TGIF~DIY Industrial Shelves Addition

Hello friends!  Gosh, this week sure did fly by.  I have been busy keeping up with a now VERY active Golden Retriever, a.k.a. HENLEY!!  He really is a joy.

Today I thought I would share our new industrial shelves that we diy'd for a corner in our kitchen. We used to have a chalkboard hanging on that wall, but since we already had another chalkboard area on the side of our refrigerator cabinet we decided two weren't necessary.

I love the extra storage the shelves provide, while also being decorative.  I got the idea from Suzy of Worthing Court.  You can read her DIY tutorial here.  The only thing I will add is that we had an issue with one of the pipes not being level once screwed into the flange.  Of course, this will make the shelf not level when placing it on the pipe brackets.  We ended up purchasing another set, and checked all for level on a flat surface using a small magnetic level we had on hand prior to installing.  I used Rustoleum's hammered metal spray paint in black to paint the metal parts.  As Suzy mentions in her tutorial, be sure to wash all metal parts in soapy water to remove all the grease before painting them.

The before, from Christmas:

And the afters:

This picture shows you where the corner is located.  It's a small wall just inside our french doors that lead to our back porch.  The opening on the left leads to our family room.

I love that with just a few simple changes, I can decorate them for different holidays.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  Was a stormy morning, but the sun is shining brightly now.

Pinecone Door Hanger~Winter Door Decor

Thank you to those who left well wishes for my oldest yesterday, either here or via Instagram.  We truly appreciate all the wonderful sentiments and love.

Today I thought I would share a simple idea for a winter door hanging.  After taking down our Christmas wreath, our front door was looking a little bare.  I normally have a wreath of some sort on it, but decided to change it up this go round.  While browsing Pinterest I saw several door hangings using pinecones and decided to make one myself.

I had "dipped" several pinecones in white acrylic paint to use in our home holiday decor this year, and thought they would work well for this project.  The white snowy tips seem to say "winter".

I was a bad blogger and did not take pictures throughout the process.  It really was quite simple however, and was achieved in less than 30 minutes.

Supplies:
Pinecones in varying sizes
*for snowy tips you will need white acrylic paint, a paper plate and some wax paper:  pour a small amount of acrylic paint on the paper plate, gently roll your pinecones in the paint ( I found it easiest to hold the tip) and then place standing up on the wax paper to dry overnight)

Ribbon of choice ( I used leftover pieces we saved from gifts)

Glue Gun

Directions:

Apply a small amount of hot glue to the bottom of your pinecone and then adhere the ribbon.  Do this for each one.  I used 11 in all (odd numbers work best).  Once all of your pinecones have a ribbon attached, I then tied a smaller piece of ribbon at the base with a simple knot and cut the ends on an angle to add a "bow").  Once that is complete, take one ribbon with a pinecone attached at a time and then add one by one (keeping the ribbon on top of the one before so it appears to be one), varying the heights (basically forming what looks like a grape cluster).  Once you have all of your pinecones the way you want them, simply tie the ribbons in a large knot.  I then cut the ends to equal length at the top.  I then added to pieces of ribbon to make a bow just above the knot.  Hang using a door hanger or a nail.

Super simple.

Here's a closer look...

Quotes and Word Art in Decor~

Those that know me personally know that I love a good quote.  I also love inspiring scripture verses as well.

When in comes to art in our home, I prefer the pieces reflect who we are and what is important to us. That is where I have found quotes and word art say it best.

Many of the framed pieces around our house I simply created on the computer using Microsoft Word, others were purchased and downloaded off of Etsy, while some were ordered as well...such as the Love is sign.

Here are some pieces that are displayed around our home.  I apologize for the lighting and glare ahead of time.  Bright summer afternoons in Georgia make for some tricky photography and I am no pro!!

A burlap bulletin board I made features several of my favorite quotes and sayings in my home office.

I created the "collect moments not things" print as a reminder of what truly matters.  The Hey Y'all and I am with you always prints were purchased on Etsy.  The verse is one that I clung to when going through testing for cancer a couple years ago.  Praise God, I did not have cancer!! These sit atop the expedite in my home office.

