Fluffing my nest — A Cultivated Nest

My Painted Stair Makeover

May 17, 2013 By Manuela

It was over a year ago that I started talking about how my poor front stairs need repainting and how I was looking around for ideas. Here’s the post with some of the ideas I was considering for making over my stairs – Painted Stair Ideas.

I didn’t do what I thought I was going to do…as usual. But I did finally do something! It took me a long time to finish these stairs (are you surprised?).

I started them last year and for the longest time they just had primer on the risers and one coat of paint on the steps. Which of course wore away in a few months and was embarassing since these are the first things you see when I open the door.

I used these house numbers from Home Depot and spray painted them and sealed them. They were the flatest cheapest numbers that HD carries. They come with really long nails which I used on one number and then I realized I could use shorter finshing nails instead and save me some hammer’n. I used porch and floor paint from Lowe’s for the steps and semi-gloss for the risers. I figured semi-gloss is easy to wipe down.

This is how they originally looked (except much more worn). This is from my old camera so please excuse the quality of the photo. I had painted the steps a cream color and then painted a runner in a terra cotta color down the middle. I used a wall decal which I separated and added to my risers. I did this when we first moved in and took the nasty carpeting off the steps. They were in bad shape and we didn’t have money or time to totally redo them so I painted them and they lasted over 7 years! And that’s with us constantly using them plus a dog!

I thought black and white would be classic and blue numbers would be fun!

My color inspiration was one of my Katie Daisy prints I have hanging in the foyer. It’s called Magic Farmhouse.

I’m so happy to mark that project off my to do list!

Filed Under: DIY Projects, DIY Projects, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: DIY projects, Katie Daisy, painted stairs, stair ideas 17 Comments

DIY Paper Doily Wreath

May 13, 2013 By Manuela

I found a bunch of paper doilies at the thrift store a few months ago and was trying to think of what I would use them for and came up with a rolled paper doily wreath! I’ve been wanting to make a rolled paper wreath for some time now and here was my opportunity.

I think it’s so pretty and lacey looking!

As usual I didn’t have a real wreath form but honestly for this type of wreath it doesn’t mater.

I used a dinner plate and cut a circle from a piece of foam core that I had laying around. You could also use cardboard. Anything with a bit of weight to it because when it’s completed it is a little on the heavy side (unless you make a little one and then a cereal box would be fine).

Roll a bunch of doilies into a cone shape. I used a low temp glue gun to seal the cones and even though I thought I had rolled a lot, I had to roll more as I got to the end of making my wreath.

I found the center of my circle and I made another little circle the size of a tea cup saucer around that because you’re going to hot glue the point of your cones to outside edge of the small circle. I’m not giving sizes because it all depends on how big you’re making your own wreath and what size doily you use for your cones – just eyeball it. You can always lay it all out before gluing anything down.

As you can see they don’t line up perfectly (at least mine didn’t). I knew I’d be putting a second layer of cones and that would hide any gaps. The second layer is glued down in that open circle and they’re a little shorter (cut the point of the cones down). I used 42 doilies in total because I had two layers. These were 8 inch doilies.

You’ll need to hot glue something to the center to hide where all the cones meet. I used a little frame from Michaels with some scrapbook paper in it. You could make some paper fan flowers or whatever strikes your fancy.

I think this will be a fun summer time wreath! You can do the same thing with any kind of paper you have if you don’t have paper doilies. Magazine pages, book pages, sheet music, scrapbook paper, atlas pages…anything really.

Try it! It’s an inexpensive yet great looking wreath!

Linking to: Tweak It Tuesday, Inspire Me Tuesday, Budget Decorating Party,
Brag About It

Filed Under: DIY Projects, Fluffing my nest, Tutorials Tagged With: paper doily wreath, Wreaths 22 Comments

Decorations I Made For My Office Makeover

May 6, 2013 By Manuela

I guess I could have titled this post paint and paper are a frugal decorators best friend ! I started thinking about changing my guest bedroom into an office/craft space January 2012 when I shared some office desks from Ikea that I was considering buying. I know…it takes me a while to get to things! My only excuse is that I didn’t feel well for a good part of last year. So my energy was focused elsewhere.

Well we finally bought a desk at Ikea (actually 3) for me a few weeks ago and it’s not any of the ones I showed in that post! Although it’s kind of a combination of them. They have a make your own option with various table tops and legs available.

We used two to make an L-shaped desk for me. The other one is my craft table. I chose red legs (of course)! I’m thinking of making a skirt to go on the outside of the two sides of the L. There’s a lot of good storage space under there but I don’t want it to look messy.

