{Organized} Earring & Jewelry Caddy

Hello and Happy Friday! I'm so thrilled the weekend is finally here...between Easter and Babygirl's birthday, we have a lot to celebrate! But today I want to share my latest organization project with you. Remember when I showed you our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/organized-master-bathroom-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Organized Bathroom Cabinets</a>...and teased what was tucked away in the top drawer?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8568975251/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Bathroom Cabinets by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Bathroom Cabinets" height="558" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8568975251_21e3989ec5_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Well, I finally tackled my rat's nest of earrings and bracelets, and organized them in this cute little caddy. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8593248404/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Earring Caddy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Earring Caddy" height="553" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8593248404_14f6923b72_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8593248618/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Earring Caddy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Earring Caddy" height="415" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8593248618_6bbb717c4d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It's an idea I swiped from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/01/friends-how-many-of-us-have-them-ooops.html" target="_blank">my crazy-talented friend</a> when we <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/scenes-from-family-road-trip.html" target="_blank">visited her last Summer</a>. Hop over to my contributor post at <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Organizing</a> for all the yummy details on how to create your own! But prepare to stay awhile, Jen's blog is a rabbit hole of amazing ideas. Happy weekend, lovebugs...I hope it's full of joy, life and celebrations!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="IHeart Organizing" height="125" id="Header1_headerimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoc5Isypze9F5lbLLZQD-Q2OCZnvY5KBPc3Ma2kaRwfIbNb91l2Jtn1bB_CLxaB5d6ysJuKbNR_7Jl-Fnzqj3unZ9uHgwniPiMjBvLmYiqja-zi8JyuPzYI4z33YtamJgPac3Yxyr4IY/s640/newheader985.png" style="display: block;" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

{Organized} Earring & Jewelry Caddy

Hello and Happy Friday! I'm so thrilled the weekend is finally here...between Easter and Babygirl's birthday, we have a lot to celeb...

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Art Party Invites & $100 Giveaway!

<div style="text-align: center;">I don't know how it happened, but our sweet and funny Babygirl is turning seven this weekend! I swear it feels like just yesterday we were adjusting to the idea of another baby, and now, there's no way to imagine our family without her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We brainstormed a whole list of party ideas, but in the end, she insisted on an Art Party. If you're new around here, you might not know that we've already had <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/rainbow-art-par-tay.html" target="_blank">a full-blown Art Party</a>...<i>last year!</i> Since I tend to go <strike>insane</strike> over the top with her parties <i>(our son is too <strike>cool</strike> old for mom's parties)</i>, I decided to let someone else do more of the work this year, and she agreed to have it at a local art studio.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8596235636/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8596235636_90e3913d0b_o.png" width="468" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I changed the details to throw any crazies off our trail. That is, however, my phone number. </i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am a huge fan of <a href="http://www.invitationbox.com/" target="_blank">Invitation Box</a>, so I jumped at the chance to partner with them for her adorable invitations. They have thousands of designs to choose from, and you can easily customize the text for them to print, or order them blank. The card stock and printing is top-notch, and you can add little extras like lined envelopes, rounded corners, and pre-printed return addresses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8595135007/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations" height="618" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8595135007_5beb7e3317_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of their invitations have coordinating pieces, so we completed the set with monogrammed notecards, and custom stickers. I'm using the stickers for her thank-you notes and favors...can you stand the cuteness of the mini-paint cans?! I can't wait for the party, and to share all the details with you next week!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8595134879/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Art Party Invitations" height="517" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8595134879_68361193c8_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And one of you lucky ducks will win $100 to <a href="http://www.invitationbox.com/" target="_blank">Invitation Box</a>! The only problem will be choosing how you want to spend it! They have invitations and announcements for every occasion, notecards and pads, labels, calling cards, enclosure cards and tags. And most can be customized with photos and text.<br /><a name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8596362422/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8596362422_2a19d70f39_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8595262169/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway" height="260" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8595262169_02ece6819b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They even make custom stamps!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8595262259/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway" height="193" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8595262259_560d98dda3_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8595137997/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Invitation Giveaway" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8595137997_866c63fd95_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">*** Update: <span style="font-size: small;">This Giveaway is now closed. <span style="font-size: small;">The random <span style="font-size: small;">generator chose comment #100!</span></span></span></span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Con<span style="font-size: small;">grats to <a href="http://northernmoon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin</a><span style="font-size: small;">, who's going to use her <span style="font-size: small;">Invitation</span> Box credit for an upc<span style="font-size: small;">oming <span style="font-size: small;">bridal</span> shower! ***</span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i> </i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>To enter the $100 Invitation Box Giveaway,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">simply leave a comment telling us how you'd spend it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra entries for shouting the Giveaway from the rooftops,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or on Twitter, Facebook, etc. if you prefer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Giveaway closes at midnight, April 6.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good luck, buttercups!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Art Party Invites & $100 Giveaway!

