Wandaful Wonders

Halloween!

2011-10-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

We are ready for all of the spooks to come visit our house, tonight!

In fact, the Ghost of ???????????? has been living at our house!!

Do you know who she is?

Everyone have a great time, tonight!!

Wanda

Fall Mantel in the Den

2011-09-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

I finished the fall vignette on the den mantel.

Last week, I found this sweet tin pumpkin treasure from "Goodwill". (I love the price of $1.99 for a tin pumpkin)

I purchased the fall leaves swag from "TJ Maxx".

I've owned this ceramic pumpkin since the early 1990s.

The ceramic pumpkins with corn were purchased this year from "TJ Maxx". (Oh how, I wish we had a "Home Goods Store" in the OKC Metro Area).

The candlesticks I have had for years. The crosses on the candles were purchased at Trade Days in Canton, Texas. I spray painted the crosses with "ORB", and highlighted the crosses with "Rub-n-Buff" gold. I then pinned the ribbon around the candles and added the crosses.

A closer look at one of the candles.

This year, I made a corn husk wreath for the mantel. This is the first one I have ever made. I was inspired by the Martha Stewart's Corn Husk Wreath. It appears in blogland, thus I am not the only person who loves the different styles of Corn Husk Wreaths.

I added white pumpkins along the mantel among the leaves of the swag.

Another look.

I am hooked on white pumpkins!

Loving the white pumpkins!

I added different gourds and pumpkins at the base of the fireplace.

Now presenting the finished fireplace mantel!

Here is the total look of the fireplace area in the den.

Yea!! LOOK ! I need to go on another adventure to find a rug for the area in front of the fireplace.

I will be linking up to party at the following places:

Layla @ The Lettered Cottage

Stacy @ Not Just a Housewife

Linda @ Coastal Charm

Thank you for your comments either in person, face book, or by following my blog. I welcome any of your design suggestions.

I hope you are having as much fun on your adventures as I am having on mine!

Wanda

Tweaking the Fall Decor

2011-09-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Before I had finished putting out all of the fall decor accessories, I started tweaking the fall decor that I had already displayed.

Remember the Dining Room Table?

I changed the look with a larger ceramic white pumpkin from TJ Maxx.

I think the larger ceramic white pumpkin looks better on the dining room table.

I moved the small orange pumpkin to the living room.

When I was taking photos the other day of the kitchen dining area side table, I noticed that the wall above the side table looked bare.

I added a brass pot with greenery from the old guest room (aka Sophie's Room).

Here is closer look at side table top.

I like how the brass pot and greenery warmed the area above the side table.

I am almost finished with the interior fall decor, and I will be sharing the den mantel later this week.

I will be linking to the following parties this week:

Linda at Coastal Charm

The Girl Creative

Our fall weather has been wonderful! I hope you are enjoying your fall season!

Thanks for following my adventures. I love your comments!

Wanda

Breaking out a Fall Table Vignette

2011-09-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I pulled out a scarf with beautiful fall colors that I used as table runner for the dining room table last year. The scarf was purchased at "Trade Days" in Canton, Texas.

I love the butterflies on the scarf.

Each butterfly is on each end and corner of the scarf.

Many years ago, I purchased the gold-leaf plates from Big Lots.

The fall gourds, leaves and pine cones were purchased on sale at Crackle Barrel

The small pumpkin in the middle of the table was purchased at Goodwill for $1.99 this summer. (I found the small pumpkin, while I was on one of my treasure hunt trips.)

Thirteen years ago, I purchased the hurricane lamps from the now defunct Bombay Store

.

Here is a final look at the dining room decorated for fall.

I like to pull a Holiday Decor together without breaking the bank!

In November, I will replace the small pumpkin with a turkey tureen.

I am looking forward to linking up with some parties this week:

Amaze Me Monday #41

82nd Table Top Tuesday

Stay tuned!! you know I will be heading out or creating a new adventure, soon.

I love your comments!

Wanda

YEA! IT IS TIME FOR THE FALL SEASON!!!

2011-09-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well... we have been busy at the Collier Home. Sophie is adapting to America just great. The weather is cooling off from the HOT SUMMER we experienced in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Fair has begun! So, it is time to pull out the Fall Decor.

I have been working on a front door wreath. I know many of you in Blog land are using yarn and felt flowers for your wreaths. I think those wreaths are fantastic. I love them!! However, since I had two fall colored mesh that I purchased on sale at the Paul Michael Company in Canton, Texas last November, I thought I should use it to create a front door wreath.

