest/</a><br />
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Submissions end this Saturday, so start pinning now!<br />
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I'll be back tomorrow (hopefully, Friday if not—whoa, three posts in one week!) to share our Thanksgiving tablescape. Putting the finishing touches on today... can't wait to show you how it came together!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-7248633719098028992014-11-18T03:00:00.000-08:002014-11-18T08:52:48.949-08:00My Favorite Things in 2014Today I have the honor of linking up with 11 other bloggers to share our Favorite Things 2014—hosted by Melissa at <a href="http://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2014/11/favorite-things-2014.html">320 Sycamore</a>!<br />
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This is a fun break from the usual DIY talk—a chance to hear what everyone else has been obsessing over this year, find some new favorites and maybe even a holiday gift or two. My list includes items I've discovered this year along with old favorites I can't live without. Let's get started!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-MS800B-Detail-Collection/dp/B001H0GC04"><b>1) Black & Decker Mouse</b></a> This is one of those things I am kicking myself for not buying from the beginning. I've spent the last three years dreading furniture refinishing projects with my inefficient old $2 garage sale hand sander. When it finally bit the dust this summer, I replaced it with a Mouse and couldn't believe the difference. Pretty much the best $30 I ever spent.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KC18DHL-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-3-Tool/dp/B001N2NTE8/ref=sr_1_1?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1416279075&sr=1-1">2) Hitachi Lithium Ion Cordless Drill and Impact Driver</a></b> This is probably the single best/most useful purchase we made this year that made our lives easier. We'd been using an under powered, old cordless drill for years that barely got the job done half the time and this drill is like night and day. We haven't needed the impact driver yet but there's really nothing like a high powered drill.<br />
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<a href="http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/mainstays-candles?facets=category%3AScented+Candles"><b>3) Mainstays Scented Candles</b></a> I try to avoid the "Walmart shopping experience" as much as possible, but these candles are <i>so worth it.</i> I use them all year round, but their holiday scents are nothing short of amazing. They start at just $1 and there's so many to choose from! I can't help but grab a few every time I'm there. The cheapest/easiest way to get into the fall/holiday mood!<br />
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<a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/boxwoodwreaths.html"><b>4) 16" Boxwood Wreath</b></a> I've been eyeing boxwood wreaths all year, trying to figure out if I should go real or faux. All of the faux ones are seriously expensive (have you looked lately?), and I love the look of real, so after much searching I found the best price I could on these wreaths at save-on-crafts.com (this website deserves a whole post of its' own, if you've never shopped there before!). They're still not exactly cheap at $34/ea, but if you want real preserved boxwood that will last years, it's the best I've found. I bought four a few months ago and love them!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/department/HOME">5) H&M Home</a></b> Warning: Don't click on that link unless you want to spend hours drooling over their stuff. H&M launched a home line earlier this year and I'm hooked. I've already bought a few things and it's quite possibly my new favorite home decor source of all time. I plan to post a more comprehensive review soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dry+shampoo+spray+batiste&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=55216693839&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=654397803874753239&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4troa3pgd7_b&_hy_ex=c"><b>1) Batiste Dry Shampoo</b></a> This is one of those "how did I ever live without it" products for me. I've been using dry shampoo for a couple years now and Batiste is definitely the best I've found, and a great price! I'll spot them at TJ Maxx every now and then and scoop them up, otherwise they go on sale at Ulta pretty often.<br />
<a href="https://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/makeup-specials/shiny-kiss-flavored-gloss-beauty-rush?ProductID=165141&CatalogueType=OLS"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="https://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/makeup-specials/shiny-kiss-flavored-gloss-beauty-rush?ProductID=165141&CatalogueType=OLS"><b>2) Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss</b></a> I'm a <strike>lot</strike> little obsessed with anything sugary/sweet/candy flavored and this is like dessert on your lips. I don't leave the house without my Love Berry, Candy Baby, or Pink Goes Pop. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Berry-Pomegranate-Liquid-Water-Enhancer/dp/B00JX9IZN8/ref=sr_1_5?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1416280903&sr=1-5&keywords=mio+water+berry+pomegranate"><b>3) Mio Liquid Water Enhancer</b></a> Around 2 years ago I developed chronic acid reflux and water is basically the only drink that doesn't irritate my throat. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of plain water so I wasn't consuming as much of it as I should have... but these little miracle water drops change everything. If you're trying to cut back on soda/coffee/whatever, try this stuff! The Berry Pomegranate is delicious and I could drink it all day.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.target.com/p/downy-unstopables-fresh-scent-in-wash-scent-booster-26-5-oz/-/A-15701040#prodSlot=medium_1_12&term=downy+unstopables">4) Downy Unstopables</a> </b>I<b> </b>tried this for the first time this year and our laundry has never smelled better. The purple bottle is my favorite, but the blue smells great also and after some research, I found the best deal is at Target ($11.99 for the big 26.5 oz bottle). Target is offering free shipping on everything for the rest of the year so I just stocked up!<br />
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<a href="http://themasonbarcompany.com/products/mason-jar-tumbler-24-oz"><b>5) The Mason Bar Tumbler</b></a> I don't know what it is about this tumbler but it hasn't left my side ever since I got my first 24 oz a few months ago. It makes me want to stay hydrated all day. I just got the vinyl cuff to go with it and I'm even more in love. It fits nicely in car cup holders and I take it with me everywhere I go (with my Mio flavored water, of course!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Diamond-Unsweetened-Vanilla-32-Ounce/dp/B002H062DA"><b>6) Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Milk</b></a> When my reflux began I had to change my whole diet around. I started reacting negatively to dairy so that meant I had to give up my daily serving of milk (which I love). Fortunately, I discovered this stuff and not only does it taste WAY better than any dairy milk I've tried, but it has less than half the calories of nonfat milk AND no sugar. I'm a believer and I'll never go back (I also prefer Almond Breeze to Silk).<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kai-Komachi-6-Piece-Stainless-743680/dp/B00EX6SM1Q"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kai-Komachi-6-Piece-Stainless-743680/dp/B00EX6SM1Q"><b>7) Pure Komachi Knife Set</b></a> In the past I've always considered cooking a chore. I was gifted this knife set last Christmas and have not only cooked almost every night since, but I've actually <i>enjoyed</i> it—I'm sure Pinterest recipes and our kitchen remodel also helped, but I give a lot of credit to these knives! Cooking is no fun when you don't have the right tools. I love sweet potatoes but I just stopped buying them in the past because they were so difficult to chop. Not anymore! These have to be my best kitchen tools yet.<br />