I don't know how it happened, but our sweet and funny Babygirl is turning seven this weekend! I swear it feels like just yesterday we we...

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{DIY} Gold Dot Vase

Creativity, and the desire to be creative, comes and goes for me. There are periods when I have more ideas than time<i> (and money)</i>, and others when I couldn't brainstorm a project if you bribed me with tacos. Lately I've been on a creative wave, so I'm riding it out as long as it lasts! <i>(Remember this later if the blog has a dry spell!)</i> Today's project is <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-otomi-patio-table.html" target="_blank">another</a> that turned out better than I'd envisioned <i>(which is a rarity)</i>, and I'm cuckoo over this little spotted vase!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8592964328/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="585" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8592964328_49e5bc2356_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />After I made these <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-anthropologie-style-confetti-vases.html" target="_blank">Anthro-Inspired Confetti Vases</a>, I started looking around for more glass vessels I could paint. I dug this rectangular vase out of my cabinet, <i>(they sell similar ones at Michaels and Hobby Lobby)</i>, some metallic gold craft paint, and a circle stencil dobber-thingie. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8592964550/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="613" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8592964550_ec40c277e2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />The random placement of dots are inspired by Kate Spade, which is a pattern I've drooled over for years. Just dip your sponge in paint, and gently press down on the glass. Be careful not to move the sponge around, or it will smear the paint. A toothpick is perfect for popping the little air bubbles. I wanted my gold dots to be very opaque, so I did several layers of paint, allowing them to dry in between.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8591863793/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="717" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8591863793_5e4102205b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />After 24-hours, I placed the vase in a cool oven and heated it to 400-degrees, baked for 30 minutes, then let it cool completely in the oven before removing. This process hardened the paint, and brought out more of the metallic shine. I've also run it through the dishwasher with no problems<i> (just like the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentine-diy-sharpie-mug.html" target="_blank">Sharpie Mug</a>).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8592964450/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="705" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8592964450_13ccb01927_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />It's still chilly outside, but Spring is happening in my Living Room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8591863721/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="706" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8591863721_85b963a58a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8592964368/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8592964368_e68a2d3b1f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8592964602/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gold Dot Vase" height="585" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8592964602_5130b085b0_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Polka-dotted glass may have just surpassed my addiction to <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-animal-bookends.html" target="_blank">painted plastic animals</a>! Does your creativity come in spurts, too? Is it just me, or is spurt kind of a gross word? At least I didn't say, <i>'tender, juicy spurt.'</i> That's a gross word trifecta!

{DIY} Gold Dot Vase

Creativity, and the desire to be creative, comes and goes for me. There are periods when I have more ideas than time (and money) , and othe...

