Just in case you didn't know, I LOVE wreaths! As I was perusing Pinterest this evening for ideas, I found myself pinning like a million wreaths. My plan was to just search for 2-3 ideas to make something simple, and then I just couldn't stop. :)

Check this one out!

Source: marthastewart.com via Mary - on Pinterest

You may be thinking, what does this have to do with Christmas? But I can see it! Just add a red bow and some purple berries... and there you have it. A non-traditional Christmas wreath.

This next one is really really amazing!

Source: vintagemellie.blogspot.com via Mary - on Pinterest

All I need now is a power saw. :)

Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for the traditional as well! Just give me garland, white lights, and red bows and I am done.

Source: hollymathisinteriors.com via Mary - on Pinterest

I am really into the traditional ole boxwood wreaths and want to make one or buy one pronto... correction, not one but like ten! So classic.

Okay, so here's one for Arizona!

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Mary - on Pinterest

I can picture a simple red bow on the bottom right "corner". I think this may be my front door choice (that is if I have time to try and make it or if I see one for sale in my area).

Just one more, I promise!

Source: littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com via Mary - on Pinterest

I really do want to try and make this one. At first glance I thought it was red felt, but look a little closer. It's red burlap!

Check out my Pinterest Christmas board here to see the rest of the wreaths that caught my eye today. There are so many amazing ideas that I could be making wreaths all year and stay busy.


Please note: All images were pulled from Pinterest and when clicking on the photo (in most cases) you will be taken to their original source.


Lots of love,
Mary

I am so very honored to have been asked by Tammy @ Type A to do a guest post for her today as a part of her Christmas series. The tutorial that I have shared with her audience is a step-by-step DIY tutorial to create this rustic star that you saw recently on my Christmas "mantle" post.

You can view the full tutorial over at Type A today by clicking here or on the below "25 days of Christmas Guest Bloggers" link. Merry Christmas!






Lots of love,
Mary

Introducing... our Christmas "mantle"!

I have to say that I went through a couple revisions before settling on this design. That's just how I roll! :) The plan was to keep it simple this year. The white framed art in the background was just moved from another wall.  I think it gives the mantle a nice neutral backdrop.

Nutcracker statues were added to give a little pop of color and play off of the red stockings as well and provide a little interest.

As usual, everything here was either a sale/clearance item, thrift store find, or generally inexpensive. I don't like to pay a lot.

I purchased these Pottery Barn stockings a couple years back and ordered some extra blank ones for our future children. This time next year, that blank stocking will say "Daniel." Pottery Barn also sells a matching tree skirt, but that sucker never goes on sale -- I check every year after Christmas. I may have to buck up and just buy the thing one of these years... I just HATE paying full price! :)

A little bling here and there.

And the star as the focal point to complete the look!

Lots of love,

Mary

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This morning I had a small window of time before my daughter's dance class to go out thrift shopping and try to pickup some furniture to refinish. You see, I'm currently sold out. All the pieces that I've done to this point have sold -- yay! This is so very exciting, but at the same time I need to get to work. Are you curious to see what I found this morning?

At my first stop I struck out. This happens sometimes, but don't let that discourage you. On my second attempt I snagged two of these nightstands for only $6.50 a piece! Not sure what to do with them yet, but I'm sure it will come to me.

I was drawn to the nice shape and the hardware. The drawers are also dovetail and you can tell that it's a better quality piece. Now I just have to pick the perfect finish!

Next stop, I found this Mid-Century Modern desk for only $10. You can't see in the photo, but it has the pencil legs that I really love. It's extra long but has a short depth, which helps with functionality.

This is going to be fun! I'm thinking more bold and retro for these color selections. 

Lots of love,

Mary

Its Finished! This piece took WAY longer than anticipated. I probably should have taped off the wood and sprayed the metal base to save time rather than painting every detail by hand, but lessons learned I guess. Here he is...

I chose the name Thomas because he looks so distinguished to me -- handsome and smart, showing off his age so well.

I gave you a sneak peek earlier this week. Remember what he looked like before?

This piece was a Craigslist find. I love the wooden slats, you just don't see these anymore. A perfect example of my favorite combo -- mixing the vintage with the modern!

I used some wood stain that I had on hand from a previous project, Minwax Bombay Mahogany. I Just used one coat, my goal was to keep the wood looking old and worn, just warmed up a bit.

Once dry, I taped off the wood and brushed on a mixture of a Behr black color that I also had on hand. (Sorry I don't have the name of this color. If interested, I can send you the mixture levels). I didn't need to use a primer because the mixture used was a homemade chalk paint recipe. Side-note: I have plans to complete a more thorough chalk paint comparison in the future. I'll keep you posted. I am however very pleased with the results!

I finished off the entire piece with a coat of Annie Sloan Soft Wax in Clear and gave it a light buff. I'll be applying a second coat tomorrow since its an outdoor piece and needs extra protection.

I haven't yet decided If I am going to keep him or post him on Craigslist.  Hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

For now, I will just look at him for a while. Isn't he handsome?

Lots of love,

Mary 

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