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And that wraps it up for this year! It was tough narrowing them down—there's a lot of products I'm loyal to but these ones really stood out. Anyone else equally as obsessed with anything on the list? What are your favorites I should know about? On Thursday you'll all have a chance to link up at 320 Sycamore so by the end of this week we all should have lots of new finds!<br />
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Make sure to head on over to <a href="http://www.shescraftycrafty.com/2014/11/favorite-things-2014.html">Candice at She's Crafty</a> to see her favs!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-22022480594190663632014-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:002014-11-15T18:40:02.207-08:00Fall Front Porch, Foyer & Free PrintableNow that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away (!) I decided to give our front porch and foyer a welcoming Fall makeover for our guests.<br />
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With the help of some flea market finds, I was able to decorate both spaces for very little money. It's starting to feel very festive around here! Starting with the front porch...<br />
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The <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/diy-easy-inexpensive-planter-boxes.html">planter boxes</a> I made last week really help to anchor the space (and help hide the eyesore hose!). Best idea ever.<br />
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To the left of the door you'll find my $5 chair, $2 crate and $2 bundle of corn along with pumpkins and gourds. Very harvest-y, don't you think?<br />
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These mums are so colorful & pretty. I'm really hoping they last until at least Thanksgiving.<br />
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I didn't want it to be <i>too</i> busy, so on the right side of the door I placed more flea market finds—a barrel with mums and a crate, along with some wood I rescued from the rainstorm that rolled through yesterday. Hopefully they will dry out here in time to use this winter.<br />
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To the left of the porch is a bench that came with the house, so I made it more inviting with a flea market plaid throw and a couple pillows. The rusty milk jug (another flea find) holds dry grass stalks clipped from my parent's yard. Don't be jealous of our 70's textured gold window.<br />
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Susie was very curious about this photo shoot and came outside to sniff out the new display.<br />
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She's usually terrified of anyone/anything new, including outdoor environments, but I think she's been getting jealous of her sister (who's a part time outdoor cat) so I've been opening the door and letting her out to explore a little bit each day (under my supervision).<br />
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It takes her a minute to build up the courage to step outside...<br />
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But once she's there, she's rolling around on the ground and taking in all the sights, smells and sounds. Sometimes I wonder if she resents me for not letting her run free but I'm too scared to let go... there's cars and foxes and mountain lions out there and I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to her. Am I being an overprotective cat parent? Sigh...<br />
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Moving along... now that the door is open, let's take a look at the foyer.<br />
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This arrangement didn't change much... umbrella, rain boots and a basket...<br />
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But I tucked plaid flannel into the top of the boots and filled the basket with cinnamon scented pinecones (that has to be the best smell to walk into... heavenly).<br />
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And of course the shelf was switched up.<br />
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I thought it would be helpful for guests to have the wifi info as they walk in, in a central location, rather than having them search through the hall closet to find the small writing on the modem. It's also much prettier this way, don't you think?<br />
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The frame is a $3 5x7" from Walmart that I fancied up with some crochet lace from Joann. A bit of double sided tape and a few minutes was all it took. Love the romantic touch it adds!<br />
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I also filled a dollar store vase with river rocks and stuck a votive in it for a little nature inspired ambiance.<br />
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I can't get enough of these berries. They're on every other bush and tree in this town in shades of vibrant orange and red... so perfect for fall (and winter, too).<br />
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Opposite the shelf wall is our closet door. I dressed it up with these hanging metal pinecones I found in my parents garage.</div>
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A boxwood wreath + bow adorn the inside of each door—I'm not quite ready to decorate for Christmas yet but these versatile pieces are great for the transition into the holidays.</div>
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And there you have it... we're (almost) ready for Thanksgiving! The only thing left is our dining table, which I'll tackle next week. I'm road tripping to Ikea this afternoon (woo hoo!) to grab some last minute decor and then our fall decorating will be complete... just in time for Christmas ;)<br />
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Anyone else hosting family this year? Getting tired of having to repeat your wifi network/password to everyone? How about a free printable?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-343reg4SJTc/VGWF7ciW_nI/AAAAAAAANgo/v_0PgMjKUhA/s1600/WifiTemplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-343reg4SJTc/VGWF7ciW_nI/AAAAAAAANgo/v_0PgMjKUhA/s1600/WifiTemplate.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
It's blank so you can add your info, and it's sized to it fit nicely in any 5x7" frame. These work great in guest rooms as well.<br />
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Just head over to my <a href="http://statictab.com/amf8nkv">Facebook page to download!</a> (You may have to click Continue or OK to be redirected).<br />
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Tune in next week for a list of my absolute favorite things this year, along with the reveal of our Thanksgiving table. Happy weekend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEu6uiWLJBR1G1fuC4EkInWwhDXsaXl_FacZbIajzw4y7cGXYgoO9j07MDnCbU1ac1ppLG08So6UrWB4oKFI1J5f0cFihrkTXaOWr93bFzTHNTCLTKb249GLCDEEnRu7dIvfQfctdW7J/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-58508065049361731302014-11-11T07:24:00.001-08:002014-11-11T07:24:35.826-08:00DIY (Easy & Inexpensive!) Planter BoxesI have to be honest—we were pretty underwhelmed when we first stepped out of our realtor's car and laid eyes on this house (well, until we walked through the door and saw the view... but still.) Curb appeal has always been a challenge for me—it's a little out of my element and landscaping scares me.<br />
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However, I can't ignore it forever. We have several guests coming during the holidays and I wanted the front porch to be just as cheerful and festive as the inside. Let's take a look at our entryway situation:<br />
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Yawn. Very blah, right? I pulled my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-moss-letter.html">DIY moss letter</a> out of storage just to have <i>something</i> there and added a couple boxwood wreaths... and then I neglected it.<br />
