Board and Batten Mudroom Progress

Guess what happens at my house when the husband books himself a 6 day guys only ski trip to Lake Tahoe?!?  Projects that have been but a glimmer in my eye miraculously begin with unbefore seen enthusiasm!  Hey... we take it how we can get it!

Confession.  Since we ripped out the coat closet and put in the entry bench it has been a little harder than expected to keep everything as tidy as I would like.  During the summer it was a breeze, but now that Old Man Winter is here and we all have 3 or 4 coats in rotation it is not quite as easy.  Solution... more hooks!  But, we couldn't just throw hooks on the wall around here and call it a day. 

I've been pinning and loving board and batten for some time now.  I think it keeps with the character of this house and it just looks amazing!  There have been multiple board and batten mud rooms floating around Blogland so it just took a little research and we were off to Lowes to gather supplies. 

One inspiration photo from Casa de Lewis.

From Casa de Lewis

We have a tiny little "mudroom" as you walk in from the garage just off the kitchen.  It isn't functional.  I did have a stool and tiny shelf and a pin board in there where I just piled things until they fell on the floor before I put them away.  I mean.... probably not the best method.

Here it is in all it 4'x6' glory.  On another note... any suggestions on how to get your dog to keep the food in the bowl?!?!

I just need a couple more things before the project is complete.  (One of my new years resolutions... finish Project A before moving on to Project B!)

Other projects that I am sure the  guilty sweet husband will finish up in the near future include the built-in desk for my vintage lockers AND getting the guest room painted (which I could totally do myself but I might as well milk it!).

Kandi

Halloween Project: Paranormal Portraits Tutorial

I have to begin this post by saying 100% (well... 97%) of the credit of this project goes to Will.  It would have been one of those great ideas that never came to fruition if he hadn't taken it on and gotten it done! We originally saw this idea on Country Living but had to figure out how we could make it work.  I remembered this stack of antique negatives I got for FREE at a yard sale and they were the perfect jumping off point.

Step 1:  Gather Supplies

-Old Pictures.  If you do not have anything old like this check yard sales or go online and print something off.  Graphics Fairy has tons of things that would work.
-Wood or a frame
-Foam board
-Spray adhesive or double sided tape
-Finger lights (like these)

Step 2:  Have your pictures blown up.
I suggest to a standard size so you do not have to build a frame!  We took ours to a little print shop in town (Hey NC Printing!  They were fast, fun and did an amazing job!)  They only cost us around $7-$8 per print!!)

Step 3:  Mount to a piece of foam board using spray adhesive or permanent double sided tape.

Step 4:  Carefully cut out holes in the back of the foam board to hold the finger lights.Trace the exact size of the end of your light and cut the hole a tad bit smaller. Prick a small hold with a pen to help the light come through. This {freaky} picture is from the back and shows the holes for the lights and also the tiny holes on the picture for light to come through.

5.  Mount your lights (we used electrical tape to hold them in place). 

6.  Add your frame.  We also had to add small wooden spacers on the back to help hold it off the wall because the lights stick out a good bit.

7. Hang and be prepared for your guests to ask where you bought them!

Later this week... Halloween mantle and our Adult Only Halloween recap (prepared to be WOWED by some amazing costumes!!)

See other Halloween posts here and here.

Happy Haunting!

Kandi

Growing "pains" and my most favorite Halloween project EVER!

I put "pains" in quotations because it sounds kind of negative.  It's not meant negative at all.  But, that is the best description of what has been going on here at Woven Home. Coming off of a huge sale at Finders Keepers and in the midst of our flagship store opening in Lynchburg, VA, on top of everything we were doing before those two projects came busting onto the scene.... growing pains.  More on all that to come! So, if we seem sporadic, we are.  Even if our blogging isn't super frequent for a while you can bet we'll do our best to at least make it awesome!  Now, for the awesome part!

Can I start by saying this idea just came to me.  I'm sure I'm not the first one to do it.  Positive, in fact.  But, I didn't see it on Pinterest or another blog and go do.  I thought of it and did it.  Am I the only one who feels completely unable to come up with an original idea these days?  And, like this one, even if I think its original...I'm sure its probably just not.  But, that doesn't take away from how thrilled I was when I thought of this and executed it!

