Windows + A Book = Just What I Wanted

I've been yammering on for a LONG time about remodeling my den.  It's a pretty big project because it needs everything ..big bookcase desperately needed updating (almost finished), paint (almost finished), new floors (haven't EVEN started), furniture that I like (almost finished) and art (DONE)!

My sweet mother gave me this a few years ago.

The Birds of America by John James Audubon. I have picked this book apart using the beautiful pictures in so many projects.  

And here's the latest:

 I think framing bird study pictures in these old windows does their beauty justice.

A few close-ups:

For you owl lovers.

I loooove the details of the windows & all the gorgeous birds.

An old book and old windows..seriously, decorating doesn't have to cost alot of money!

I had fun putting it together AND it means something to me.  Little birds always remind me of my mom because she enjoys them so much, so I think this is a perfect ode to Mom!!

I'm finishing the walls today (second time painting it because I didn't like the color the first go round).  Now, I'm painting it Ashley Gray by Benjamin Moore and LOVE IT!

The lighting is tricky in this room and this color is the perfect warm neutral.

Also, you can still enter my giveaway here! I'm announcing the winner tomorrow - super excited about it!

I link to these parties:
The DIY Showoff , Between Naps On The Porch, Making The World Cuter, DIY Home Sweet Home Project, Domestically Speaking, TipJunkie, Saturday Mornings, A Diamond In The Stuff, Faded Charm Cottage, Primitive & Proper, Blue Cricket Design, Type A Decorating, The Shabby Chic Cottage, House Of Hepworths, Beyond The Picket Fence, Chic On A Shoestring, Miss Mustard Seed, Tatertots & Jello, Stuff and Nonsense, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors and Under The Table And Dreaming all the links are here.

I'll talk to you guys tomorrow!!

Book Vase Tutorial & a lot to be thankful for!

I love having the kind of weekend that just recharges you for the week to come! We had family stay with us and then more came over for breakfast on Sunday. I'm so thankful to have all of them and no matter what might be going on in our lives, we always end up laughing our heads off! Then Brian and I went to our Bible study group last night and it was totally awesome. By the time we got home, we felt completely shored up and renewed. God is good!


On to the tutorial -

I made these last week and was asked how I did it.

I'm sure there is an easier way but this is how I went about it:

First, pick a paperback that is about medium thickness. I've tried it with smaller & larger ones and haven't had much success with them. I also don't recommend an older book because the spine might be brittle. Trust me, it's beyond aggravating when halfway through cutting you split the spine.

 Tear the cover off the front & back and draw your vase shape.  It's easier when you keep the shape simple.

I use scissors and cut more than one page at a time.  Depending on your design, you might need a straight razor for tight cuts.

Next step, bend back the spine, fan it out and figure out where you want to glue it.

I tried quick dry glue and it didn't hold.  The ol' hot glue gun to the rescue (again)!  It should look something like this after you glue the two ends together.  Fan all the pages out again until they are spread out all the way around.

This is when I snip the pages that are sticking out a little further than others (I see one in this picture). And keep in mind, my version is not perfect.  These are like the Christmas tree, you have to put the bad side to the wall.   

If you try this, I'd love to see how it turned out.  I'm off to start my week - take care!

I'm going to party with Met Monday at BNOTP - lots of cool stuff to see..

TTFN,

A couple of wreaths, a couple of books

Like almost everyone else in bloggerville, I have created my share of wreaths.  I made a new sheet music wreath last night (copied Miss Mustard Seed's). I ripped the sheet into fourths, so this one is a littler smaller.  I'm hanging this on an old window in the hallway. I don't know about you guys, but I have a hard time just sitting and watching TV, so this was fun to do while catching up on my TiVo'd shows.

love it!

While I was at it, I carved up a couple of paperbacks.  I was digging through my home magazine stash and found a Country Living with these in them and gave it a try. 

 

 I think they're fun and if you get tired of it just get rid of them.  Disposable decor!

Last year I made my sister this gigantic book wreath.  I didn't mean for it to be so big, but it kinda got out of control.  I've learned to show a little more restraint since then.

 

 I have just accepted the fact that my pictures are going to be shoddy at times until I get a fancy-schmancy camera.

 

 

means Happiness in French 

 

I stamped gold stars with a smidge of glitter on the tips.

 

And this is the back.  

I can't believe we're almost to Halloween.  I don't really decorate for anything other than Christmas, so it's been fun looking at what everyone else has going on.  Am I the only one that is too lazy to decorate for each holiday/season?

I'm Hookin' Up with HOH.  Lots of projects over there!

TTFN,