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We don't really have a front "yard", persay—it's a big wrap around driveway with some rocks, shrubs and trees in the center, and pavement everywhere else. We desperately needed some greenery near the front door, and when I found these planters from <a href="http://ana-white.com/2012/08/plans/cedar-planters-less-20">Ana White</a> I knew they were perfect:<br />
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I loved the style, the plans were easy and they're under $20 each—one on each side of the porch was perfect.<br />
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Last week I made a Lowes run to grab my supplies, including two evergreens to fill the planters:<br />
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I got straight to making the cuts:<br />
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The plans call for cedar fencing for the sides which I had never worked with before. They're super inexpensive and light weight, but vary so much in thickness, color, texture and quality. Look at the differences...<br />
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So they certainly have limited uses when building furniture, but they're great for this project.<br />
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I won't rehash all the details of the plans (you can find those on <a href="http://ana-white.com/2012/08/plans/cedar-planters-less-20">Ana's site</a>) but here's a quick rundown. The first step was to make the sides. I set three boards down on top of two 1x3"s, spaced them out by eye and used wood glue and finish nails to attach them (I don't have a square so I lined them up along the corner of a sheet of hardboard, not shown):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ncHqBGMhY/VGF7NoAAy6I/AAAAAAAANeQ/uKe4CxJoYus/s1600/IMG_4557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ncHqBGMhY/VGF7NoAAy6I/AAAAAAAANeQ/uKe4CxJoYus/s1600/IMG_4557.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here's how the front looks:<br />
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It didn't take long to finish all eight sides.<br />
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Then it was my least favorite part, pocket hole time. Sometimes it feels like I'm the only blogger who isn't infatuated with the Kreg Jig. I appreciate it for what it is, absolutely, but more often than not I run into problems (anyone else?)<br />
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Drilling the actual holes went smoothly (although somewhat time consuming)...<br />
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And everything came together, but I had a handful of screws that went straight through the wood which happens to me a lot. Not sure if they're going in at the wrong angle or just too much torque on the drill. Some of those screws were stuck so I had to cut them down with my dremel (dremels are the best!)<br />
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Anyway, rant over. I still ended up with these babies:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exAlf20VOrI/VGF7O-axeYI/AAAAAAAANd4/Y2pCmwz7ZC0/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exAlf20VOrI/VGF7O-axeYI/AAAAAAAANd4/Y2pCmwz7ZC0/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" /></a></div>
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Next it was time to add a shelf for plants to sit on. This was the easiest part.</div>
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I measured how far up I wanted the shelf to be and used 1x2's as cleats (attached by wood glue + nail gun):</div>
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Then I nailed in some more 1x2's and scrap wood:</div>
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Ana's plans end here but I wasn't loving the exposed top edge showcasing the mis-matched cedar boards. I had enough 1x2's leftover to trim the top out so I used more wood glue and nails for that.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_p2s8kCXM/VGF7QY8UaqI/AAAAAAAANdk/zZdIcb_gnKM/s1600/IMG_4566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_p2s8kCXM/VGF7QY8UaqI/AAAAAAAANdk/zZdIcb_gnKM/s1600/IMG_4566.jpg" /></a></div>
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And my planters were built!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIoGfNIxknM/VGF7Qu2U-1I/AAAAAAAANc0/WNmoMeWpaa4/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIoGfNIxknM/VGF7Qu2U-1I/AAAAAAAANc0/WNmoMeWpaa4/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" /></a></div>
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I gave them a quick sanding to smooth out any sharp edges and splintering. For the finish, at first I considered painting them black to match the front door, but then realized the space was entirely lacking warm/wood tones so stain was the answer.<br />
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I found this Cabot stain and sealer in one at Lowes and decided to give it a try:<br />
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Because of the roughness of the cedar, I opted to brush it on rather than my normal method of wiping to apply. It worked great.<br />
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The cedar took the stain much heavier than the smooth pine, so I applied a second coat just to the pine boards after letting it sit overnight.<br />
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And that's it! Total time was probably around 6-7 hours (with no help, including breaks—it would go a
bit faster with a second person but it's totally manageable on your
own).<br />
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The plant guy at Lowes helped me choose these beautiful evergreens ($20/ea) which should be relatively low maintenance.<br />
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He said I could simply leave them in the plastic bin and they'll do fine—no re-potting necessary! That's my kind of gardening. And if I manage to kill them, I can take them back for a full refund within the next year, no questions asked (although I swear I'll try my hardest not to...)<br />
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And here they are... the first step to improved curb appeal.<br />
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I really think they do a lot to anchor the space. We still have a ways to go but it's a good start. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-L6TW51hfw/VGF7Ry0yMEI/AAAAAAAANdQ/o7nD2udc-wg/s1600/IMG_5485.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I also added bows to my wreaths for fun.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I had another successful flea market trip this past weekend and I can't wait to set up some of these items for a front porch seasonal display. If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vJq5MpPQ0o/?modal=true">instagram</a> you saw this already...<br />
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I'll be working on that over the next few days, along with freshening up our foyer for Thanksgiving guests and I'm even throwing in another free printable! I know I'm way behind the industry standard blogging schedule for fall decorating but better late than never, right?<br />
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Be back in a few days!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-66233686170604959102014-11-06T07:28:00.001-08:002014-11-06T07:28:57.872-08:00Easy Chalkboard Lettering Tutorial + Free Fall Template!One thing I love about chalkboards are the ability and ease of which they can become part of your seasonal decor/celebrations. Not to mention how lovely they look on their own <i>(especially when displayed inside a huge <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesummeryumbrella">reclaimed wood frame</a>):</i><br />
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My first chalkboard design, back in April:<br />
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For our BHG photo shoot last month I switched it up:<br />