I was perusing Graphics Fairy and came across this excellent skull.  I originally printed it and was going to Mod Podge it onto white salad plates... it was too big.  I threw it down and kept throwing plastic spiders and skeletons everywhere.  As I walked by my white lamp I stuck the image behind it... magic!!!  I absolutely LOVED it!  Although we were late for a birthday party I had to go print one more for the other lamp shade. 

Directions for this project.
1. Print your graphic of plain white printer paper
2. Cut out
3. Tape to inside of lamp shade (just scotch tape will do)
4. Turn it on and ogle at your creative genius!

Skull link
Spider link (I used the second graphic and cut off the branch)

That's it!  5 minute project tops!  HAPPY HAUNTING!

Kandi

Happy Birthday Pennant Banner: Tutorial

This pennant banner made from scrapbook paper was not only free to make but also took only about 20 minutes to make.  No brainer!

Here is a simple tutorial.

1. Print your letters.  I used these from Martha Stewart.
2.  Pick your scrapbook paper.  I used 12x12 which will give you six pennants per sheet.
3. Fold your paper in half to make a rectangle.
4. Mark the top of your paper at the middle and the bottom in thirds.  If you look closely you can see the pencil marks.
5.  Use a ruler and connect the dots.  Look closely again and you can see the outline of your pennants. 6.  Cut them out.
7. Cut out your letters.  Punch holes in the top corners of your pennants. Glue letters to your pennants.
8.  Thread a length of ribbon through your pennants making sure to leave enough on either end to make hanging easy. 

That's it!  Big impact on decor...tiny impact on time.... zero impact on budget! And one happy little two year old who still walk around singing "Happy Birthday To My Party..."!!

Kandi

PS... Come back Thursday for a Shabby Apple giveaway!

**See more on this ice cream party here.

**See more party decorating with pennant banners here.

Linking up to some of these great places.

Polly Want a Crafter Sew Can Do Boogieboard Cottage DIY Home Sweet Home Brassy Apple Serendipity and Spice Destination Craft Mrs Happy Homemaker Make it Yourself Monday Ask Anna C.R.A.F.T. The Southern Institute The DIY Showoff Craftomaniac Raising 4 Princesses Between Naps on the Porch Bedazzle Me Monday The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife Make Something Monday A Diamond in the Stuff Stringtown Home Organizing Home Life Tuesday Tutorials Be Inspired Tuesday Time Out A to Zebra Celebrations My Favorite Finds Eye Heart Our Delightful Home The Inspiration Board

Too Cute Tuesday Trick or Treat Tuesday Chef in Training Sugar Bee Crafts Hope Studios Tell it to me Tuesday Your Cozy Home Party Turquoise Lovin’ Tuesday To Do Party Cherished Bliss Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays Type A Adventures of a DIY Mom Show Me What Ya Got Get Your Craft On Nifty Thrifty Tuesday Nutmeg Place Tuesday Confessional Teagan Travels How to Nest for Less A Bowl Full of Lemons Tuesday Trade Off Tip Junkie T2T Tuesday Tuesday Treasures Ladybug Blessings Creative Itch Toot your Horn Tuesday Jillify It Tutorial Tuesday Pin Cushion Creations Spicy Link Up

Restore It Junk in their Trunk Polkadots on Parade Sugar and Dots Rock N Share Clean & Scentsible The Trendy Treehouse Beyond the Picket Fence School House Scraps The Thrifty Home Sew Woodsy Savvy Southern Style Your Whims Wednesday Wow me Wednesday A Little Tipsy Primp your Stuff Wednesday Show and Share Whatever goes Wednesday

Live.Laugh.Rowe Adventures in Dinner Mom on Timeout The CSI Project Share Your Cup Thursday The Shabby Creek Cottage The Crafty Blog Stalker Christina’s Adventures Crafty Scrappy Happy Embracing Change 52 Mantels Bear Rabbit Bear The Vintage Farmhouse Bloom Designs A Turtles Life for Me The Taylor House Rhinestone Beagle The Brambleberry Cottage Fine Craft Guild Hookin up with HoH

The Shabby Nest Tidy Mom Joyful Stamper My Simple Home Life Remodelaholic Delicate Construction Happy Hour Projects Chic on a Shoestring Decorating 504 Main Hating Martha The Creative Paige Here Comes the Sun Cookie Nut Creations Bacon Time Joy in the Jumble The Grant Life Dotted Line Crafts Love Notes by Lauren Raising Oranges Making Lemonade Redoux Interiors Sassy Sites One Artsy Momma My Romantic Home Petals to Picots Pandoras Craft Box My Repurposed Life French Country Cottage At the Picket Fence Just Us Four Mommas Kinda Crafty Craftionary Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons Just Us 4 30 Handmade Days Lovely Crafty Home