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Easter Tables & Projects

You guys are amazing...thank you so much for all the kind words for my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-otomi-patio-table.html" target="_blank">Otomi Table</a>. It's true, I have taken her on as a sister wife. And I can't wait to add more of the fabulous pattern around the house. But today I have projects-fails on the brain. Specifically, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-friday-five_22.html" target="_blank">this centerpiece</a> that wasn't meant to be. I'd envisioned the bowl full of dark green grass, with colorful eggs nestled in with other Easter paraphernalia. But after two full weeks, not a single blade of grass has emerged. Fortunately, my sister-in-law is hosting the family this year, so I don't need a Plan B, but if I did, I'd likely recreate something from our past <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/springy-easter-table.html" target="_blank">Easter Tablescapes</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="table2" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/7046229571_6a15c99448_z.jpg" width="600" /> </div><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-easter-table.html" target="_blank">This bowl of bright flowers and Peeps</a> was my favorite centerpiece. I wish they sold Peeps individually though, so you didn't have to rip the little chicks apart.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/5610390270/" title="100_3328 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="100_3328" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5024/5610390270_6797997d7b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Here's <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/springy-easter-table.html" target="_blank">another option</a> with Peeps. Clearly Peeps and Easter go hand-in-hand for me.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="centerpiece2" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7046229931_62f913d2ac_z.jpg" width="443" /> </div><br />Placecards are always my favorite part of creating <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/Tablescapes" target="_blank">Tablescapes</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/springy-easter-table.html" target="_blank">these</a> were easy to put together using treat boxes from the Dollar Store.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="placecard" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/7046229007_b58b54f8cd_z.jpg" width="467" /></div><br />A little glitter on a plastic egg was all I used for <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-easter-table.html" target="_blank">these</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/5613467843/" title="100_3367 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="100_3367" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5309/5613467843_c19c6125eb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><br />Our backyard Magnolia tree has been the source for many projects around here <i>(starting with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-diy-magnolia-wreath.html" target="_blank">this wreath</a>)</i>, and these <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-fresh-magnolia-chargers.html" target="_blank">DIY Fresh Chargers</a> were a big hit, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="100_3339" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5609813595_acf6a0b347_z.jpg" width="399" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As were <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/springy-easter-table.html" target="_blank">these funny little edible grass egg cups</a>. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="grass egg" height="459" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/7046229331_f544613447_z.jpg" width="600" /></div><br />Babygirl's birthday is this weekend, so we're in party planning mode now. But here is a bit more Easter inspiration for you.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="william-sonoma-1tablescape" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6508" height="720" src="http://courtneyoutloud.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/william-sonoma-1.jpg?w=500&h=720" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://courtneyoutloud.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/play-date-mark-graham-spring-tablescape/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2256" src="http://courtneyoutloud.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/easter-tablescape-2011-058.jpg?w=500" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Easter Tablescape 2011 058" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://courtneyoutloud.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/easter-tablescape-april-give-away/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Paper Plate Egg Nest" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2008/02/100962494.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/decorating/decorate-with-easter-eggs/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Decorative Egg Planter" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/101356874.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/decorating/decorate-with-easter-eggs/#page=4" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqIjIWOQlP4b_WcOZjblVXByHNRN7DMJLxFGITJLBWnA0gogPJVsTUaHfnN-QSpGdqoid0WE7UfxbjZbFQJX38_LAB2KFzM1v58JapUfStPQ5GF9WUa_xbdqUmefKr30NhYWPBGZS893I/s640/Easter+Table.6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2013/03/an-easter-table.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Paper Strip Nest Place Setting" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/101686373.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/decorating/easter-table-setting-ideas/#page=3&socsrc=bhgpin032512eggcenterpiece" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>  <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0447" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LYjnxq_o-XHGJ-GHTb53odVztrnwMStFHt-1szkQtJV_nbQEUkk-3E9ZMFnLSISX53HR5Oz1jqxaKNx9xpJnYA_Pp7Tupefjvq2ovnYp1Cbu4l7aDyYk9ns2o3IbXfDTLKwhIOjJLg9G/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Paint Chip Garland" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/2013/03/diy-easter-garland-using-paint-chips.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Did Easter totally sneak up on you this year, too?! Really....Easter in March?!

Easter Tables & Projects

You guys are amazing...thank you so much for all the kind words for my Otomi Table . It's true, I have taken her on as a sister wife. An...