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I've been having fun coming up with new ideas for different seasons (as well as parties we've had) but when it came time to start thinking about our Thanksgiving decor, I decided to give hand lettering a try.<br />
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I posted my sketch on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a> the other night:<br />
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A while back I received requests to share my method for chalkboard lettering. I'm nowhere near skilled enough to freehand something fabulous directly onto a chalkboard, and also I enjoy creating the designs on my computer, so I found a method that works great for transferring printed designs.<br />
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After I was happy with my sketch, I scanned it in and refined it a bit (I use Illustrator but you can use any word or text editing program to come up with your own):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzN4yZ-QYW8/VFrEbzm_oeI/AAAAAAAANbY/9FyFnNF9pNY/s1600/IMG_4520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzN4yZ-QYW8/VFrEbzm_oeI/AAAAAAAANbY/9FyFnNF9pNY/s1600/IMG_4520.jpg" /></a></div>
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My chalkboard surface measures a whopping 30x40", so I set my background to that size and scaled my design until it filled a good area of it:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBoDxNn2X7c/VFrEhD8CKLI/AAAAAAAANak/6A3JbZS825M/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-11-04-at-10.54.43-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBoDxNn2X7c/VFrEhD8CKLI/AAAAAAAANak/6A3JbZS825M/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-11-04-at-10.54.43-AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you have a larger chalkboard and want to save yourself a couple steps (or don't have the software to do the next step), at this point you can take your file down to a copy place (like Staples or Office Max) and have them print it out on the cheapeast paper possible relatively inexpensively. I didn't feel like getting out of my pajamas so I decided to just split the design across 9 sheets of 8.5x11" paper—that is the grid you see above (the large white box represents the overall chalkboard surface).<br />
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Then I printed each page out (using the cheapest/thinnest copy paper possible on a draft setting—quality doesn't matter!)<br />
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This next step is also optional, but since my design didn't print borderless, I trimmed off the white edges so I could line them all up without any overlap:<br />
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Then I got brought it over to my chalkboard and got it into position:<br />
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Now the chalk comes in. The type of chalk you use is actually quite important. I tried to use a cheap/dollar store brand last time and it didn't work at all. You want chalk that has a more powdery/richer residue and not as slippery/waxy, if that makes sense. I think any decent name brand should work.<br />
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Simply take your chalk and rub it on the backside of your paper where the design is printed. You can cover the entire paper but I found that just wastes time (and chalk), so I hold the paper up a bit so the light shines behind it and I can see where I'm drawing. <br />
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You can also use colored chalk for this step—it really doesn't matter much since you'll be covering over it anyway.<br />
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Once it's covered, set it back in place on the chalkboard, printed side up. Then grab a hard object to use as a burnishing tool. Because the strokes in my design were on the thick side and didn't need to be super exact, I just used the cap of a sharpie, but with more intricate designs I've actually used the tip of a ball point pen.<br />
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Staying within the lines of your design, apply firm pressure until you've covered the surface to transfer the chalk powder onto your board. Before going too far, lift up a corner to make sure it's working.<br />
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Once you see it working, you can tape that sheet of paper in place and apply the chalk to the back of the other sheets.<br />
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I took a sheet adjacent to the piece I had just taped, applied chalk to the back, taped it back in place and then repeated the process. Removing one sheet at a time makes it easier to keep everything in position.<br />
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Once the chalk was fully applied to the back and everything was taped into place, I continued to trace the design with my sharpie cap. You don't have to spend too much time on this—the general idea is just to get an outline that you can trace and refine with chalk (or a chalk pen).<br />
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And here it is! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6QPuOc8Yqw/VFrEeO_HYwI/AAAAAAAANbI/CtJBtzjQs94/s1600/IMG_4529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6QPuOc8Yqw/VFrEeO_HYwI/AAAAAAAANbI/CtJBtzjQs94/s1600/IMG_4529.jpg" /></a></div>
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Finally, it's just a matter of filling it in. You can make the strokes as thin or as thick as you'd like, or just follow the template. <br />
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My little apprentice was watching intently.<br />
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I thought about going festive with orange chalk, but decided to keep it more traditional and classic with the black and white.<br />
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Whenever we have gatherings, guests usually end up doodling or writing messages on the chalkboard and I can see this being filled with things our guests are thankful for this Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OovtGkrlyJk/VFrEfrO-IAI/AAAAAAAANaM/EKvxaCu9PcU/s1600/IMG_5474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OovtGkrlyJk/VFrEfrO-IAI/AAAAAAAANaM/EKvxaCu9PcU/s1600/IMG_5474.jpg" /></a></div>
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Speaking of Thanksgiving—we're hosting up to 12 people this year (my first time ever), so the planning is underway! <br />
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Thankfully we have a table that was built just for this purpose.<br />
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This chalkboard is only the first touch of fall in this kitchen, but there's more on the way!<br />
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I have lots of flea market shopping and DIY'ing to do and plan to share updates of our front porch, foyer and dining table over the next couple weeks.<br />
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In the meantime... who wants a free Give Thanks template? I've made it super easy for you to download and print to use on your own chalkboard. Or simply print it out and frame it as art if you'd like. It's an 8x10" file but you can scale it up to any size for the chalkboard template since the quality doesn't make a difference.<br />
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Just head over to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign/app_137541772984354">Facebook page to download!</a> (You may have to click Continue or OK to be redirected)<br />
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Alright, time to get the ball rolling on our front porch which is in major need of some updates. I'll be back next week with some progress (starting with another DIY wood working project—wish me luck!)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-27915523723089429052014-11-03T08:30:00.002-08:002014-11-03T08:47:37.755-08:00Living Room: A Complete Source ListAlright folks, the wait is finally over! Today I'm sharing the complete source list for our living room along with all of the links to recap our journey. Make sure to check out the full <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-big-living-room-reveal.html">Reveal post</a> from last week if you haven't yet!<br />