Mama Mias Heart to Heart Homemaker in Heels Family Ever After Lady Bird Lane Serenity You The Gingerbread Blog Its Overflowing

Cherished Treasures Re-made Just Right Under the Table & Dreaming The Sweet talk Shop Sassafrass Salvation Simple as That My 1929 Charmer Heatherly Loves The Sasse Life Joy 2 Journey The Foley



Entry Closet Makeover: The Reveal!

This has actually been done for a couple months but like I said here... sometimes life slows you down!  I really and truly couldn't love it anymore and I must say it has exceeded all my expectations.  Lets look at a big, ugly, white, hollow core, bi folding before.

Not quite the first impression I was going for.

And.................... AFTER!!!!!! Just a little big better wouldn't you say?!? 

If you haven't been following along here are parts one thru three.

Part 1: The Inspiration

Part 2: The Soft Stuff

Part 3: Building the Bench

I had mentioned in an earlier post that this was the very first thing I noticed when I walked into this house that I wanted to change (that and the giant green metal doors.)  You can see the outside transformation including the new doors here.

After a few inspiration photos and a little reverse psychology the husband was ready to take on his first major DIY project and I must say he did an absolutely amazingly perfect job!  Some beauty shots....



Baskets from T.J. Maxx up top for extra storage of mittens, hats, etc.  They were only $15 each!  Steal!

Beautifully crafted drawers with satin nickel cup pulls.  These babies hold LOTS of shoes!

The full entry including the revamped barrister bookcase seen here.  I gotta say, this rug was a hand me down from my mother in law, we had to cut it down to fit this space but I LOVE it absolutely to death!!!!!  Don't you wish you had her for a mother in law?

The view with both doors open as you come in from my sidewalk.

I made all the pillows and cushion.  Specifics are in Part 2.

The walls are clad in wainscoting and painted in Behr Wheat Bread.

I would love to give you a complete cost break down but the receipts are literally everywhere and after returns and about 20 trips they just all got separated.  I can estimate it came in between $300 and $400.  After buying all the wood, the wainscoting, hooks and pulls, fabric and foam for the seat.  Not terribly bad considering the estimate I got last time I wanted something built in!  Big pat on the back Will.... you're the man!

I gotta say my major inspiration for this project was from the House of Smith's.  I must give her a shout out and send you over to check out her amazing blog if by some crazy chance you don't already read it daily!  Here is the link the her closet makeover.

One final before and after.

If I missed anything you have questions about leave me a comment or shoot an email and I'll get right back to you!

Kandi

**UPDATE!  So many of you  have asked where we put all of our things now.  Good question!  We put them where they belong!  We never have more than one jacket each here so they rest are put away in their rightful spot.  Shoes go in the built in drawers and odds and ends like mittens and scarves go in the baskets above.  Now, mystery solved :-)**

 

Ice Cream Party: Free Printables

Harper Kate's party was this weekend and I think it went great.  Very low key but the kids had a blast!  In years past I've tended to blow the budget on birthday parties for Gray and Harper.  I've just realized that it is really not necessary.  The kids could really and truly care, and as long as they are having fun what more could matter?  So this year I took the fun more seriously and the decorating less seriously.  Entirely out of my nature if you know me but people evolve you know :-)

I scoured the web, well, actually Pinterest, for free printables and the magnitude of things that came up were amazing!  I narrowed it down to just 3 different projects because that would be SIMPLE!   

Project 1: Happy Birthday Harper Pennant Banner
Cost: Free

This was the easiest banner ever, but I'll give a quick tutorial tomorrow. I cut all of my pennants out of scrapbook paper that I had on hand and found this perfect letter printables on Martha Stewart. She had some other adorable ways to use them on her website (duh) but I needed a little more color.  It was just the pop I needed over the desert table.  Just enough without being over the top.

Project 2: Harper's Birthday Ice Cream Labels
Cost: $7 for the sticky labels

I went with the little cups of ice cream to save on time and fuss but wanted to dress them up a bit.  This project could potentially cost you $7 unless you have these labels on hand.  I used the two inch circles from Avery's new line of Customizable Market Solutions  and I thought there were absolutely perfect! The website is full of free templates and a super easy to use platform for designing your labels.  You can import pictures and logos and they are 100% fully customizable.  I designed these from a blank template in about 5 minutes but the possibilities were truly endless!

