{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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{DIY} Dry-Erase Serving Tray

Hey, hey friends! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. We covered a lot miles and ate a lot of salt and candy on our Spring Break Road Trip...and it was perfect. I hope to share some of it with you later this week. Today I've got another quick project I whipped up for the <a href="http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/patio-decorating-ideas-in-new-patio-style-challenge/" target="_blank">Home Depot Patio Challenge</a>. Once I saw all the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-friday-five.html" target="_blank">stellar bloggers participating</a>, I <strike>panicked</strike> knew I'd better step up my game!<br /><br />What's the point of having amazing outdoor furniture, if you don't invite guests over to enjoy it with you? I love colorful serving trays, and having several on hand is perfect for shuttling supplies in and out of the house...so I made my own to coordinate with our soon-to-be outdoor room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020223/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8549020223_83abf51ae0_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I like the idea of writing messages, or labeling food on the tray, so I picked up this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/06410406/" target="_blank">Ikea Klack tray</a> for $8, which conveniently already has a surface suitable for dry-erase markers. If you aren't near an Ikea <i>(bless your heart)</i>, you could use any basic tray <a href="http://bit.ly/14TuiUM" target="_blank">like this</a>, and cover the bottom with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PGBCOC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PGBCOC&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20">dry-erase</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PGBCOC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006BAEI6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006BAEI6&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20">chalkboard</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006BAEI6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> paint.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549026223/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray" height="415" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8549026223_f8eb9ff721_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I wanted to keep the base in tact, so I covered it with painters tape and paper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015133/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray" height="519" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8549015133_67c6187aee_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Then I gave it several light coats of Rustoleum Real Orange in gloss, followed by a layer of Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze to give the tray a lacquered look. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015165/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="488" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8549015165_8821a61e64_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><a name="more"></a>Of course I can never leave well-enough alone, and I attempted several different border designs. The only reason for this picture, is to show you Mr. Clean Magic Erasers make great stencil sponges...super easy to cut and shape, and a firm density.  <span style="font-size: xx-small;">TWSS</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015189/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="564" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8549015189_3a46cc9188_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />None of the stencil designs were jiving for me, so I went with the fail-proof stripe. I just taped it off and used craft paint, followed by a glossy sealer. Make sure to peel the tape off while the paint is still wet for a smoother line.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015203/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="530" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8549015203_72d052d00a_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015219/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="503" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8549015219_b92ca312e0_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549015237/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="493" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8549015237_de2a26a5af_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Supposedly, my hand-writing is illegible, so I recruited Mr. Sugarplum to give it a whirl. We used dry-erase markers, and it wiped right off.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020203/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8549020203_d32e5657af_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020257/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray" height="756" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8549020257_41261d2ab2_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020301/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray" height="467" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8549020301_f5a1333bf4_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020281/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray" height="620" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8549020281_b43eb7295c_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />This cheery tray is going to see a lot of action this Spring...it's cute, and adds a fun element of personalization for every occasion! <i>(Thanks for the amazing cookies, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Askanam?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">Askanam</a>!)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8549020223/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray  by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Dry Erase Tray " height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8549020223_83abf51ae0_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />This also serves as a sneak-peek of the colors I'm using in our Patio Challenge....you didn't actually think I'd go neutral, did you?! Have you started prepping things for Spring?

{DIY} Dry-Erase Serving Tray

Hey, hey friends! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. We covered a lot miles and ate a lot of salt and candy on our Spring Break Road Trip......

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{Breakfast Room} Dipped Chairs