Here are the colors of the mesh and the ribbons I chose to use on the wreath.

I had an old grapevine wreath hanging in the attic. Yea, I did not spend any money for the grapevine wreath.

Now I was QUITE INSPIRED by Kristen's Creations: Tutorial on Ribbon/Mesh Wreath...Easy! from October 2009. Thank you Kristen!!

I started with the grapevine wreath and tied one yard of mesh every other color on to the wreath. Here is a picture with the two mesh colors tied to the wreath.

Here is a closeup photo of the ribbons I used on the wreath.

Another closeup of the ribbons.

I tied the ribbons on the wreath. I only used ribbons and mesh on the wreath. I will wait until after the mums and pumpkins are added to the front entrance before I think about adding anything more to the wreath.

Here is a final look at the wreath.

When the front porch is completed with its fall look with mums and pumpkins, I will share the photos with you.

I am going to link up with:

Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday No. 80

Tip Junkie

Savvy Southern Style

Thank you for following my adventures. I welcome all of your comments whether in person, on face book or as a follower of my blog.

Enjoy the Beautiful Fall Season!!

Wanda

Sophie's Bedroom is READY!!

2011-08-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! This summer has gone by fast! Tonight, Sophie, our exchange student from Germany, will be arriving in Oklahoma City. We are so excited! We have watched her plane travel across the Atlantic on the airline website.

I want to share with you her bedroom. Remember how it looked liked a grandma's Room. I think you will find there have been changes a happening at our house.

Here is a reminder of how the room once looked:

and a second look at the old room

Here is Sophie's bedroom, now!

I am leaving the walls undecorated, so Sophie can turn this room into HER room.

The bedding came from TJ Maxx.

I purchased inexpensive lamp shades from Garden Ridge. They had a camo material on the shades. I removed the camo material and recovered the shades with painter drop cloth material, and glued brown ribbon at the top and the bottom of the shades. I spray-painted the gold lamps ORB.

I sewed the round table cover from painter drop cloth material, and used a zig zag stitch to add the trim at the bottom of the table skirt.

The table skirt trim is the very same material used to accent the window curtains.

The window curtains are made, once again, from painter drop cloth fabric with the fun and colorful material to the inside and outside of each panel.

We purchased a new mirror (on sale 50% off) from Pier One, a round pendleton paper latern from Target, the guitars and small amp were purchased from a pawn shop. I spray painted the small chair with ORB and recovered with cream colored fabric remnant from JoAnn Fabrics. Tom, my oldest son brought over the music stand and checked out the guitars before we purchased them. Also, Tom took the time to tune and restring the guitars.

The Lava Lamp had belong to our second son, Greg, when he was in high school.

Here is a quick look at her bathroom.

I stapled the bedroom curtains material around stretch bars and hung the artwork over each of the hand towel holders.

Here is a look at three of the artwork I made displayed in the shower area.

Hopefully, Sophie will feel welcomed and loved in her American home. We have no doubt she will add joy to our lives. And, we look forward to having her family with us during the Christmas holidays!

Thanks again for following my adventures. It should be a busy school year for my family with Sophie.

Wanda

Wanted: Teenage Bedroom not Grandma's Bedroom!!

2011-07-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last week, We received a letter from Education Foundation (EF) announcing that Sophie, our exchange student, will be here on August 11th. We had her mother, Jennifer, live with us for a full school year back in 1989-1990. Now we are blessed to have Sophie come live with us!

Yes, we are very excited! I need to get busy and get the bedroom ready for Sophie to decorate.

Here are a couple of photos of the room where she will sleep. (please note these photos were taken before I started a blog...nor have I improved much with my photo taking and photo editing...LOL!)

This room needs HELP! A ROOM MAKE-OVER is needed so a TEENAGER can live in this room!!!

I am going to take everything down except the mirror off the wall, so she can decorate. The red comforter set is going to be donated. I am replacing the red curtains and red table skirt with something to match the bedding. I am loving lamp drum shades, so I have started my hunt for drum shades to fit the light sconces by the bed. (In fact, I think the light sconces should be painted silver or ORB) What color do you think I should paint the light sconces?

I have this neat leopard print chair in the corner. I think it is a keeper, beside all young ladies need a chair to drape their clothes on.

I already have my inspiration bedding selected. Sophie has already noted she "like it" on face book. So, I am going to share with you a sneak peak.

BIG DIFFERENCE!! Don't you think? I like all the colors in this bedding and it goes with the brown ceiling and walls.