Project 3: Ice Cream Toppings Labels
Cost: Free

These Ice Cream Tags are by Amy Moss at Eat Drink Chic.  To save time I hand wrote the toppings onto the tags and glued them to card stock so they could stand up on their own.

The rest of the decorating came from bright linens I already had on hand, flowers from my yard, and about 20 brightly colored balloons.  

You know you have an awesome friend when she brings you a set of 12 monogrammed brightly colored napkins.  YOU ARE THE BEST REBEKAH!!  I pulled out all the colors that worked with the party for extra pops of color.  Worked perfect since our last name and Harpers first name are both H's.  The printable on the right I've had a around for a while and its a freebie from Eighteen25.  They happen to have the best collection of subway art ever!

I also reused pennants from my sisters baby shower on the lower patio. 

More on the party to come this week!

Kandi

Entry Closet Makeover Part 3: Building The Bench

Entry Closet Makeover Part 3: Building The Bench

If you would have asked me 8 years ago when I married my husband (or even 3 weeks ago...) if he would be building things I would have laughed at you.  And I think he would have laughed too.  It is truly amazing how much more "handy" he has become.  I LOVE it!  As much as I would like the credit for talking him into doing this I truly think the motivation behind him starting this project came from a couple nay saying friends if we are being honest... those friends will remain nameless but your check is in the mail :-)

Amazingly this was finished in exactly one week and was worked on only at night after kids were in the bed. After going thru my Entryway Pinterest Board he set off to Lowe's. Lets be honest... I was worried.

1. Initial Frame

2. Power tools, at night... and yes.. he is wearing a headlamp... (if any of our college friends are reading this that headlamp should bring back memories)!

3. I am now aware that he could build a pretty awesome stage.  Next project maybe?

4. The framing is done and has lots of extra reinforcement including metal brackets in the corners.  Will says this makes it "fat ass certified".  His words... not mine!

Next came beadboard.  Hung horizontally, inspired by House of Smiths.  The drawers proved to be the hardest part.  It was a tight squeeze for a 6'5" man to get in and drill them down, in hind sight, don't attach the seat top until you have the drawer hardware installed! 

Last came trim work, paint and installing the hardware. 

He added the trim around the drawers to give a little more detail and I am in love with cup pulls right now.  I really wanted the big tall "coat and hat" hooks but they just wouldn't fit.  I think these lovelies will work just fine. 

If you really really want a full tutorial leave a comment and let me know.  I can probably talk Will into it.  From the outside looking in it appears to go like this, " measure, cut board, bring board in house, plethora of curse words, re-measure, re-cut, install, praise yourself and comment to everyone who will listen that you are the most talented person on the planet, repeat."  He is pretty talented and I am very proud.  He did prove me wrong!  This project has made all the difference in the world when you enter our house.   First impressions, you know! 

Big reveal next week!

Part 1: The Inspiration
Part 2: The Soft Stuff

Kandi

Entry Closet Makeover Part 2: The Soft Stuff

ENTRY CLOSET MAKEOVER

PART 2: THE SOFT STUFF

 

Our finished built in entry bench obviously has a cushion and loads of pillows (duh!). And if Will is figuring out how to make it as he goes without enlisting help then so am I (competative much?) Guess what... I'm not an expert sewer!  That is Rebekah!  I sew pillows and the occassional curtain panel.  Squares and rectanges... very straight forward, and both of those need not be perfect to look perfect.  A cushion cover on the other hand must be perfect to look perfect.  Your measurements and cuts must be exact in size and exactly square.  YIKES!  Hard for a self proclaimed "non-perfectionist". 

So, I set out for the perfect tutorial in blogland.  I read tons of great ones but there was one AMAZING tutorial out there.  Pictures of every single step and very detailed.  Since I was completely clueless this is what I needed. 

Perfectly Portable Cushion Tutorial

The only step I modified was not adding the handles since I didnt need my cushion to be portable.  I honestly can't say enough good things not only about this tutorial but also about the entire Sew, Mama, Sew! empire.  Have you ever ordered fabric from them?  Great customer service, prices and turn around time.  Sign up for their emails and coupons come through frequently.  I'm a fan (can ya tell?)