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Let's start with the basics:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXek6rahsTk/VE569ZSw5PI/AAAAAAAANTk/7h50CsuiwQ0/s1600/IMG_5463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXek6rahsTk/VE569ZSw5PI/AAAAAAAANTk/7h50CsuiwQ0/s1600/IMG_5463.jpg" /></a><br />
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Wall color: <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_432979-4-50081AMONTPELIERMADW_0__?productId=50161963">Valspar's Montpelier Madison White</a> (in flat)<br />
Trim, plank wall & ceiling color: <a href="http://kellymoore.com/mycolorstudio-color-palette/?p=E5E5E1|544540|F1EEE5">Kelly Moore's Swiss Coffee</a><br />
Flooring: <a href="https://www.floorstoyourhome.com/products/armstrong-lock-and-fold-hardwood-5-plank-timberland-collection-shell-white-walnut.html">Armstrong Engineered Walnut in Shell White</a><br />
Beams: DIY (<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/02/kitchen-chronicles-diy-wood-beams.html">my tutorial here</a>)<br />
Fireplace stone: Lowe's <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_354393-93840-20-616_0__?productId=3477519">Desert Quartz Ledgestone</a><br />
Fireplace hearth: Lowe's <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_446993-1813-1095283_0__?productId=4616440&Ntt=style+selections+tile&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dstyle%2Bselections%2Btile&facetInfo=">Style Selections Leonia Silver Porcelain Tile</a><br />
Mantel: DIY Salvaged beam with Minwax's Dark Walnut stain (<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/living-room-progress-report.html">installation</a>)<br />
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Art: <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/roman-numerals/">Custom Roman Numerals Print</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/205559464/20x28-reclaimed-wood-picture-frame?ref=shop_home_feat_3">Reclaimed wood frame</a><br />
Black frame: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30186054/">Ikea Nyttja frame</a> / <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/07/easy-diy-50-gallery-wall.html">DIY mat & photo</a><br />
Brass candlesticks: Flea market<br />
Antler candle holder: Gift from friend<br />
Metal pitcher: Thrift store<br />
Black lanterns: <a href="http://www.snedcowholesale.com/Candle_Lanterns/c203/index.html">Snedco Wholesale</a><br />
White pumpkins: <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael</a><a href="http://www.michaels.com/">s</a><br />
Wood log basket: ? (super old)<br />
Pillows: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">Ikea</a><br />
Rug: <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chunky-loop/bleached/200NCCL01-P.html">Rugs USA </a>(in bleached)<br />
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Custom pouf: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchIsBack">Etsy</a> (highly recommended!)<br />
Loveseat & chaise lounge: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/18329/">Ikea Kivik</a><br />
Armchair: Craigslist<br />
White Covers: <a href="http://comfort-works.com/en/liege/lino-biscuit-496">Comfort Works in Liege Eggshell</a><br />
Tree Stump table: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-details-diy-cabinet-tree.html">DIY</a><br />
Deer pillow: <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/201109888688?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT">Ebay</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMByjn6s0iE/VE56WtTS0vI/AAAAAAAANRE/BXcvWwdH0mg/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMByjn6s0iE/VE56WtTS0vI/AAAAAAAANRE/BXcvWwdH0mg/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" /></a></div>
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All other pillow covers: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">Ikea</a><br />
Ivory throw: <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Home Goods</a><br />
Curtains: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80063833/">Ikea Ritva</a><br />
Bamboo blinds: <a href="http://justblinds.com/">Justblinds.com</a> (Singapore Oak color)<br />
Ladder: DIY<br />
Brown blanket: Flea market / Plaid blanket: <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a><br />
Wreath: <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Home Goods</a><br />
Wall sconce: <a href="http://www.lightingdirect.com/nuvo-lighting-76-621-single-light-10-150w-industrial-style-wall-mount-fixture-with-frosted-glass-shade-in-old-bronze/p1949431?source=gg-gba-pla_1949431____27796106729&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!54303275009!g!!27796106729&gclid=CO3Rwbak1LwCFUNffgodjVQASw">Lighting Direct</a> (painted black)<br />
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Antique cabinet: Craigslist (<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/living-room-progress-report.html">DIY refinish</a>)</div>
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Mirror: Craigslist (DIY white wash)</div>
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Vase: <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a></div>
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Antler: Flea market</div>
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Scale: Flea market</div>
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Gourds: <a href="http://www.joann.com/">Joann</a> (painted)</div>
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Metal containers & vintage books: Flea market</div>
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Wood lanterns: Pier 1 or World Market (I think... it was years ago)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqXw15L4i-w/VE563buZoQI/AAAAAAAANUg/wAos_fXVpKQ/s1600/IMG_5416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqXw15L4i-w/VE563buZoQI/AAAAAAAANUg/wAos_fXVpKQ/s1600/IMG_5416.jpg" /></a></div>
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Coat rack: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-updates-diy-reclaimed-wood.html">DIY</a> with Lowe's hardware</div>
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Basket: Mom's (sorry Mom)</div>
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Scarf: <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=f21&category=acc_scarf-gloves&pagesize=120&page=2">Forever 21</a></div>
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Pumpkins: <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a></div>
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Console table: <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-details-diy-cabinet-tree.html">DIY</a> (via <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/03/diy-table-shanty-console-table.html">Shanty 2 Chic</a>)</div>
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Art: (source at beginning of post)</div>
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Metal pitcher: <a href="http://www.joann.com/">Joann</a></div>
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Baskets: <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/binsBaskets/viewAll?productId=10035370&N=81212&Nao=0">Container Store</a></div>
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Lantern: Antique shop</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-warp_FLagK0/VE5652Dn9jI/AAAAAAAANUA/uZf2hTeHsPM/s1600/IMG_5433-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-warp_FLagK0/VE5652Dn9jI/AAAAAAAANUA/uZf2hTeHsPM/s1600/IMG_5433-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Vintage chest: Flea market</div>
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Lamp: <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Adesso-AF39065-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Hinged-Desk-Lamp-Bronze-Finish/26095306">Walmart</a></div>