I am going to go to "Pinterest" and get started with selecting accessories I like for her room and bathroom. Watch for my selections on "Pinterest".

I am on countdown time before Sophie arrives!

Thank you for following my adventures! I love all your comments!

Wanda

A Sketchbook of Birds by Charles Tunnicliffe

2011-07-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to switch out several prints in my house to frame sketches of birds. I have noticed the price of several of the framed bird sketches and re-prints.

Then, I thought maybe an option for me would be to find prints in books and have them matted and framed at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. At least, I could purchase the mats and frames and complete a DIY project with framed bird sketches. So, I headed over to the used bookstore, "Archives Books".

I found the most interesting book.

for a great price of $4.95

I loved the sketches inside this book by Charles Tunnicliffe. The book is "Divided into five sections - Seabirds; Waders; Geese, Ducks, and Swans"; including Birds of Prey; and Miscellaneous Birds. The drawings were selected from seventeen of the artist's sketchbooks. "C. F. Tunnicliffe was born in Cheshire, England in 1901." Tunnicliffe usually noted on his sketches the location and the date of composition.

Mr. Tunnicliffe died before the publication of this book, "...but he did see color proofs of some of the pictures and took pleasure in discussing and corresponding about publishing details during the planning stages."

I am going to share with you a few of the pages from this book. (Please note: my photos do not show the real beauty of each page.)

Charles Tunnicliffe had a wonderful talent.

"In 1944, he was elected to the Royal Academy."

"In August 1974 an exhibition of his bird drawings opened at the Royal Academy."

He was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Society for the protection of Birds in 1974.

"Charles Tunnicliffe achieved distinction in several fields: as an etcher and engraver, water colorist, and book illustrator specializing in natural history subjects."

He died in 1979.

I am mesmerized by his sketches. I do not think I can use any of the prints from this book to mat and frame. I think it will make a beautiful coffee table book in my living room or in my upstairs landing room.

Have any of you found prints in books and had them matted and framed either by a company or on a DIY project?

Please sign up and follow me in my adventures. I wish each of you a wonderful week!

Wanda

Seven Piece Place Setting for Twelve

2011-07-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Mr C and I have been searching for a dinner place setting we both liked. We found Lenox "Opal Innocence" pattern five piece place setting from $87.75 to $130.00.
Here is a quick glimpse at the Lenox "Opal Innocence" pattern.

This weekend at an estate sale, we came across a seven piece place setting for twelve in great condition for the total price of $75.00. We bought it and we love it! It is made in Japan called Crown Victoria Collection "Empress". The seven piece place setting includes the dinner plate, bread and butter plate, soup bowl, salad bowl, fruit/dessert bowl, cup and saucer. The set price included two vegetable bowls and a gravy bowl with the bottom attached.

Here is a look at the set (without the fruit/dessert bowl):

Here is a closer look at the edge of the plate.

I like the look of the cup.

Here is the marking on the back:

There was one chip on one soup bowl and underneath one of the plates. (I have found a replacement soup bowl on-line at www.replacementsltd.com.) The chip on the plate was underneath and you cannot see it looking at the plate.)

I think this place setting is similar to the Lenox pattern. It should work just fine for our family, since most of the time when we entertain it is casual with friends and family.

I love the adventure of a hunt for an item at an estate sale or goodwill, etc. Sometimes, I like to wait and see if the item I like is still there the next day at half price off.

Have you purchased place settings at estate sells, craigslist, or other places? Please share if you have.

Stay out of this heat! Yesterday, it was 110 degrees in OKC.

I love all your comments! Please sign up to follow me on my adventures. Make it a great Week!

Wanda

DIY Project for an Estate Sale Dresser

2011-07-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

I told you Mr C and I found several things to go in Tom's House during an estate sale. Well, we found a perfect dresser with a mirror to use in his house. It will be used in his entry.

Here is the picture of the dresser being used as a sofa table.

I am going to change out the hardware. Tom likes the color and the storage the dresser offers.

Now my pride and joy purchase is the wire basket on top of the dresser. This baby came from Goodwill at a great price of $3.99.

The moss spheres were made by yours truly.

I had all items needed to make the moss spheres.

and

plus I had the hot glue gun and hot glue gun sticks.

I know many of you would have used pins to attached the moss, however

Jack loves to have at least a small taste of everything. He has devoured a chair seat!

So, I used hot glue instead of pins to attached the moss.

Watch out for the Summer heat!

I love your comments and would love to have you follow me!