The "Our Nest" sign was purchased from Etsy. The galvanized metal memo board and our sweet pups essentials hooks were created by me.  The cards on the memo board are part of a set of 21 day inspirational quotes I purchased from my dear friend's shop, All Inspired Boutique, here in Atlanta.

If you read my post about the vignettes around our home, you would have seen this quote already.  Again, another reminder to celebrate each and every day.

This quote is from one of my favorite books, Bread and Wine, by Shauna Niequest.  You know we love to cook and hang out in the kitchen.  I don't recall whether I downloaded this from Etsy or from her website.

  

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I had little fun staining and painting the other day.  This sign hangs in our kitchen by our coffee bar.

I have shared these before, along with a funny story about my mom.  She asked where I purchased them.  I told her I made them.  Then continued to explain how.  My dad then says, "you could too if you knew how to use a computer!"  My mother is so not tech savvy.  She still has a T9 flip phone!!!

This was a hand lettered piece gifted to me by one of my sweet Bible study friends whom I taught with two years ago.  We were studying 1st and 2nd Corinthians last year.

Another downloaded from Etsy.  All I can say is AMEN!! 

Love this quote by Myquillyn Smith, of the Nester.

This is part of a gallery wall in our Master Bedroom.  Our anniversary date.  The bottom is hard to read. It says...from this moment...

Another I created.  Every day should be a good day!

This is also in our Master Bedroom.  I am so thankful that His mercies are INDEED new every day!!

This wood sign was purchased from Joanna Gaines shop. However, it is also sold on the artist's site on Etsy as well.  They are a couple that live right here in Athens, GA.

Love this quote by C.S. Lewis.  I am not 100% sure where I purchased this.  I believe it may have been a download on Myquillyn Smith's Hopeologie site.

This is another sign that hangs over my hubby's nightstand.  I purchased this from my friend's shop here in Atlanta.

There are a few others scattered here and there.  I love that most can easily be changed out if we should choose to.

Have a blessed day!!

Linking up with the lovely ladies for Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

Inexpensive Wall Art~

Our back hallway is quite tight, approximately 4X5, with three, yes THREE doors.  One leading to the laundry room to the left, one leading to the garage straight ahead and one for the coat closet on the right.  Not an easy space to decorate. And a fun place to play what's behind door number??? when guests are trying to leave.

I did makeover an Ikea Rast dresser a few years back that fit the one wall we do have perfectly.  We use it to hold all of our phone chargers, cords, headphones, etc.  Mostly things we need to grab before heading out on a trip.

A few months back, I decided to change out the artwork that hung above the dresser. Again, I am limited with space as the light switch is on that wall. Obiviously designed by a man!
We originally had some colorful bird prints hanging in the space. (the rug has been since changed out as well, and I am considering updating the dresser...on the to do list)

I didn't want to spend a ton of money, so I decided to create my own.  Easy peasy...a couple of my favorite quotes, Microsoft word, a cute font, and hit print! Pop them in the frames I already had and done.

I love the reminders when walking in and out the door.

I have to share a funny regarding these.  My folks were here for Easter dinner. My mom happened to notice the prints, and a few others I have around the house. She asked where I got them.  I told her I made them.  She asked how?  I told her on the computer...Microsoft word, pick a quote, pick a font, and print.  She said, you can do that?  Change the font?  LOL My dad who is a computer genius, said "why yes, as soon as you learn to master your email!" Let's suffice to say, my momma isn't tech savvy.  She still prefers her T-9 flip phone! UGH!!!

What's On Your Front Door~wreath inspiration

Good Monday morning my friends.  How is everyone after losing an hour of sleep this weekend?  My #2 lost 2 hours, bless her heart.  One hour on the plane ride home on Friday, and then another Saturday night.  Needless to say, she is sleeping in today and I don't blame her one bit.

I was recently contacted by the delightful people over at Patience Brewster, and asked if I would be willing to share some of the wreaths that I have created.