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Blanket: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lavish-Home-Throw-Blanket-Cashmere-Like/dp/B00G90FKZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414971928&sr=8-1&keywords=lavish+home+acrylic+blanket">Amazon</a> (cheapest source I've found but available at multiple stores) </div>
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<a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/script-quote/">Custom Quote print</a> via Jenna Sue Design / Frame: <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a></div>
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Vintage books: Flea market</div>
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And... I think that covers it! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions or need clarification!</div>
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In case you missed any of the progress, here's all of the living room updates:</div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/02/living-room-plank-wall-diy.html">DIY Plank Wall</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/new-living-room-paint-fireplace-makeover.html">Wall paint & fireplace update phase 1</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/we-have-new-stair-railing.html">New stair railing</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/living-room-updates.html">Window treatments & summer decor</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/living-room-reno-inspiration-gameplan.html">Inspiration & Gameplan</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/living-room-reno-progress-latest-flea.html">Ceiling Planks</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/living-room-progress-report.html">Fireplace updates, recessed lighting & cabinet makeover</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/living-room-update-decorating-for-fall.html">Beams, black french door & fall decor</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-vintage-glass-doorknob-diy-for-under.html">Super cheap DIY vintage glass knob</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-updates-diy-reclaimed-wood.html">DIY Reclaimed wood coat rack</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/diy-wood-side-table-subwoofer-enclosure.html">DIY side table/subwoofer enclosure</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-evolution-of-our-living-room.html">Completed fireplace</a></div>
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<a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/living-room-details-diy-cabinet-tree.html">DIY Cabinet, tree stump & slipcovers</a></div>
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As for the total cost, I didn't keep track of the details so unfortunately I can't give an exact number. By far, the most expensive element was the fireplace with the stone coming in around $1300 and labor at around $1900. I just ran through the list for a quick total (mostly off the top of my head) and I came up with a ballpark in the $5k range. This is not including the flooring and wood planks (since we bought that in bulk for the whole house) nor does it include items we've owned since our last home like the couches, rug, pillows and art. If so much of it wasn't DIY'd/thrifted you can bet we'd have spent a least double.</div>
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Even though $5k isn't a drop in the bucket, I'm absolutely positive it's increased our home's value by several times over that amount (the benefit of buying a fixer in a nicer neighborhood!) so it was all a worthwhile investment. Not to mention how happy it makes us and will be enjoyed for years to come (hopefully ;) )</div>
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So... what's on our agenda next? Between the upcoming holidays, hosting family gatherings and an increased workload, we've decided not to jump into any new projects until January. But don't think that means this blog will go silent... I can't tell you how excited I am to decorate for the holidays! I have a million ideas swirling around in my head and with just 24 days until Thanksgiving, planning starts <i>now.</i></div>
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I'll be back in a few days with a festive Thanksgiving chalkboard tutorial (+ a free download so you can print your own!). 'Tis the season—bring it on!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585541078715745807noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7098954819548813243.post-24460722915376017022014-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:002014-10-30T07:51:24.163-07:00Living Room Details: DIY Cabinet, Tree stump table and Sofa SlipcoversI decided to consolidate this all into one post so I could have a dedicated living room source list next week and you won't have to scroll through a bunch of chatter to find what you're looking for. Keeping things simple and easy for ya!<br />
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First up, one of my favorite pieces in the entire living room...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImUD5VWucag/VE562TYgf_I/AAAAAAAANUg/bw87X-krHZQ/s1600/IMG_5410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImUD5VWucag/VE562TYgf_I/AAAAAAAANUg/bw87X-krHZQ/s1600/IMG_5410.jpg" /></a></div>
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Originally I wasn't going to have anything on this wall at all. Brad ended up running some wires from the cable jack behind it to our outdoor TV (right on the other side of the wall) and they needed to be hidden, so I had to come up with something.<br />
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Then I stumbled across this gorgeous cabinet from <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/03/diy-table-shanty-console-table.html">Shanty 2 Chic</a>:<br />
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I loved the simple styling and the fact that it was narrow, and the perfect size! The plans seemed easy enough too (I followed the instructions from <a href="http://ana-white.com/2013/03/plans/shanty-open-shelf-console">Ana White</a> as well as referenced the photos from Shanty 2 Chic).<br />
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The stained wood she used turned out gorgeous but I realized that all of the furniture I had in the room was wood/brown so I decided to switch it up and go with a warm gray. I've had trouble in the past choosing grays—they always turn out bluer than expected, so this time I went with a much warmer shade—Valspar's Mountain Smoke:<br />
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It actually looks pretty cool in this photo but next to all of the other gray swatches, it was a very muddy shade with brown/green undertones. It really is the perfect gray, I think.<br />
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Whitney had ripped down a sheet of 3/4" Purebond plywood for the main frame, which isn't available at Lowe's, but since I wasn't staining mine I used a sheet of 3/4 MDF instead. Best choice EVER. MDF is so easy to work with—doesn't splinter or crack and it's super smooth which makes it perfect for painting.<br />
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I had Lowe's rip it down into strips to make it easier to transport, but their measurements weren't perfect (as usual) so I ended up having to rip it down on our table saw (I don't know what I'd do without that thing!)<br />
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I won't get into the step by step details since you can find those in the links I posted above, but here's some photos during the process. This project calls for a Kreg Jig which I've had some trouble with in the past (mostly with the wood splintering and the screws poking all the way through) but it worked like a charm this time—great for MDF:<br />
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The plans aren't super detailed—like it doesn't say what order to assemble the main cabinet pieces in, so Brad and I just assumed it didn't matter.<br />
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First pieces up!<br />