How about that Daylight Savings Time?! I know I'll love it eventually, but right now, I'm cursing the lost sleep! The upside of more daylight, is more project-and-picture-taking-hours...so I can't wait to get cracking, because my project list seems to be breeding!!<br /><br />Last I left you on the Breakfast Room, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-phat-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">we'd painted the walls and ceiling</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">added a rug</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank">hung some bright new drapes.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7267944520/" title="may2 062 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="may2 062" height="650" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7267944520_457fdc4681_b.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><br />A definite improvement from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">where we started</a>....but we still had the issue of the crazy chair party. I'm a fan of mis-matched table and chair sets, but having two styles of chairs, and three different tones, just made the small room feel cluttered.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7267944618/" title="may2 064 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="may2 064" height="650" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7267944618_ca59ba630f_b.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><br />So I finally drug the remaining three unpainted chairs to the garage, and gave each a quick hand-sand...just enough to take some of the glossy finish off. That got old after about <strike>2</strike> 10 minutes, so I  wiped them clean and gave them a thin layer of spray primer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632246/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="683" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8540632246_43ddbb5137_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Next came three thin coats of Rustoleum Heirloom White in Satin. I think it's the perfect white for indoor furniture...bright, but not cold or stark, and warm, without being creamy. I smoothed any rough spots between coats using a very fine sanding block. The first chair I painted in the yard, and went through an entire can of paint because of the wind. After that, I moved back to the garage, which preserved the paint, but made a hot mess of my floor. #firstworldbloggerproblems<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528097/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="772" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8539528097_d47181d6a5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then I decided my chairs needed fancy feet, but being the <strike>slacker</strike> stellar blogger I am, I forgot to take pictures. But basically, once the chairs were dry, I taped off the legs, measuring up from the floor so they'd all have the same size socks, and brushed on a few coats of Farrow & Ball Bowler Hat Blue.<br /><br />The paint is actually a souvenir from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-report-ghent-brussels-final-leg.html" target="_blank">this trip</a>...we picked it up because it was a limited edition color Farrow & Ball created especially for the Musee Magritte Museum in Brussels. It's inspired by the colors frequently used by Rene Magritte in many of his famous Bowler Hat paintings, and now adorns the walls of the museum. So not only are the blue socks cute, but they remind me of a special trip with Mr. Sugarplum.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632578/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8540632578_84fec3cd76_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />If we tire of them, it will be simple enough to spray over.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528381/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8539528381_a398981270_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Since the chairs get so much use, I let them cure for days longer than usual. Then I sanded the corners and edges where they'd naturally show wear. That way when they do chip, it will look intentional. Or that's my backwards thinking anyway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632540/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="558" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8540632540_fe8111f187_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528307/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="767" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8539528307_30d656b8e0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />We added matchstick blinds to these windows, too, since the room is connected to the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/family-room-adding-matchsticks.html" target="_blank">Family Room</a>. It really helps to unite the two spaces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528341/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8539528341_90c4b8e091_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It's crazy how much brighter the room feels now that the chairs are unified. Having them all white takes up less visual space, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632284/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="765" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8540632284_4630df796a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Here we were before...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7250554968/" title="5-15 060 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="5-15 060" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7250554968_8e5d14c458_z.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />And now, after only painting the chairs and dressing the windows. Oh yeah, and I tacked some ribbon on the drum shade, leftover from the drapes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528267/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="761" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8539528267_2ba8b8f6b1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'd say the Breakfast Room is thisclose to being done! Except now I'm having second thoughts about the pink drapes. I guess that's what happens when it takes a year to complete a room makeover. Did you tackle any projects this weekend, or are you still recovering from the time change?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST ROOM TO-DO LIST<br /><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">The Befores & Evolution up to now</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Add drapes, hang them high and wide to really showcase the window</strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">* <strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">Add rug to define the space and bring more color</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/breakfast-room-unified-set.html" target="_blank">* Finish painting the chairs</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Do something to the Fig basket so it's not so matchy with the bar chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Consider amping up the drum shade</div><br /><br />

{Breakfast Room} Dipped Chairs

How about that Daylight Savings Time?! I know I'll love it eventually, but right now, I'm cursing the lost sleep! The upside of more...

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{DIY} Herringbone Basket

There may have been an <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/06/babygirls-room-reveal.html" target="_blank">official reveal on Babygirl's Room</a>, but that doesn't mean it was done. No room is really ever complete in my house...because what fun would that be?! My idea of a fun Saturday morning is moving rugs from room-to-room, and playing musical lamps and furniture. Although, it's safe to say the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/11/babygirls-room-painting-fancy-pants.html" target="_blank">yellow highboy</a> will never live anywhere but in my daughter's room. As long as it's yellow anyway. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8487240982/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="780" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8487240982_0ec84f830a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />See that random basket stuck under the cheery highboy? We were having a problem with shoes scattered all over the floor, so I dug this basket out of the garage to help corral them. So the shoes were no longer a problem, but that eyesore of a basket was.<br /><br />Since it's a kid's room, I decided to try out a herringbone pattern for fun. First tape vertical stripes around the basket.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8486149665/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="464" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8486149665_9181f808c4_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Then connect them with small strips of tape, placed diagonally. If this were a wall or piece of furniture, I'd measure it out and be more exact. But this is a basket. For stinky kid shoes. No measuring necessary.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8487240904/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="485" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8487240904_d20be92b2f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I've been itching to try this new line of spray paint from Michaels, so I snatched up a can with a coupon. It's a low-odor, water-based paint, so best used for art and indoor projects.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8486149565/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="692" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8486149565_7eed74898d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Just look at that yummy selection of colors!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="388" id="irc_mi" src="http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4148/img0520wk.jpg" style="margin-top: 22px;" width="550" /></div><br />It doesn't have the same smell as oil-based spraypaint, but I still sprayed it outside on a drop cloth. It has a very fine mist and sprays on evenly, and the color is so vibrant! After a few layers of paint, and a few days to air out, I brought the little basket back inside.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8486149517/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="462" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8486149517_35db488665_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />It matches the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/10/babygirls-room-painting-bed.html" target="_blank">pink-radish of her bed</a> perfectly. And is now a cute little accent in the room, as opposed to a plain, random basket. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8487240698/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="809" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8487240698_faa1ac9301_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8487240662/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="779" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8487240662_450a11e164_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8486149465/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Herringbone Basket" height="516" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8486149465_ff9cd2ff50_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The herringbone is cute, but it didn't work any magic on putting shoes away. They still end up scattered all over. Are you constantly tripping over shoes in your house? And don't you want to come hang out with me, since my idea if fun is rearranging accessories and taping off paint patterns?!