Wanda

Go Boston Bruins!! Stanley Cup Finals! Tonight!!

2011-06-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

While I was in Vancouver Canada, the Boston Bruins stayed where I was staying. They were in Vancouver to play the Canucks in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Series.

Several of us on the tour stopped, cheered, and took photos of the team leaving to go play Game 5.
Thought I would share the photos with you.

The Boston Bruins were great about signing autographs for the children in the lobby. Not many of the players rode the bus to the game; most of them left the hotel in a very discreet manner in different taxis. The Boston Bruins lost that night.

Many of the Canucks fans watch the game on several outdoor screens in Vancouver. Several Vancouver streets were closed as a safety measure for the fans. Our tour was driving through downtown Vancouver right after the Canucks won. The Canucks' fans were celebrating everywhere with "high-fives", cheers, and car honking!! I wish I had a picture of the sea of people down one of the streets, from where they had watched the game. It was quite an awesome sight! Hockey is the National Sport in Canada.

Good Luck Boston Bruins!! Final Game tonight in Vancouver!

Thank you for following my adventures!

Wanda

First Thursday in Portland Oregon

2011-06-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have been on a wonderful trip from Portland, OR to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada called "A taste of the Pacific Northwest" by Tauck Tours.

On Thursday, June 2, my Aunt Carolyn and I arrived in Portland. According to the local weather people, it was the warmest weekend the region had experience since October 2010.

Portland is an easy city to get around in, and the local people are very friendly and helpful. If we needed directions or asked for any dining suggestions, the people of Portland were quite gracious.

Portland, OR offers a free time to explore museums and art galleries on the first Thursday of the month. (I understand there is a first Wednesday by invitation only and a first Friday of the month in a different area of the city.) Lots of people were out to explore and enjoy the evening.

I would like to share a few items I saw as I explored the art galleries and sipped wine during Portland's First Thursday. It was a beautiful first night in the lovely City of Portland.

So Scary at first and then so Wide-Eyed!!

So lovely, and could be displayed anytime of the year!

I would like to have Mr Rabbit in my living room.

Areosol cans sprayed white inside a copper heart.

MY FAVORITE!

I want to say THANK YOU to my Wonderful Neighbor, Allison (Alli), from Refunk My Junk. On the morning I left town, Alli gave me a shout out showing the bedside tables I had refurblished on her blog. Alli paints furniture, gives painting lessons and she will customize furniture for your space. Please stop by Refunk My Junk and let her know I sent you, follow her blog and join her on Facebook. Stop the car and visit her booth at Beaucoup Boutiques in Edmond, OK. She has wonderful "Refunked" Furniture and other eye-catching items. Thanks Neighbor!

I had a great time on my trip. I am glad to be home and I will share more soon.

Have a great week! Please follow me in my adventures!! I love your comments!

Wanda

A Brief Glimpse of Storm Damage

2011-05-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

My family is all safe and sound.

Here are a few photos I took this afternoon in my car driving south on Hwy 74. The tornado crossed Hwy 74 in a northeasterly direction.

I know we are all praying for everyone in each of the different states that have been hit by the recent tornadoes, and for all the people under a weather watch, today.

Wanda

Bedside Tables from Bookcases

2011-05-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Last month, Mr C and I went to an estate sale and found several great items that would work in our son's house. As you know, I have been working on Tom's bedroom. We found two bookcases and the tops could be removed. The lower part of the bookcases are the perfect height for bedside tables. Here is a "before" photo of the bedside tables and their tops.

Mr C and I love the design on the drawers.

So, I went to work on the bedside tables. I did the usual sanding, priming, and painting two coats of base paint on the body and the drawers of the tables. I used a walnut stain on the top of the tables.

Then, I proceeded to distress the drawers with the electric sander and with "Old School" hand sanding. I added glaze and finished with a semi-gloss polycrylic top coat on the body and the drawers and a satin finish of polyurethane on the top of the bedside tables. I sprayed "ORB" on the hardware.

Here is peak.

Another close look.

A final close up look.

Now a look at one of the finished tables.

After noticing how several people in blog land uses drop cloths for curtains, I thought, what a great price for a great look! So, I used drop cloths for curtains in Tom's bedroom. I bleached, washed, and ironed the drop cloths. I spayed painted the existing curtain hardware with "ORB". I purchased curtain clip rings from Lowes. Mr C hung the hardware at the top of the ceiling. I love the look of curtains hanging from the ceiling. I think it adds great eye design to a room.