Anyway, this post is more about the cute decorations I made for the room like these scrapbook paper fan flowers/paper medallions. I plan on making more – some out of maps. If I waited until I was completely done with them all before I showed them to you, it would probably be another year before you saw them! They are really, really, REALLY time consuming to make (but so cute and cheap)! I have to give myself a little break before making some more

These tissue paper flowers were much easier to make!. I’d love to find a petite chandelier to hang in their place or maybe some fun Chinese lanterns. Until I find that perfect “something else” I’ll enjoy looking up at these fun, colorful tissue paper flowers! They’re hung with fishing wire and push pins in the ceiling.

I spray painted the frame of a little chalkboard that I’ve had forever (used to be white). I think it used to be a painting that I just painted over with chalkboard paint. It still is marked with the price I paid at Goodwill for it $3.53! I just loved the frame. I thought it would be good to write little encouraging phrases or things to think about on it. “Bloom Where You Are Planted” is actually what my About Me page is called. It’s something I’ve been trying to do for many many MANY years!

You can find this printable on my Free Printable Pinterest Board. I just have it on a clipboard to make it easy to change out. I love free printables!

Hoop art is really light weight and easily hung from my bulletin board.

I have to make a decision about curtains and some organizing things and a few more decorative touches and I will be done soon…unless I decide to rip out the old carpeting and paint the floor!

Other office makeover posts:

The bookcase that I’m using in the office that I made over

The chair I painted for my office

Linking to:

Pin It Monday

Budget Decorating Party

Tweak It Tuesday

Filed Under: Budget Decorating, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: Budget Decorating, Ikea, office makeover, paper medallions, scrapbook paper, tissue paper flowers 19 Comments

DIY Fabric Covered Books As Part of Your Decor

April 29, 2013 By Manuela

About 3 years ago I painted and stamped some books to use on my fireplace mantel and I also covered books with scrapbook paper and wrapping paper (you can see the tutorial here). This time I looked in my fabric stash (cause I’ve got to use that fabric for something) and covered a few books with some fun fabric to use on my end table to give my painted obelisk some height.

I love using books as part of my decor. Especially covered books. They’re a great way to add a pop of pattern/color or texture (if you do something plain like burlap). Some times I just spray paint them the color I need. Of course, it should go without saying, that these are books that you are not planning on reading or that are damaged.

Covering old books in fabric, paint or paper is a great way to get them to coordinate with your decor! I used some toile & ticking fabric on mine to go with the toile & gingham patterns that I use in that room (and all the red transferware I have).

I just think they’re a fun, easy and inexpensive way to to add some pop to a room! So go get some old books you have lying around that are in bad shape or that you don’t want to read anymore and cover them!

Filed Under: Budget Decorating, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: altered books, Budget Decorating, fabric covered books, upcycling 21 Comments

Decorating With Coffee Tins In My Kitchen – New & Vintage

April 26, 2013 By Manuela

I have this shelf in my kitchen that I found in a neighbor’s garbage a few years ago that I like to fluff now and then.

I’ve had this vintage coffee tin for a while and then a found a vintage looking one at TJMaxx and so I had to re-do my little kitchen shelf decoration (of course)!

I love the new tin since it has a rooster on it! I also put a few cups that I rarely use on the shelf (which I think is my best garbage day find EVER).

The old looking coffee sign is made by me – it’s really easy to do ! Here’s how I made it:
1. You are going to print out the words that you want on your sign. So what I do is open Word and start playing with the different fonts and sizes. It all really depends on the size of your sign. To change size you have to type in the size you want in the font size box and then hit enter.

2.To transfer your word(s) onto your sign use either graphite paper which is what I did here or cover the back of your paper with artists charcoal/crayon or if it’s not a lot of letters you can just press real hard and that will leave an indentation of the letters on your wood. I’ve used all these methods and the graphite paper ($2 at Michaels) has been the easiest to work with.

3. Use a dull pencil or something that’s not too pointy and trace over your printed out letters. You should have your board, graphite paper and printed out words in that order.

4. Now that your letters are transferred, all you have to do is fill them in! You can use a brush or a paint pen if you think your hand isn’t steady enough for a paint brush.

I’ve used them both and I find I like the paint pen better – it’s easier for me to trace around the letters and then fill in. But if you like using a brush, a firm angled one is easiest to use in this application.

Then give the sign a lite sanding at the edges and over the words to create a worn and aged look. So easy and inexpensive!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Filed Under: Fluffing my nest Tagged With: coffee tins, DIY projects, kitchen, vintage 21 Comments

Decorating Changes In The Living Room

April 22, 2013 By Manuela

First off, Happy Earth Day everyone! I moved my living room furniture around again. After living with my living room the way I arranged it last February, I decided last month that I just didn’t like it and I’ve been trying different locations for the couch and chairs and finally settled on something I really like. I just want to show you one corner today.