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{DIY} Otomi Patio Table

Hey, hey, hey friends! How was your weekend? Ours was crazy busy, and unexpectedly cold, but that didn't keep me from finishing my last project for the Home Depot Patio Challenge. And I am positively giddy to share it with you today! Most projects start out grand in my head, but never seem to translate into what I envisioned. It's rare for one to live up to my expectations, much less exceed them. So I was thrilled when this little table turned out even cuter than I'd hoped...I dare say it's my favorite project to date!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579408537/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (12) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (12)" height="732" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8579408537_bb4b1b4bfb_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />This outdoor table was in sad shape, so I gave it a fresh coat of Rustoleum 'Real Orange<i>' (to go with the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-dry-erase-serving-tray.html" target="_blank">DIY Dry-Erase Serving Tray</a>).</i> It was a quickie makeover, and I didn't plan on posting anything about it. After all, how many times have we seen the power of spraypaint? <i>(But really, does it ever get old?!) </i>I threw this image up on InstaGram <i>(@cassiesugarplum)</i>, and many of you commented that you couldn't wait to see what I was going to do with it...so that got me thinking <i>(which doesn't usually end well)</i>. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/d8cace20869411e2ace922000a1f90f6_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="559" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/d8cace20869411e2ace922000a1f90f6_7.jpg" width="559" /></div><br />I was brainstorming all the usual patterns and shapes, then my aunt suggested otomi! It was an <i>ah-ha!</i> moment...clearly I'm a fan of <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/pool-bathroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">Mexican decor and bright colors</a>. And who didn't fall instantly in love with <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2009/09/diy-video-graces-upholstered-otomi-headboard.html" target="_blank">Grace's Otomi Headboard</a>?<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/274432/Design-Sponge-At-Home-eclectic--los-angeles"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/ed016d7a0e658aac_8-4711/eclectic-.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div>I'll spare you all my trial and errors, and just tell you the simplest way to pull this off. <i>(Because we're all about fast and easy around here. And isn't that what bloggers do...work out the project kinks for the rest of us?)</i> After drooling over <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-dressed-up-dresser-lena-corw-107463" target="_blank">Lena Corwin's Otomi Stenciled Dresser,</a> I downloaded the otomi pattern she graciously shared <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2008/11/PrintingByHand1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, and printed out her template. I played with the size a bit so the scale would be right for my table. Then I traced all my favorite shapes on clear contact paper, but any that you can see thru would work.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579409197/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (1) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (1)" height="469" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8579409197_7b4af322a6_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579409153/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (2) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (2)" height="405" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8579409153_42fbbba502_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />After cutting them all out, arrange them like a puzzle on your surface...the busier the better. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579409111/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (3) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (3)" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8579409111_2c78498dd9_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Then carefully peel the backing off the shapes, and apply them to your surface. Lightly smooth around the edges so paint doesn't get through, but not so hard that you can't peel them off after.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8580507432/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (4) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (4)" height="452" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8580507432_1fc5843d36_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Then give the surface several light layers of a contrasting color paint. My aunt was too anxious to wait for reveal pictures, so she came over to see for herself. Of course I put her to work helping me peel the shapes off once they were dry, using a razor blade to get each one started. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8580507374/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (5) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (5)" height="486" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8580507374_e04e10ee5f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />We literally gasped and high-fived at the finished table...I adore the lively colors and vibrant pattern, not to mention the uniqueness.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579408801/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (8) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (8)" height="732" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8579408801_dc7e50b610_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8580507236/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (7) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (7)" height="801" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8580507236_3ec97848ee_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8580507012/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (10) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (10)" height="709" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8580507012_0c9235a75b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />The table has been painted so many times that some of the orange peeled off with the contact paper. But I actually think it adds more character and patina to it. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8579408591/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (11) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (11)" height="632" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8579408591_8335ccdde4_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8580507082/" title="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (9) by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum DIY Otomi Table (9)" height="742" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8580507082_ffd6b450c9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I can hardly wait to show you the entire patio, but I think you can probably guess the colors we used. Oh, and total time spent on this project was only about two hours! I've already started looking around for more things to otomi. Oh geez, I'm using it as a verb now. What do you think of my crazy little table? Are you as smitten as I am?! Do you love otomi, too?

{DIY} Otomi Patio Table

Hey, hey, hey friends! How was your weekend? Ours was crazy busy, and unexpectedly cold, but that didn't keep me from finishing my last ...