I found lamps for the bedside tables at the Homegoods Store in Dallas. Do I Love and I mean LOVE the Homegoods Store? (wish OKC would get one) Great price for the lamps. In fact, while I was in the checkout line, I was wondering if Tom would like the lamps. A young man Tom's age asked the price of the lamps and said he like them. Hoo Woo!! (The young man made my day by easing my doubts.)

Without further delay, here is a full look of the bedside tables.

A look at the table on the other side of the bed.

The photos do not show the true color of the tables.

Now, a look at the whole bed side of the room.

What do you think of the room, so far?

I have some more ideas for the bedroom. There is a corner that needs two chairs and a small table. (I have to paint the table. It is sitting in the garage) Also, more accessories are needed for this room. I have been searching different blogs for wall covering ideas! You, Bloggers are so talented!

I love your comments! Please share your thoughts with me:) I look forward to having you follow me on my journey!

Have a great week!

Wanda

Starfish Here, Starfish There, Everywhere a Starfish!

2011-05-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

During our trip to First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas, I wanted to buy a few Starfish. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, seems to use them as a summer decor accessory in their home.

I never found any Starfish at the HomeGoods Store, Paul Michael Company or at "Trade Days" in Canton. I found Starfish candles and plates, but no individual Starfish. On Sunday, on our way home, the weather had turned quite cold. We stopped at the Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine, Texas. (I had never been to the mall and my friends had not been there in years.)

While inside Marshalls, I located a package of Five Starfish, and they were priced just right!!

When I came home I added the starfish here, there, and everywhere to the decor.

Upstairs on the "Boom-A-Rang" table

Downstairs in the Kitchen Dining

The Piano in the Living Room

The Living Room Coffee Table

So, what do you think? Pretty simple? The starfish reminds of the sea.

Thinking of the sea, today :)

Wanda

Goodwill Treasure Update #1

2011-05-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have been quite busy in the last weeks. I went down to First Monday weekend in Canton, Texas with two of my friends. On the way to Canton, we stopped and shopped at the Home Good Store in Dallas, where I purchased two lamps for my oldest son's bedroom. I will share these with you very soon. On Saturday morning, we went to "Trade Days" in Canton. We saw lots of neat things.

I purchased four big pots of Petunias for $5.00 each, large "Bumble Bees" tacks and a couple of clothing items. My friends found things they loved, too.

After my shopping weekend, I came down with a horrible sinus infection, which held me back for almost 10 days. I had to go to the doctor for meds, and I am quite well now.

Today, I want to share one of my Goodwill treasures that I purchased several weeks ago. Do you remember this photo of my treasure hunting find from Goodwill?

Well, I spray painted the pole lamp "Oil Rubbed Bronze" and covered the shade with burlap and jute.

I saw the burlap lampshade with jute idea on a blog. I cannot find the blog, however, there is blogger out there, who had this idea first and shared. I would give credit, if I could locate that blog again.

Here is the result.

Not bad for $9.95 for the pole lamp from Goodwill. I already had the spray paint, burlap, and jute.

I know it is a busy time for most families with the end of the school year nearing.

Wishing each of you a Wonderful Week! Love to hear your comments.

Wanda

DIY Accessories Color Change

2011-04-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

The other weekend, Mr C and I went shopping at Yard Sales and Estate Sales.

We picked up two small metal decor accessories for $2.00.

These colors were not going to work at my house or my son's house.

So I spray painted, glazed, used Rub 'n Buff, and sprayed a light coat of polyurethane on both accessories.

Here are the results.

I am thinking they can be displayed at Tom's House.

Also, while shopping, we found a dresser with a mirror, two book cases with removable top shelves, and a couple of more smaller accessories. I am working on these other items and hope to share with you very soon!

Have a great Week! Love your comments! Thank you!

Wanda

Easter Tablescape

2011-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I went over to my new friend Billie's house. She has a very beautiful home, and since Easter is this weekend, I wanted to share her dining room tablescape with you. (The pictures were taken with my Iphone).

It is quite charming. Here is a close-up of the center piece.

Here is a look at the place setting.

I love the rabbit in the basket napkin ring!

Here is one of the bunnies at the corner of the centerpiece.

The "Frog Rabbit" and goodies will be a gift to the children who live across the street from her.

A Big Thank You to Billie for sharing her tablescape!

Everyone Have a Happy Easter Weekend!!

Wanda

New/Used Bed Bench

2011-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Years ago, Tom, my oldest son, had a bench in his small apartment, which he used as a coffee table.

