Before & After: Two Projects Under $20

I've sort of lost steam in the bathroom, but I have been productive in a few other ways. Don't worry. The bathroom will get done...eventually. I can't live in ruins forever!

In the meantime, let's take a look at some of my FINISHED tasks. Shall we?!

First up, if you're a Facebook fan, you may remember this little $5 stool I picked up at a local antique mall.

Half a yard of fabric later {$3.75} and a staple gun, and I had THIS for under $10!

There was the great debate on whether I should paint the legs or not, and you can see that I opted not to. The wood was in almost perfect condition and too beautiful to touch, and I can always do that later, but for now I'm super happy with the outcome! Trust me when I say this project was really easy too. This is only the second time I've ever recovered something, and I was amazed at how quickly it went! I even lined up the Greek key pattern almost perfectly, if I do say so myself.

Onward. Project two is another one with Facebook mention. You might recall that I scored some great tiles for $1.73/sheet. If you're not up on the price of tile, that's an AMAZING price! I ended up buying the store out and only ended up paying around $20 for the loot.

Here's a look at what my fireplace looked like before. It was worn and ugly and still proudly held the bungalow's original 1940's brown squares.

A coworker of mine ended up helping me out in a major way and installed it for FREE on his day off! I am so appreciative of all his hard work and friendly gesture. Thanks for being a good sport Chris and posing for a bloggy pic too!

Drum roll, please....

$20 CAN refinish a fireplace. Who woulda thunk it? Open those eyes ladies and be resourceful bargain shoppers. It pays off in such a major way!

As you can see, I have yet to dress the fireplace. I'm actually working on a little project {with major impact} for the built-ins, and I'm also considering painting the inside brick now.

As with any older home, the floor was anything but level, and there are some areas that had to be heavily caulked in the back, so I think a few coats of paint on the brick will hide that well. It turns out that these smaller mosaic tiles were perfect for a not so perfect area though. Chris says these smaller tiles are more of a pain to deal with, but they are more forgiving with an uneven area.

Please note: This fireplace will be used for decorative purposes only. You should not build a fire over tiles such as these, and our chimney was capped when we bought it.


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Crystal xoxo

Country Living Inspired Funkins & Our Fall Mantel

I recently got this beauty in the mail and immediately opened it up. I HAD to know how they made the pumpkins on the front!

My mom came over the same night, magazine in hand, and said, "We have to make these!" I smiled and pulled my copy out and said, "I know!" The next night, we were at Michael's gathering supplies. (1) A few fake "funkins" that happened to be 50% off (2) scrapbook paper. I already had the rest of the supplies. (3) foam brushes (4) Mod Podge (5) Mod Podge Sealer (6) wax paper. Easy and cheap!

Monday, I arranged the "funkins" on our fall mantel to see where I wanted them...

They looked nice, but I knew it could still use a punch, so I was just as excited as ever to get started on our little project!

Last night, we got to work on my coffee table, so we could watch Teen Mom {I know. I know. I got sucked in two years ago, when I was 26 and pregnant, and I can't get out!}

The difficulty level for this project is easy, but I do recommend a decent chunk of time and a small amount of patience...

We started by laying down wax paper and filling a bowl with Mod Podge. Then, we cut our scrapbook paper into strips {smaller strips for the small pumpkins work best and 1-1.5" strips for the larger ones}. It took about two-three pieces of 12x12 paper for the small and 3-4 pieces for the larger pumpkins, so make sure you have enough of the SAME pattern! Then, we applied the Mod Podge on the paper strip and placed it on the pumpkin {starting from the stem and smoothing down}. Repeat. About 75 times {maybe a slight exaggeration}. Then, we coated each pumpkin with two coats of Mod Podge {allowing about an hour between each coat}. Today, I put them all outside and gave them two coats of Mod Podge Sealer {allowing at least 15 minutes between coats}. Note: We started with the smaller pumpkins, thinking it would be easier, but the larger ones were much easier and quicker!

My mom made two black and white ones, to match her decor {photo one}, and I made three pumpkins in shades of browns, khakis and a burnt orange {photo two}, but they even look great grouped together {photo three}!

Now, my fall mantel is complete, and I am beyond thrilled!

I already had most of the accessories, but I did get that little skull for $1.99 at Michael's and the two skeleton keys for $1 each there too {I just strung them on a piece of jute twine}. The three amber candle holders came from Target and were $1.99 each. Other recent finds include two milk glass vases for $3 each and my little owl for $.79 at a local consignment store. I just spray painted the owl!

I hope this has inspired you. Please, comment and leave a link to your blog post if you decide to make these "funkins" too or post a picture to our Facebook wall! Fall is finally here, ladies! Eeeekkk!

This post has been linked to The Inspired Room's 2011 Fall Nesting Party! Click the picture to join the fun!

This post is also linked to Finger Prints on the Fridge "Feature Yourself Friday".

This post is also linked to The Lettered Cottage "Autumn Link Party". Click the picture to join the fun!