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The Friday Five

Hi friends, and Happy Friday! We've got a crazy weekend full of sports, birthday parties and an egg hunt, but hopefully I can squeeze in a little project time. And <strike>Mexican food</strike> the laundry.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">1)</span></span> I'm not sure when I'll be able to show you the full reveal of the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-friday-five.html" target="_blank">Home Depot Patio Challenge</a>, but my deadline to complete it is next Friday...so I'd better get busy! Here's a little sneaky peeky of the space with the fab set they sent me! Thanks to my son, we got it assembled pretty quickly. You've seen <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/home-depot-challenge-patio-progress.html" target="_blank">the rug</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-dry-erase-serving-tray.html" target="_blank">dry-erase serving tray</a>, but I've got one more project planned before putting it all together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8573219682/" title="patio sneak peek by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="patio sneak peek" height="696" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8573219682_685bc19fb0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2)</span></span> I had a great idea for an Easter tablescape centerpiece, involving a bowl of thick, green grass. But 10 days after planting the <i>'guaranteed to grow anywhere fast'</i> grass, this is what we're looking at. It's a good thing my sister-in-law just decided to host Easter brunch this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8572131635/" title="potential easter centerpiece by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="potential easter centerpiece" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8572131635_a3912c9005_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">3)</span></span> And speaking of Easter, I intended to make MerMag's adorable <a href="http://mermag.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/easy-bunny-candy-pouch.html" target="_blank">Easter Bunny Pouch</a> as a treat for my kid's teachers. But Babygirl's birthday happens to fall on Easter Sunday this year, so we've been busy with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/Parties" target="_blank">party planning</a> instead. But can you stand this bunny cuteness? Maybe I'll find a way to whip out one or two.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MerMagBunnyCandyPouch4" height="756" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/6887343802_21bf3ae5a1_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">4)</span></span> The cute and sassy <a href="http://caycee-hangingwiththehewitts.blogspot.com/2013/03/tuesdays-brain-dump.html" target="_blank">Caycee</a> posted <a href="http://bit.ly/102MzNZ" target="_blank">this stripey goodness</a> on her InstaGram last week, and I knew it had to be mine. Thank goodness for smartphones, because I ordered it from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/road-tripping-through-texas-hill-country.html" target="_blank">somewhere in the middle of nowhere</a>. I can never resist stripes, so <a href="http://bit.ly/YIlVYu" target="_blank">this skirt</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/14eKrZf" target="_blank">dress</a> are on the way, too. And I've got my eye on <a href="http://bit.ly/14eKAfi" target="_blank">this one</a> from <a href="http://bit.ly/14eKAfi" target="_blank">Old Navy</a> <i>(use <b>ONSAVE25</b> for 25% off your total order thru Sunday!).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ph5nFpG3Fp5fv2CzPL8rXn6smG64KuVvlKz1_VNWizPYiOBsPUvH8RiGqUbI_oa9Ld6Sb8Tni65LxvMt9dAjUA7vyAtONkOABVehaGalrkrLXU1ReafsDrLcNvIbchRCHt6gIlf8_mc/s640/4e3a214c8cd011e29f1422000a1fbc0e_7.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I pretty much want everything in this <a href="http://bit.ly/YphDGi" target="_blank">Destination: Vacation round up</a> from Forever 21! Someone cut me off!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="image" height="261" id="mainImage" src="http://www.forever21.com/images/en/20130318/category/promo/Love21/Promo_Love21_packing-list_image.jpg" usemap="#imageMap" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">5)</span></span> Did you see the <a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/bris-house-makeover/" target="_blank">Living Room Emily Henderson just designed</a>, and revealed on her blog? I, of course, loved every detail of the colorful and quirky room...but then felt elated when I realized I have similar elements in my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/living%20room" target="_blank">Living Room</a> <i>(still unfinished, fyi).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="teal sofa, yellow lamp, bri emery's house" class="size-large wp-image-7399 aligncenter" height="763" src="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/index_3-17-600x899.jpeg" title="Bri Emery's house - Designed by Emily Henderson - Photo by Laure Joliet" width="550" /></div><br />I'm not a designer and have zero training...I just put things together that I like and make me happy, and hope for the best. It's reassuring to see a legit designer, who's work I adore, use similar elements and pairings. Seeing this fabulous room, with the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/smitten-pb-teen-monogrammed-pillows.html" target="_blank">blue sofa and striped throw</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/dining-room-no-more-yellow-blocks.html" target="_blank">brass cuffs on table legs</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-gold-goddess.html" target="_blank">gold tables</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/family-room-adding-matchsticks.html" target="_blank">oversized Fiddle Leaf</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank">funky upholstery</a>, lets me know I'm on the right track. I suppose you could call it validation. But really, it's just confidence to keep going and create what I love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="designlovefest living room" class="size-large wp-image-7436 aligncenter" height="763" src="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/index_2-3-600x899.jpeg" title="Bri Emery's house - Designed by Emily Henderson - Shot by Laure Joliet" width="550" /></div><br />Oh, and the random winner of the Monogrammed Clutch was announced <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/giveaway-monogrammed-clutch.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I hope it was you! What's on your Friday Five today? Are you busy not growing grass and not making Easter treats? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

The Friday Five

Hi friends, and Happy Friday! We've got a crazy weekend full of sports, birthday parties and an egg hunt, but hopefully I can squeeze in...

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