He brought it over to my house so I could paint the bench. After I had lightly sanded the bench and glued four molding pieces to it (to hide the cut out hearts on the legs), I happened to remember that I needed to take photos to share with you.

Here is a look of the top of the bench

Since, the bench is going to be used at the end of his bed, I painted the bench and distressed it with the same colors I used on the headboard (Behr Premium Plus Ultra paint in Powder Snow, Ralph Lauren Tea Stained Glaze, and Minwax Polycrylic Clear Satin)

Here is a look at one of the molding pieces hiding the hearts.

Here is a peek at the lower left corner of the bench

Here is the bench's new look.

Finally, this is how the bench and the headboard looks together. Drum Roll, Please!

(shadow in the room makes the bench look darker)

I am not finished in this room. I am currently bleaching Drop Cloths for curtains, and I am cruising new and used sales, Goodwill, Craiglist and other local shops for bedside tables, chairs and accessories that could be worthy of a "THUMBS UP" from Tom.

Hopefully, I will have a complete look for this room, soon.

Enjoy this beautiful spring season!

Wanda

Frugal Weekend Project

2011-04-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I made a simple bulletin board without spending any money. WOO! HOO! Many of you will be familiar with the bulletin board look I chose to make.

I found an empty picture frame in the attic and stapled the chicken wire to the frame and painted it black.

I had leftover scrapbook paper.

I had clothes pins left-over from a project many moons, ago.

I had Mod Podge in the cabinet.

I cut the scrapbook paper into strips to fit the clothes pins. I used the Mod Podge to attach the strips to the clothes pins.

Here is a close-up of one of the clothes pins after it had dried on the bulletin board.

Here is the completed project hanging above my oldest son's office desk area.

This was a great EASY Frugal Project, which did not take too much time!!

Enjoy your week!

Wanda

Arrr! R You a Treasure Hunting Pirate?

2011-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

There are some things that never change through time. Pirates are known to look for buried treasures. Back in time, they were searching for Gold and Jewels in buried chests following a map with a huge X.

Today's pirates are looking for buried treasures such as vintage furniture, accessories, beautiful fabrics, dishes, etc. Currently, pirates' adventures still start with following the treasure map.

to locate buried treasures in locations such as Multi-Family Garage Sales, Auctions, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and local consignment shops.

Instead of using spy glasses to locate treasures

A chic pirate might wear these instead

to locate treasures on E-bay, Craigslist, or local newspaper advertisements.

I would like to share some of my discovered "buried treasures" at Goodwill from this week

The tray that the treasures are sitting on is from The "closed" Bombay Store. The tray was purchased last Saturday for $3.99. Woo Hoo! (I had removed the price tag)

The small pumpkin had an original price tag of $10.99, and I purchased this jewel for $1.99.

This lovely metal pot (will look great painted) was $3.99.

The large vase will look great cleaned up with some twine wrapped around the neck cost $3.99.

The floor lamp was a steal for $9.99. I cannot decide if I will paint it white or black. (If you have any color suggestions, let me know) I really like the burlap lamp shade with lace over the burlap made by Linda over at Delight. Maybe, that could be an option for the floor lamp.

These are only a few of the treasures unburied from my adventures.

I know most of you pirates have found beautiful treasures that caught your eyes and turned your houses into homes.

The best part of the treasure is not the treasure itself, but the memories of the adventure, especially when the discovery is shared with fellow pirates, who are friends and/or family.

ARRR! Enjoy your Treasure Hunts!

Wanda

Getting the RED OUT!

2011-04-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Like, I said in the last post. I have been working on several projects for my oldest son's house.

Back in March, I showed you this red book shelf.

I have had this shelf since the 1990's. I used it to display trophies in one of my sons' bedroom. So, it has been sitting in the attic for quite sometime.

First, I primed this shelf

I applied two coats of Kiltz, painted the shelf with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint in Powdered Snow. When I distressed the shelf, the red showed and the shelf was UGLY!!

At the end of the day, I used Jasco Premium Paint & Epoxy Remover and the electric hand sander to get the RED OUT.

After all of that work, I re-primed the shelf. Painted the shelf with two coats of Behr Premium Ultra in Powdered Snow. I distressed the shelf and used Ralph Lauren Tea Stain Glaze and placed two coats of Minwax Polycrylic Clear Satin. (I like how Minwax Polycrylic cleans up with soap and water)

Here is a peek at the shelf top corner.

and a quick peek at one of the shelf's support brace

No Way after stipping and sanding was I painting the bottom of the shelf :)

Here is the finished shelf hanging in Tom's Laundry Room.