Patience Brewster is a creative artist.  She is most known for her whimsical ornaments.  You cannot help but smile when you see them.  Several local shops here sell them at Christmas, and they truly are beautiful.   

Patience shares about her life growing up, how she got into the business, her family, and heartbreakingly the loss of her son Holland here.  Holland lost his life to Hodgkins lymphoma in 2005.  

As you know, that is a disease near and dear to my heart.  Many of you have continued to pray for my dear friend Jennifer's (Beaufortbelle) daughter, Brooke.  Brooke recently had an overnight stay in the hospital where they discovered several blood clots in her lungs.  Brooke is now home, but still struggling.  The coughing at times is uncontrollable, making it difficult to keep her meds and food down. So, please continue to pray for her.  And also Jennifer, for strength as she cares for Brooke.

This first one is not a wreath, but sometimes a nice door bucket or basket filled with flowers adds just the perfect touch to a front door.

Fall Door Bucket

She Sells Seashells, easy to create with a grapevine wreath and shells collected at the beach.  Hot glue the shells on, add a bit of jute rope and finish with a burlap bow.

Fall Wreath-again my stand by grapevine wreath with fall colored silk flowers attached and a fluffy burlap bow.

This wreath I created for spring one year with a touch of greenery I had on hand.  

This wreath has been on display many Christmas seasons.  While the bow may change from year to year the rest remains the same.  The skates were my daughters first pair.  And, I love the pom poms we added a couple years ago as it reminds me of the ones I had on my skates as a young child.

Even just adding a festive bow to a simple boxwood wreath can make a statement.

And, while these adorned our office doors they could easily be hung on the front door as well.  I love the use of letters and monograms.

And, what southern gal doesn't love a beautiful Magnolia wreath.  I purchase ours fresh from Whole Foods during the holiday season and adorn with a bow. These dry beautifully.  My friend Ron at The Uptown Acorn suggested spray painting the dried wreath gold.  I cannot wait to try it next holiday season!

Lastly, a summer wreath I created last year using another grapevine wreath, some moss and oyster shells.  This is one of my favorites, especially against our new door color.

I hope I have inspired you to create a new wreath for your front door.  There is no right or wrong way to do it.  Just be creative!

***while this post does contain links, I was in no way compensated.  All opinions and photographs are that of SimplyLKJ.

A Couple New Additions to the Office~

I was in need of a place to post some of my favorite quotes and sayings, so I created a new bulletin board for my office.  I just adore the leopard print fabric that I found at my local fabric store, frugal fabrics.  I also love the addition of the greek key ribbon.  The green really pops off the blue leopard print. This was such a simple project.  All that was needed was a store bought cork bulletin board, some fabric, ribbon and my trusty electric staple gun (a life changer).  Simply cut the fabric a bit larger than your board, lay fabric right side down on a solid surface, lay the bulletin board cork side down on the fabric, wrap edge around and  staple to the back of the frame, folding corners like you would a present.  I decided to just add the ribbon in four simple strips creating a frame, however you could go with the traditional criss-cross of a memo board.  There are great tutorials for that online.

I also decided to add some art to  the top of my Ikea expedite.  The Live Laugh Love print was created and gifted to me by my sweet #1, the Hey Y'all print is from the Etsy shop-Stephanie Creekmur, the abstract art is one that I personally painted, and the other two are prints of images I found on Google-one a Lilly Pulitzer quote and the other an Audrey Hepburn quote.  I love the pop of color they add.  The frames are simple white frames I purchased from Michaels during their buy one, get one sale.

I have a lot of other fun projects and some organizational things I would like to conquer, but they have taken a back seat until I receive the results back from my resent procedure.  I am hopeful that I will have answers possibly later today, but know that it could potentially go into Monday because of the weekend.

Happy Weekend my friends!!

Baby Girls Room Reveal~

Today is the day!  For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know I have been working on baby girl's room in anticipation of her arrival home from the university.  Well, she is due to arrive home this evening after a VERY long drive (12 hours).  Her sweet beau flew out on Saturday to tour campus, and to make the drive back home with her.  The worst part of their trip is over...getting out of Texas!  When they say "everything is bigger in Texas" they mean it.  It takes her 3 hours, give or take, just to get out of the state!! From there on out, it is a straight shot home.

