Picture Makeover

A few weeks ago I had a chance to visit a few thrift stores.  I found a few new toys for my grandchildren, a cd, a journal and I found the picture I’ve been looking for to place on a wall above my desk at work.  There was a connection when I saw the picture.  It reminds me of one of Jeff’s and my favorite moments when we visit Oceanside.  We check the time for sunset, then head down to the beach and sit on a wall about 15 minutes beforehand watching the sun disappear slowly into the ocean.

I’m going to tell you the story of the picture and its makeover.  Please excuse my reflection in the pictures.

I purchased at a Goodwill.  Price $3.99.  It had a wood-colored frame that was peeling in a few places.  I came home and took all the pieces apart, carefully handling the glass.  I wet a soft towel and wiped down the frame and glass.  

I used Goo Gone to remove the sticker and glue residue and a glass cleaner on both sides .

I went through my paint supplies and held them up to the print deciding on a combination of two blues I had.  I laid down a shower curtain from the Dollar Store to protect my rug.  I mixed up the paint and begun to apply the blue letting it dry between coats which doesn’t take too long in Arizona.  I usually put a layer of saran wrap on the plate for easy cleanup but forgot this time.

I wanted the picture to be a constant reminder of one of my favorite verses “Be Still and Know that I am God.”  Mark 4:39, Psalm 46:10. I pulled my leftover stickers and fortunately had the letters to spell out “Be Still”  I had in mind to use one of the pieces of Oregon driftwood my friend and coworker Cindy had brought me back for her vacation last year.  

I had a little Mod Podge and placed a few layer over the self adhesive stickers.

I then took the painted frame and driftwood piece outside and gave it a good coating of sealer.

After the sealer had dried, I put the glass, print and cover back together.  Then glued the driftwood piece where I wanted it.

Here is the finished project which is now on my office wall.

 

 

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Football Bouquet

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I wanted to share 2 ideas that were used at our college’s homecoming tent this year.  They can easily be used to decorate your own football game day.

The first one: creating a football bouquet from a clay pot that is painted with brown craft paint – several coats.  Once the paint is dry, blue painters tape was used to mark off football lacing, white craft paint is used in between the blue tape lines or if you have a steady hand, this can be done freehand.  A styrofoam ball will be needed to sit on top of the painted pot.  The size will depend on your size of clay pot.  Then lollipops were inserted into ball.  I found some green grasslike plastic at the thrift store and we tucked in around the top of the pot.

Inspiration came from 2 sites I found on Pinterest (one doesn’t have a link so unfortunately I can’t give credit).  But here is the picture.

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Here is the other idea that was utilized – lollipop bouquet (this is a much smaller clay pot than I used and dum dum lollipops were used.  Our bouquet used tootsie pops.)  Besides we are Arizona State University and I couldn’t use lollipops called Dum Dums – so wrong.

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The second idea is an inexpensive way to create a football garland.  It is a free printable from Centsible Life  Download, Print on color printer, cut and glue or tape. 

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It is fun to find ideas to create a fun atmosphere as we gather to cheer on our favorite team and create memories.

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Terra Cotta Pot Repurpose

Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate.  There are no attached expectations (the wrapping of gifts, parties, big meals to prepare, etc.) to the beginning of this season. Our job is to enjoy the change of weather and here in Arizona we are pretty thankful for that.  

Fall 2013 - Pot - On Chest

I think this year I am extra appreciative  to be able to mark the season because last fall I wasn’t feeling well.  More on that later in the post  For now I want to share the terra cotta pumpkin holder that I created to display a ceramic pumpkin next to my free printable from Diane at An Extraordinary Day   P.S. – It only cost me $1.67 to have this printed.  I already had the frame.  Isn’t it so cute?  

I liked Diane’s arrangement so much and knew I wanted to do something similar so off to the thrift store I went.  No candlestick but I did find a similar looking pumpkin  for $1.99 and that made me do a happy dance. Knowing the candlestick wasn’t in my immediate future – I started to think outside the box and spied this old terra cotta pot on my 5th trip down the same row. – Hmm!  What if I turned it upside down?   The pumpkin fit perfectly and the height was good so another $.99 was spent.

Fall 2013 - Pot - Clean and Paint

When I got home, I removed the tags with a little Goo Gone Spray  and gave it a water bath.  Then I took my shoebox size box of painting supplies and found an Expresso Brown Outside Paint from DecoArt that was brand new.  This is my new favorite color.  

Fall 2013 - Pot - Pumpkin with sticker

You can see how rich the color is after a few coats.  I also painted the inside of the pot and gave it a spray of matte sealer.  This way it can be reused in the years to come for all kinds of things:  pinecones with berries, etc.  I’m so happy I still have 2/3 of the paint bottle left – I see other projects in my future.  It was then time to remove the tags off of the pumpkin and give it a good cleaning.  

Most of my decorating items are from discount stores or taking something from a thrift store and giving it a bit new life like this pot.  And sometimes in my treasure hunts – there is actually something that is brand new or practically brand new that just needs a home.  This is one way I have stayed within our budget and made the holidays a little extra special.

As I mentioned I’m pretty appreciative being able to decorate this year.  Last fall brought 2 cases of shingles my way which kept me on the couch most days.  Want to learn more about Shingles? – Click Here  This was the 3rd time for me so last week I got the Shingle Vaccine  Okay I’m going to rant just a little – Because I’m not 60 I had to pay for the vaccine – $220.00 – Really?  insurance company, take a look at what you paid for last fall – okay enough of that – spending too much time on the what’s not working can easily steal my joy from all the things that are are so right.

One last picture – There is something magical about creating something new from something old.  

Fall 2013 - Pot - Wreath and Star

Love your comments 🙂

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