What do you think?

If you have any easier ways to get the RED OUT, please share!

Have a great day!

Wanda

Is it a Door or a HeadBoard?

2011-04-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a couple of projects for my oldest son's house. How did I get permission to work on any projects for his home? I did like all good moms do... I said PLEASE and kindly asked, "Is it Okay if I...? Only after I hear a " yes", do I go forward with any projects.

First, I want to give a Shout Out to my neighbor (right across the street), Allison. She has "Refunk my Junk" located at http://www.refunkmyjunk.blogspot.com/. Please check out her blog. She has a gifted talent of painting furniture and a great interior design eye. Allison encouraged me to download the ebooks available by Colby and Mandie Morris. Most of you will be familiar with their blog Altar'd located at http://www.altard.com/. I purchased both ebooks and used all of their suggestions in products.

The first project began when Mr C and I went to Habitat for Humanity in downtown Oklahoma City. We purchased an old wooden door for $25.00. Mr C. measured twice and cut once the door to fit as a headboard for our son's bedroom.

Here is a picture of the door after it had been cut and the empty door knob area filled with wood filler..

We went to Home Depot and found baseboard to use as molding for the top of the headboard. Mr. C. used the miter box to cut the sides of the molding. We used wood glue and staples to attach the molding to the door.

After the molding was attached, I used wood filler to fill the molding corners. I lightly sanded the door and primed it with Kiltz. After the Kiltz, I applied two coats of Behr Premium Plus Ultra paint in Powdered Snow.

. After the paint had dried, I distressed the door using the electric sander

and "Old School" sanding method

I applied Ralph Lauren Tea Stained Glaze to the distressed door and two coats of Minwax Polycrylic Clear Satin.

Here is a close-up photo of the headboard.

Here is the finish project hanging in Tom's room.

Guess who loves the headboard the best?

Jack! (Tom's Dog) He LOVES the HeadBoard!!!

Thank you for stopping by! I love to read all of your comments!

Have a Great Week!

Wanda

Highlights with Rub 'n Buff

2011-03-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

I purchased three of these cute Fleur-de-lis at First Monday in Canton, Texas back in October. I had them hanging "as is" for a while above the mirror in the dining room.

Then, I sprayed them with an Oil Rubbed Bronze color.

I hung them back above the mirror in the Dining Room. Still, something was not quite right...not the look I wanted. Possibly mono-colored...they needed highlights!

SOOOOOO, what's a girl to do? Well...I pulled out the Rub 'n Buff in Antique Gold!!!

I placed highlights in a fast and orderly manner on all three. (because the Rub 'n Buff dries FAST!)

Now, I am much Happier with the look :) If only I can learn how to take photos!

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I love to read all your comments!

Wanda

WHAT IS THIS?

2011-03-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is a 2-D Barcode. According to Florida Realtor Magazine March 2011 Article, "Start the Conversation", "2-D Barcodes simply encode data like a web address or a text message."

I own Collier Real Estate, and one of the newest marketing tool for many real estate companies will be to use 2-D Barcodes. These 2-D Barcodes will be on business cards, property flyers, emails, and even on real estate company yard signs. Usually in real estate the 2-D Barcode will direct you to the property for sale website, video tour of the property, or to the Realtor's web site, etc. It allows prospective buyers to easily receive additional information on the property from their smart phone.

You might have noticed 2-D Barcodes on magazines advertisments such as in Marie Claire or Self magazines.

You can go to your smart phone app store and find a QR Code reader app. Install the reader. Using your smart phone app, you scan the 2-D barcode and you will be forward to a webpage or a video, etc.

I think the 2-D Barcode can be a helpful tool for bloggers, who have a business associated with their blogs. When a blogger has merchandise in a store or booth, usually there is a price tag on the merchandise. Include the 2-D Barcode on the price tag. After the buyer of your merchandise goes home, they can scan the 2-D Barcode, and be directed to your blog or website.

If you scan the 2-D Barcode in this article, it will direct you to the Santa Fe Presbyterian Church web site. (This is where Hubby and I go to church).

I hope this information helps you.

Yes, I have been busy selling real estate and painting in the garage. I have several things I will be sharing with you soon.

Thank you so much for reading my blog and I welcome any comments!

Have a great Spring Time!

Wanda

Boon-A-Rang Table Returns

2011-02-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I have completed the Boon-A-Rang Table. Since, I have not painted or refinished furniture since the mids 1980's, I am quite content with the project. There are imperfections on the table, which I like.