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This is where more detailed instructions would have come in handy (or perhaps common sense on our part) because after adding the shelves in we realized we couldn't fit our drill in there to secure the top. Oops. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkyXwz4oknU/VFEWwVG65bI/AAAAAAAANXA/Ocw5wlmeMuM/s1600/IMG_5202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkyXwz4oknU/VFEWwVG65bI/AAAAAAAANXA/Ocw5wlmeMuM/s1600/IMG_5202.jpg" /></a></div>
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We had to improvise with hand held screwdrivers. It's solid.<br />
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There were also a couple conflicting measurements on the cut list which set us back but luckily I had leftover scraps of wood I was able to make work.<br />
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The doors were the easiest part:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzhmIFDHl-I/VFEWxGDGdfI/AAAAAAAANW8/zfMJrdtyHGE/s1600/IMG_5207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzhmIFDHl-I/VFEWxGDGdfI/AAAAAAAANW8/zfMJrdtyHGE/s1600/IMG_5207.jpg" /></a></div>
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I decided to add a bit of cottage flair by swapping out the plain plywood sheets with beadboard:<br />
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Once the frame was assembled we attached the back. I still had some particleboard leftover from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-diy-paneled-wall.html">bedroom wall panel project</a> so I was able to save some cash by using that up:</div>
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Then it was time to add the trim!</div>
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I lied about the doors being the easiest part, this step actually was. No mitering involved!</div>
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After patching all of the holes and a good sanding, it was ready for paint:</div>
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I've said this before and I'll say it again—Valspar Signature is where it's at. Best paint I've ever used.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAWwDJhxYOc/VFEWyRo4D4I/AAAAAAAANWk/RVVVX8AvM6I/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAWwDJhxYOc/VFEWyRo4D4I/AAAAAAAANWk/RVVVX8AvM6I/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg" /></a></div>
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And it's a match made in heaven with MDF... one thick coat is all this baby needed (the pine trim and beadboard needed another coat).</div>
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After the paint dried, I applied a coat of Minwax finishing paste for protection (it's a wax that I think is meant for stained/bare wood but it was perfect for this project—easier than brushing on poly).</div>
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I loved the hardware Whitney used in the original build and I was able to find the hinges at Lowe's (in gold, I spray painted them black) and I grabbed some rustic looking black handles from there as well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iioKDmwUptc/VFEWzdyIIRI/AAAAAAAANW0/LVkHeKODu-E/s1600/IMG_5260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iioKDmwUptc/VFEWzdyIIRI/AAAAAAAANW0/LVkHeKODu-E/s1600/IMG_5260.jpg" /></a></div>
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I found the perfect sized baskets at the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/binsBaskets/decorative?productId=10035370&N=71225&Nao=60">Container Store</a>, which arrived just in time for the photo shoot.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKdNp_r6XOs/VE562NFqe2I/AAAAAAAANUg/FDIxBbKUjcI/s1600/IMG_5406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKdNp_r6XOs/VE562NFqe2I/AAAAAAAANUg/FDIxBbKUjcI/s1600/IMG_5406.jpg" /></a></div>
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Love, love, love this cabinet. Favorite build ever. Huge thanks to <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/03/diy-table-shanty-console-table.html">Whitney</a> and <a href="http://ana-white.com/2013/03/plans/shanty-open-shelf-console">Ana</a> for the plans!</div>
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Next up... the tree stump table.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1s_zI_uQng/VE566dCLKQI/AAAAAAAANT8/HElaR1GY9MU/s1600/IMG_5435-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1s_zI_uQng/VE566dCLKQI/AAAAAAAANT8/HElaR1GY9MU/s1600/IMG_5435-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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This project caused a bit of headaches.</div>
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I've wanted to make one forever and I knew it would be perfect in the living room. Fortunately we have tons of chopped trees leftover from their removal earlier this year:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duKdYPeBb_Y/VFEWtYQtnGI/AAAAAAAANXc/Uojy99U7L1s/s1600/IMG_4375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duKdYPeBb_Y/VFEWtYQtnGI/AAAAAAAANXc/Uojy99U7L1s/s1600/IMG_4375.jpg" /></a></div>
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I picked out my favorite log and had my dad come over with his chainsaw to help cut it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFSm03UDeKI/VFEWtSxx1KI/AAAAAAAANXs/MqIwVugZDdQ/s1600/IMG_4377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFSm03UDeKI/VFEWtSxx1KI/AAAAAAAANXs/MqIwVugZDdQ/s1600/IMG_4377.jpg" /></a></div>
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The cut didn't end up being exactly straight, and his chainsaw broke mid-way through so I was left with a crooked log that was borderline too short and very uneven.</div>
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Fortunately I just happened to buy a <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_611549-70-7698K_0__?productId=50203949&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-SosHandHeldPowerTools-_-50203949&CAWELAID=320011480002815756&kpid=50203949&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=64ac47fc-0860-43a7-89a7-498d319c4773&kpid=50203949">planer</a> a couple months ago at our local flea market so I could finish the job with that. Oh, and this was less than <i>two days</i> before the photo shoot. My dad just got his chainsaw back from the repair shop that day—Brad had broken it trying to cut down the first tree stump table last month. Apparently this chainsaw was determined to not let me have my table.</div>
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I spent a solid hour in the garage that night trying to plane it down and get everything level, which ended up mostly just taking another 1-2" off the height.</div>
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Then it was time for the bark removal. These logs had been sitting outside for months with no rain so I figured it would peel right off. Well, maybe 6 inches peeled off without a problem and the rest was completely stuck on. I guess if there are other logs on top of it, it won't dry out. </div>
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There was no way I'd be able to remove it all before the shoot so I had the stylist hide the removed bark side and shoot it as is...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVyCuecOLFA/VFEZ76OjPzI/AAAAAAAANYE/nekWC3Tx0D8/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.41.55-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVyCuecOLFA/VFEZ76OjPzI/AAAAAAAANYE/nekWC3Tx0D8/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.41.55-AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh well.</div>
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A few days later I returned with a chisel and hammer and slowly started chipping away...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RREzc9a3qqM/VFEWumQ0biI/AAAAAAAANVk/f_W5AcwIDYI/s1600/IMG_4476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RREzc9a3qqM/VFEWumQ0biI/AAAAAAAANVk/f_W5AcwIDYI/s1600/IMG_4476.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was definitely a pain. If you plan on making one in the future, put your stump somewhere dry and let it sit for a few months before even attempting to remove the bark.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qCxTbaR5Rg/VFEWuZRM6OI/AAAAAAAANXY/ZqITLsMFKc8/s1600/IMG_4477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qCxTbaR5Rg/VFEWuZRM6OI/AAAAAAAANXY/ZqITLsMFKc8/s1600/IMG_4477.jpg" /></a></div>