{DIY} Herringbone Basket

There may have been an official reveal on Babygirl's Room , but that doesn't mean it was done. No room is really ever complete in my...

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{Pinterest Project} Gold Striped Vases

<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/Pinterest%20Project" target="_blank">{Pinterest Project}</a> is a series where I actually make something <a href="http://pinterest.com/hisugarplum/projects-i-d-like-to-try/" target="_blank">I've pinned</a>, usually putting my own spin on it. So far, <a href="http://pinterest.com/hisugarplum/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> hasn't let me down with all the amazing ideas. Today's project originated from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36451078203630307/">this pin, </a>from <a href="http://blissimagesandbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/10/1-frosted-centerpiece.html">Bliss Images and Beyond</a>, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36451078203564399/">this pin,</a> from a now defunct blog. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8010177003/" title="hi sugarplum gold striped vase by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum gold striped vase" height="695" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8010177003_ddb8919204_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Start out with a collection of glass vessels...mine are all from the Dollar Store. I didn't even bother to clean them or take off the price tag. Nice. Thanks camera, for picking up all the details!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8010136687/" title="hi sugarplum gold vases by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum gold vases" height="573" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/8010136687_e63ebf5c27_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Wrap the glass with rubber bands until they are taut, making sure the bands lay flat against the glass. You don't want them loosey-goosey and able to move around. The pattern and number of bands is purely up to you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8010136603/" title="hi sugarplum gold vases by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum gold vases" height="609" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8010136603_3f4ab746b1_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The original pins used frosted glass spray, but I did that with my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-missoni-style-drinking-glasses.html" target="_blank">DIY Chevron Glasses</a>, so I opted for Rustoleum Metallic Brass. Just place them upside down to keep the inside clean, and give them a few light coats....no primer necessary.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><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;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8010136525/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hi sugarplum gold vases by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum gold vases" height="594" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/8010136525_6c71fc08f5_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nevermind my garage floor.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Unlike <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/07/pizz-azz-painting-stripes-in-bathroom.html" target="_blank">wall stripes</a>, wait for the paint to dry completely before carefully cutting the bands and peeling them off the glass. How pretty are these...for $1 each!?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8010136331/" title="hi sugarplum gold vases by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum gold vases" height="679" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8010136331_818eb026a4_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I had a twisted <strike>sister</strike> band on one vase, and those stripes didn't turn out as crisp. So unlike <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36451078203564399/" target="_blank">this pinsperation</a>, I wouldn't recommend using string. Unless loosey-goosey stripes are what you're going for. They are perched on my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/09/liberace-called-he-wants-his-mantel-back.html" target="_blank">Liberace-inspired Fall Mantel</a>...and will likely make a lovely centerpiece for my Thanksgiving Table!</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8009775559/" title="hi sugarplum fall mantel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="hi sugarplum fall mantel" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8009775559_9de8fe4519_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Another fast, cheap and easy project...perfect for our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-diy-pine-cone-garland.html" target="_blank">About An Hour</a> party this Thursday! Hope you plan to link up. Has Pinterest got you cranking out any projects lately? Do you have any pinned ideas you'd like to see executed? Send them to me and maybe I'll be your guinea pig.<br /><br /><i>***Sharing this project with <a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a> and <a href="http://homestoriesatoz.com/" target="_blank">Beth</a>!***</i>

{Pinterest Project} Gold Striped Vases

{Pinterest Project} is a series where I actually make something I've pinned , usually putting my own spin on it. So far, Pinterest has...

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