I moved the red table that I’ve always used as a side table behind my slipcovered Ikea Ektorp chair (which I love – it’s so big and comfy) and I moved them both into a corner by the windows and bookcases.

Aren’t these obelisks cute! I’m so in love with them! I have a bunch of black accessories that I’m not using anymore and I thought I’d just spray paint some of the obelisks fun colors.

I love the green one. I had some green gloss spray paint which is unusual because I usually use satin but the gloss looks really good.

I’m going to pick up a few more cans of gloss and spray the rest of obelisks that I have in some other fun colors. I don’t know why I have so many obelisks (and candlesticks)? :)

I’m loving yellow and greens this spring! I love that yellow gingham pillow I got at Ikea last year and could kick myself for not picking up two. Apparently everyone else loved the yellow (they also had green and pink) because even thought I went back several times I was never able to find another one. Hate that!

So that’s all I have to show you today. I have to say moving things around to where I really like the way it all looks has re-awakened my decorating mojo!

LINKING TO:

Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House & Budget Decorating Party @ Creative Cain Cabin

Thursday’s are Your Days @ 52 Mantels

Filed Under: Budget Decorating, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: cottage style decorating, decorating, living room, spray painting accessories, spring decorating 29 Comments

My World Is Green – Out On The Porch

April 12, 2013 By Manuela

My world IS literally green! It was yellow with inches of pollen every where. But now it’s green since the trees are leafing out! I would say spring is here in Georgia. Which means it’s time to get the screened porch ready for us to enjoy. It’s my favorite room in this house!

This year my colors are going to be lots of green, with some blue and white. That way I can re-use most of the things I already have with just a bit of tweaking.

With that in mind, I just wanted to share a quick little update I started in the porch a few days ago. I painted my mirror green and got some new plates. These are melamine plates from TJMaxx.

I usually hang real plates but I don’t have any that are these colors so it was a small investment to get the look I want this year.

I think I’ve painted this mirror about 6 or 7 times. This is what it looked like one summer.

Last fall I painted it white and used my Johnson Brothers Friendly Village plates.

I just keep re-painting it and accessorizing around it with different things to get a new look.

This year the color is GREEN!

Linking to: Budget Decorating Party, Tweak It Tuesday

Filed Under: Exterior Decorating, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: mirrors, Outdoor Decorating, screened porch 26 Comments

Working On My Office – Bookcase Makeover

April 8, 2013 By Manuela

Hi everyone! I’ve been battling some horrible sinus something for the past week or so but finally feel better and was able to get a little project finished in my guest bedroom into office/craft room makeover. I’m so excited!

Sometimes you have to make a big mess so you can organize things. Which is the case here!

I took everything off my bookcase so I could 1) move it over and 2) go through things and see what I had and what I wanted to do with it.

This is one of two Ikea bookcases that used to be in living room (that’s why there’s toile paper on the back).

I had this roll of gift wrap that I thought would look nice on the back and hoped I had enough! So I took the toile paper off (it’s just up with double stick tape).

I had just enough paper with a bit to spare! The aqua hounds-tooth gift wrap is put up with double stick tape . Some of the shelves are stationery so I had to cut individual pieces for the backing which required measuring and trimming with an exacto knife. But overall it’s a very simple process and I’m so happy that the blue of the paper works beautifully with the blue of the chair I repainted for this space.

I have to put everything back on the bookcase but I want to re-organize things. Not everything will go back on this particular bookcase – I’m going to get a shorter one to put my printer on and to put more office supply type things in that one.

A few organizing things that I wanted to show you. I got this neat wooden bin with divided areas for my craft paint/glitter/etc. It has cut out handles so it’s easy to grab and take to where ever I might be crafting! Cause if it’s a beautiful day, I’ll craft outside on the porch!

I don’t have a lot of scrapbook paper anymore so what I do have is organized in an acrylic file sorter. If I see another one at the thriftstore I’ll pick it up in case I get more scrapbook paper. I like to organize my scrapbook paper by color.

This little drawer holds my different types of twine and some other little odds and ends. Isn’t that knob cute!

I have a lots organizing to do and at some point I’m going to have to repaint that room. My husband pulled some of the wallboard off detaching the headboard from the wall. Plus I had forgotten I had painted some words on the wall (which I had covered up with a picture). Which is a bummer because I wasn’t planning on painting at all! But none of that is happening until the end of the year.

So back to organizing!