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Finally I managed to get every last piece off. It wasn't perfect, but I gave it a quick sanding and called it a day.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxoxMSpY2M0/VFEWunLNyNI/AAAAAAAANXQ/JBXUr1oTqjI/s1600/IMG_4479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxoxMSpY2M0/VFEWunLNyNI/AAAAAAAANXQ/JBXUr1oTqjI/s1600/IMG_4479.jpg" /></a></div>
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To address the height issue, and also make it mobile and allow for air circulation at the bottom (which I read was recommended) I added some small casters purchased from Lowe's:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U5_NdzV7fo/VFEWvEccDZI/AAAAAAAANXg/5j72lbpCf5M/s1600/IMG_4480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U5_NdzV7fo/VFEWvEccDZI/AAAAAAAANXg/5j72lbpCf5M/s1600/IMG_4480.jpg" /></a></div>
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I skipped the poly and am leaving it natural for now.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV_CRNW2bfk/VFEWvc-giQI/AAAAAAAANXM/_r0XHhtb9hg/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV_CRNW2bfk/VFEWvc-giQI/AAAAAAAANXM/_r0XHhtb9hg/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love it, so it was definitely worth it in the end.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2C9WnF7ufX4/VE56V2ntnJI/AAAAAAAANRU/5DuerxSMjYg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2C9WnF7ufX4/VE56V2ntnJI/AAAAAAAANRU/5DuerxSMjYg/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
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And if you're curious about this white <a href="http://comfort-works.com/en/">sofa slipcovers</a> above... here's what happened. Remember my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/master-makeover-new-curtains-diy-12-rod.html">post back in July</a> asking for your thoughts what to do with the living room arrangement?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4cQLfLbmw/Uvqz2Ep-yRI/AAAAAAAAHQE/h0k4wZGWvWY/s1600/IMG_1763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4cQLfLbmw/Uvqz2Ep-yRI/AAAAAAAAHQE/h0k4wZGWvWY/s1600/IMG_1763.jpg" /></a></div>
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And then I decided on this layout, but wasn't sure what to do with the couch fabric...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLO8WqeMJnc/U9pUhZGvihI/AAAAAAAAKaM/Pkz4qQyEjmY/s1600/IMG_4348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLO8WqeMJnc/U9pUhZGvihI/AAAAAAAAKaM/Pkz4qQyEjmY/s1600/IMG_4348.jpg" /></a></div>
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We still had the <a href="http://comfort-works.com/en/custom-ikea-slipcovers-7">kivik slipcovers</a> from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-new-couch-and-comfort-works-giveaway.html">last house</a>—which I loved at the time, but this home is definitely not the same beachy style. I loved the quality and fitment though, so it was an easy decision to go with <a href="http://comfort-works.com/">Comfort Works</a> again.</div>
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I tossed around the idea of white and gray, but figured I'd wait until the actual fabric swatches came in the mail to make a final decision. </div>
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White has always been my favorite color for sofas, but I've been too scared to take the plunge (hello, stains) so I just wrote it off completely. But then I discovered Comfort Works recently came out with a new "stain resistant" fabric called Liege, so I ordered a sample in "Eggshell" which reads as white but it's really an off-white oatmeal linen blend up close.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f2RDQ7HOTs/VFEZ7FvelYI/AAAAAAAANYI/SWzB-l5V8IQ/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.39.08-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f2RDQ7HOTs/VFEZ7FvelYI/AAAAAAAANYI/SWzB-l5V8IQ/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.39.08-AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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I absolutely loved it. I was still skeptical about it's stain-repelling effectiveness so I put it to the test with some red wine...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, I wasted good red wine for this test.</i></td></tr>
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Literally... the wine just fell off of it like it was never even there. It was like Scotch Guard on crack. I have no idea how it was possible but I immediately showed Brad (the OCD clean freak) and convinced him to let me buy my white slipcovers. Forget the gray, I want all white.</div>
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They even make <a href="http://comfort-works.com/en/custom-sofa-cover-loose-couch-slipcover-17">custom sofa covers</a> so I was able to get one for my armchair. I just had to send them photos and fill out a measurement form and their team did the rest.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6WwGkIEAPg/VFEu_adBWvI/AAAAAAAANYs/4bKfV_k1zOc/s1600/IMG_4656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6WwGkIEAPg/VFEu_adBWvI/AAAAAAAANYs/4bKfV_k1zOc/s1600/IMG_4656.jpg" /></a></div>
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Fun fact... Brad and I bought this chair on Craigslist for $35 back when we lived in LA (almost 8 years ago, where does the time go?!) Here it is way back when...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8w12uG2QWk/VCQ4O-582LI/AAAAAAAAMzs/dt5p8u1k0Bk/s1600/entryway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8w12uG2QWk/VCQ4O-582LI/AAAAAAAAMzs/dt5p8u1k0Bk/s1600/entryway.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's super comfy so I couldn't bear to part with it (and I didn't have to spend hundreds on a new armchair!)<br />
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I could choose whatever style I wanted so I sent them some of my favorites I'd been collecting on Pinterest...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662381805451/"><i>Pin</i></a></td></tr>
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Relaxed/loose fit with piping and pleated corners... perfect.</div>
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The covers arrived over a month ago but I waited until just before the shoot to swap them out so they were nice and fresh. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4RusFIuz7Y/VFEZ8I-ruFI/AAAAAAAANYM/jEMn5sSA3O0/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.42.48-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4RusFIuz7Y/VFEZ8I-ruFI/AAAAAAAANYM/jEMn5sSA3O0/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-10-29-at-9.42.48-AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think they nailed it and I really couldn't be happier.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZY6zPPQrnQ/VE567BQrUOI/AAAAAAAANTw/f8AU3LAtzwY/s1600/IMG_5447-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZY6zPPQrnQ/VE567BQrUOI/AAAAAAAANTw/f8AU3LAtzwY/s1600/IMG_5447-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now I'm just crossing my fingers the stain resistance will last forever! The good news is, the cushions are reversible so if there is a catastrophe, I can simply flip it over to the other side. The other good news is because I opted for the loose fit, the covers are easily removable to throw in the wash so it shouldn't be a huge pain when they need a cleaning. </div>
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Whew, alright, that's enough information crammed into one post! Mark your calendars for Monday where I'll be sharing all of the sources for this living room (and if you don't want to miss anything in the meantime, feel free to follow along on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a>!)</div>
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