Except for the Hummel, (which was a gift from my Hubby) all the items used in the vignette on the table have been in our family for many many moons either from hand-me-downs or garage sale purchases.

I have enjoyed this project. I am looking forward to completeing a few more small and large projects such as painting and staining the Fleur-de-lis hooks and tins. I purchased the Fleur-de-lis hooks and tins at First Monday in Canton, Texas back in October.

My plan is to use them over at my oldest son's house.

Also, I have a chair and a bookcase hanging around in the garage for nearly two years. I am planning to complete these two items within the next month and move them to the oldest son's house.

(notice the bookcase has been in the garage so long, we are starting to use it)

Obviously, the cleaning and organizing of the garage should be tackled soon!

Thank you so much for stopping by and viewing the blog... I love to hear from you.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wanda

OOPS!!! I Forgot to Watermark Blog Photos

2011-02-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

The other day, in all of the excitement over my first post, I forgot to watermark my photos.

Here is an example of a photo without a watermark

When you watermark your photos, you are letting everyone know that these pictures belong to you; not because you do not want them to use them. Please give credit where credit is due.

A photo with a watermark

"Wandaful Wonders" in the bottom right hand corner of photo is a watermark.

After I published the post, I panicked; thinking watermarking pictures is going to be a GREAT BIG DEAL.

So, I did the faithful Google search, and found more information than I needed (which I love). I learned that you can use free programs, purchase programs, read "how to articles", and watch Youtube videos on how to watermark pictures.

Then I searched "How to watermark pictures using Picasa." Picasa is a photo-editing program that I normally use. "Picasa 3 is a software download program from Google that helps you organize, edit and share your photos. It is free and easy to use."

I have uploaded the instructions from Picasa and Picasa Web Albums Help.

From Picasa: Adding watermarks to photos

Comment Print

You can help protect your images by adding a watermark to your photos. A watermark in Picasa is white text that's added to the lower-right corner of photos during the export or upload process. To add a watermark to a photo, please use the following steps:

During export

Select the photos you'd like to export.
Click the Export button in the Photo Tray.
Select the 'Add a watermark' checkbox.
In the watermark box, enter your watermark text.
Click OK. Your photos will be exported with your watermark in place.

While uploading

Before you upload, click Tools > Options (Windows) or Picasa > Preferences (Mac).
Select the Picasa Web Albums tab.
Select the 'Add a watermark for all uploads' checkbox.
In the watermark box, enter your watermark text.
Click OK. All uploaded photos will possess your chosen watermark.

Picasa will never make changes to your original photo file. Exporting and uploading pictures with edits or watermarks applied creates an edited JPG copy of the original photo.

updated 10/09/2010

Since, I am on a huge learning curve regarding every aspect of blogs and blogging, this is what I am going to use until I expand and develop the blog site.

I hope this small bit of information has helped you. I know it is not the first time this topic has been discussed, however, I know there are others, who can use the budget-crunching information.

My Boon-A-Rang Table is almost complete. Soon, I will be sharing the completed table in its honored spot.

Thank you for your comments on the blog and Facebook. I welcome all comments.

Make it a Great Day!

Wanda

The "boom-a-rang" table

2011-02-21T17:17:00.001-08:00

Hi,

I am so EXCITED! This is my very FIRST POST to my FIRST EVER BLOG. Since before Christmas, I have been stalking other blogs while being totally mesmerized by the many talented, smart, brave and adventurous women and men, who regularly share their experiences of family, home, travel, interior designs, cooking, technology and thought-provoking topics. I hope my post can be as engaging to you as other posts have been to me.

I have selected, as my first project, a table I purchased back in the mid-1980's at a garage sale. This versatile little table has been in my home, both of my sons' homes, and has now boom-a-ranged back to my house.

Here is a before picture of the table.

I lightly sanded the table and sprayed primer on the table.

I sprayed several light coats of Valspar Satin Interior/Exterior - Porcelain and brushed Sherwin Williams Wood Classics Interior Wood Oil Stain - Fruit Wood on top and used paper towels to wrap off the stain until I reached the look I liked. I still need to add a polyurethane satin top coat. I plan to use this "old new" table upstairs in my landing area in front of a leather love seat.

Here are a few peeks at the table.

Any suggestions regarding either the table or my new blog are welcomed. When the top coats have been applied and the table is moved upstairs, I will share the new look with you.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Wanda