Linking to: Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday, Creative Cain Cabin Budget Decorating Party

Filed Under: Fluffing my nest Tagged With: before & after, bookcases, Ikea, office makeover, organizing ideas, scrapbook paper 18 Comments

Tweaking The Dining Room

March 25, 2013 By Manuela

I’ve had a mirror over the cabinet in my dining room for years and years and years! Which I liked – but since I’m going to paint that cabinet and do a few other things in there (sometimes you just get tired of the way things look) I wanted to add some shelves above it to give that area a new look.

I looked all over for some shelves. I found the perfect one at TJMaxx but they only had 1 and even though we tried other locations we couldn’t find another one (I know I’ll go in there next week and they’ll have a bunch!).

So we went to Lowe’s and got some inexpensive brackets and shelves there. The scrolly brackets were around $9 for a package of two and the shelves were almost $4 each.

I like yellow!

I have a ton of milkglass vases that I’ve gotten at the thriftstore over the years. They’re great for holding one or two stems and make a nice statement when grouped together.

I love this spring Brambly Hedge teacup and my Puffin Classics volume of The Secret Garden!

That’s all the a tweaking I’ve done in my dining room so far but there’s more to come!

Linking to: Home and Garden Thursday

Filed Under: Fluffing my nest Tagged With: Budget Decorating, dining room, Puffin 41 Comments

My Mossy Flowery Spring Mantel

March 15, 2013 By Manuela

People often ask me how to go about decorating a fireplace mantel {I guess because I change my mantel every month or so}. I’m flattered that people would ask me for decorating advice since I think of myself as a homemaker & gardener not at all as a “decorator”. So I had to think about it. Maybe there are some kind of rules? I don’t know.

I just find it easier to decorate certain things if I have a theme or story in mind. So that’s what I do with my mantel. Sometimes my theme is centered around colors, sometimes it’s a holiday, sometimes it’s a story, feeling or mood I want to convey.

Having a theme or story is a good way to narrow down what to use in a display. So with warmer weather approaching and gardening on my mind, I decided to do a mossy flowery spring mantel.

Moss because it’s green and when I think of green I think of spring and things starting to leaf out ( see how I made my DIY Moss Covered Frame).

Flowers because spring is all about blooming! (The moss pot came from Michael’s but you can make your own)

And nests! What’s a spring display without nature’s ultimate symbol for spring! I put a little nest with a bird under this wire cloche (which is really a container for a candle). I took the glass candle holder out and am just going to use it as a display piece. I got it at Michael’s for 40% off (all their spring stuff is on sale right now and very picked over) so it was around $14. Which I think is a good price for something that can be used over and over for years!

Once I have all my elements together I go back, take things out, put other things in and move stuff around until I’m happy with it. Sometimes I take pictures to help me because I’ve found that the camera sees things I don’t.

Sometimes I put things together and it all just works and I do nothing. Sometimes I have to impose a time limit on myself because I could probably tweak some things forever! At some point you just have to leave it alone so you can enjoy it!

So those are my tips and my mossy flowery spring mantel!

Filed Under: Budget Decorating, Fluffing my nest Tagged With: fireplace mantle/mantel, moss, spring decorating

Easter Decorations

March 8, 2013 By Manuela

Easter Sunday will be here before we know it! I finally got around to doing a little Easter decorating this week. I only bought 2 new things at the Dollar Tree (some candy and plastic eggs), otherwise everything else I already had. Alot I didn’t even use since I decided to keep it simple this year.

I like to put all of my seasonal decorations in one or two places (especially when I don’t have a lot). I think the impact is greater when you group things and putting stuff away is easier since I don’t have to look all over the house for decorations.

I bought those colorful marshmallow twists at Dollar Tree to put in my apothecary jar (not to eat). I like to decorate with candy – it’s a really easy way to fill those apothecary jars! I usually buy my “decorating candy” at the dollar stores.

I love this little egg topiary!

I love bottle brush trees! I love them at Christmas and any time really. I have a few Easter bottle brush trees. I don’t know where to tell you to get them as I haven’t seen any this year. I got these a few years ago (probably at TJX or Tuesday Morning).

I filled another apothecary jar with plastic Easter eggs. To make the polka dot eggs – I used those stick on dots you get at an office supply store. That little bunny looks angry {giggle}!

This wreath that’s hanging on the cabinet door is the coffee filter wreath with interchangeable center that I made last year. The tutorial is here. I covered a disc with some reindeer moss and glued on a blue speckled egg and then inserted this into my wreath. This is such an easy way to get a whole new seasonal wreath without having to make one from scratch every time!

That’s all the Easter decorating I’ve done this year! If you’d like to see some previous years Easter decorations you can check out this post or this post or use the looking for something search function on the sidebar to search this site.