I know ya'll are ready for the pictures, but just a couple of things first.  I had a few ask about the paint I used for her furniture.  I used the same primer and paint for this project as I did when I redid our Pottery Barn piece and mirror.

Primer:  Gripper (white) by Glidden found at Home Depot.

Paint:  Advance (semi-gloss-color matched to Ikea drawer) by Benjamin Moore.

Dresser Handles:  Rustoleum Spray Paint & Primer in one (flat soft iron).

Gripper is my go to primer!  I have used it on many furniture pieces, our entertainment center, mantle and bath room cabinets.  You only have to lightly scuff sand any shiny finishes and you are good to go.  I generally apply two light coats.  The primer also comes in gray, and the white can be tinted as well.  I had it tinted when painting our entertainment center, mantle and cabinets since I was going from white to dark chocolate brown.  Less top coats!!

My first time using Advance by Benjamin Moore was when I redid our Pottery Barn piece.  It was on a recommendation from the gentleman at the paint store.  All I can say is, where was this paint when I did all those other projects??!!!  It is the easiest paint to use.  A little goes a VERY VERY long way.  I used a brush for the intricate parts, and rolled the rest with a sponge roller.  This paint flattens out as it dries and cures...no brush/roller marks.  You can see them a bit when applying, but trust me, for the most part they disappear.

With all the pieces, I applied two light primer coats.  Advance has a built in primer, but in both instances I was taking very dark (red and black in this case) to light or white.  And, then applied 3 light top coats.  On some pieces I am sure you can get away with 1 coat of primer and two top coats.

The primer dries quickly, and the paint generally sets up overnight.  Even in our gosh awful humidity!!

Her dresser handles I sprayed with a couple coats of Rustoleum to match handles on her other dresser in the room.

Okay, without further ado...here is the room.  I tried to get the best shots this morning, but as you can see her room gets full on sun through the side windows making it a little difficult for this amateur.

Study area to the left, repainted bed and dresser.

A closer look.

This dresser was a find at a local flea/antique store years back.  

A closer look at the details on the dresser and the handles.

Ikea Hemnes 8 drawer dresser.  I used a drawer from this to have the paint color matched.  The mirror is the one that used to hang in our downstairs foyer.

This wall was originally solid.  When this room was our girls playroom, we added the nook for our big screen tv, when  the room became our oldest's we added the bench seat that houses storage below (under the cushion is a hinged top).  We will add some more pillows and a throw to this area.

This room has two dormer spaces that are fairly tight.  This one showcases all her volleyball awards, medals, pictures and balls.  The wire basket is from Home Goods and holds her mini souvenier  tournament balls.

The bookcase is the Hemnes bookcase from Ikea.  This is perfect for storing books, yearbooks, keepsakes, and her collection of Bibles.

A closer look at her volleyball collection.

Study area.  This girl has spent many an hour at that desk.  Someday I will have to share an up close picture of her desk chair and the reason why I refuse to paint it!!! The desk and bookcase are from Ikea.  Why they did away with the expedit is beyond me.  The new version does not look as sturdy.

A closer look at the desk.

Her beloved chalkboard wall.

Perfect for adding some inspiration.

This is the other dormer.  The  Hemnes dresser/shoe storage is from Ikea as well and holds her jewelry and shoes (well, some of them anyway...this girls loves her shoes just like her sister).  And, a full length mirror.

Close up of her bedding.  The white quilt and shams are from Pottery Barn (pick stitch) and the Lilly bedding is from Garnett Hill.  The throw pillow I had made along with her bench cushion by our local upholsterer, and then had a girlfriend monogram it for her.

Cork coasters I painted to help protect the finish on her newly painted dresser.  This girl loves her sweet tea!!!

Well, there you have it!  I am just glad I got it all done in time (hence my lack of posts lately).  We can't wait for her to arrive home.