For my foam insert I went to the Foam and Fabric Outlet in Fletcher, NC.  They cut me a perfect 53" x 22" x 3" insert and it only cost $22 which I thought was great!

So, just yesterday I said I would reveal tomorrow but, imagine this, we've had a change of plans.  I simply cannot find baskets I like so I am heading down to visit my sister in Charlotte tomorrow and we are going to hit the Pottery Barn Outlet, Ikea, the worlds largest TJ Maxx, and the bar.  If I can't find what I need between all those places then I just need to give up.  I will find them though!

Here is a sneak peak of how it's coming along.  I ADORE it!!!

Check out the piping!  I did that!

My lovely "gusset".  I learned that word in her awesome tutorial as well as how to do that perfectly hidden zipper.

View ENTRY CLOSET MAKEOVER PART 1: THE INSPRIATION here. 

 

Kandi

Barrister Bookshelf Makeover

I heart this piece of furniture!  This is another one my mom found treasure hunting and brought to me (got to love her!).  It is called a barrister bookcase, lawyer bookcase, or sectional bookcase.  What makes it different is that is comes apart layer by layer.   I wish I knew how old this one was but from what I can tell it was made between 1920 and 1940. 

This two shelf model happens to actually be in 4 pieces.   Top, bottom, and the two shelves.  This is so you can add on to your shelf.

I was thinking maybe I shouldn't have painted this one but the top, sides and legs were not in great shape.  Of course, my before pictures were lost when my computer crashed so the best I can do is this one of it all covered in Easter pretties.  You get this jist!

You can see the wood was not a great color.  Kind of faded and dull.  Once I got it apart I realized the outside had actually been painted once before... this 'great' brown.  All the painters guilt immediately went away!

The doors life up and push back into the piece.

Look left!!!  Sneak peak into the Entry Closet Makeover!!  Its now 90% finished and I'll reveal later this week!

Styled with a few of Will's grandfathers old medical books from the 40's.  Hilarious advice in some of these and they seem like they just belong in here and could have really been sitting on this shelf in his office.

Rebekah and I share a love of orchids and they are the perfect addition to any room!  See her "Decorating With Orchids" post here.

The paint color used on the outside is an extremey pale grey.  It is called Big Chill by Sherwin Williams.  The inside is a green with a tinge of grey called Willow Tree by Sherwin Williams. 
This piece is in my entryway sitting beside the new closet makeover and the whole foyer is soon to be completed!!  Now I just need a super awesome mirror to hang over it, some hardwarde and a last coat of paint on the new bench, and a cleaning service to help get the dust out of my house from all the sanding and cutting!

Kandi

Partying at some of these awesome places!

Motivate Me Monday  Just Something I Whipped Up Polly Want a Crafter Sew Can Do Boogieboard Cottage DIY Home Sweet Home Brassy Apple Polish the Stars Serendipity and Spice Destination Craft Mrs Happy Homemaker Made for You Monday Make it Yourself Monday Ask Anna C.R.A.F.T. The Southern Institute The DIY Showoff Craftomaniac Raising 4 Princesses Between Naps on the Porch Bedazzle Me Monday The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife Make Something Monday

A Diamond in the Stuff Stringtown Home Organizing Home Life Tuesday Tutorials Giggles Glitz and Glam Be Inspired Tuesday Time Out A to Zebra Celebrations My Favorite Finds Eye Heart Our Delightful Home The Inspiration Board Frugal Treasures Tuesday Too Cute Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesdays Trick or Treat Tuesday Chef in Training Sugar Bee Crafts Hope Studios Tell it to me Tuesday Your Cozy Home Party Turquoise Lovin’ Tuesday To Do Party Cherished Bliss Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays Type A Adventures of a DIY Mom Show Me What Ya Got Get Your Craft On Nifty Thrifty Tuesday Tuesday Confessional Teagan Travels How to Nest for Less A Bowl Full of Lemons Tuesday Trade Off Tip Junkie T2T Tuesday Tuesday Treasures Ladybug Blessings Creative Itch Toot your Horn Tuesday Jillify It Tutorial Tuesday Pin Cushion Creations Junk in their Trunk Polkadots on Parade Spicy Link Up 

Sugar and Dots  Rock N Share Clean & Scentsible The Trendy Treehouse Beyond the Picket Fence School House Scraps The Thrifty Home Sew Woodsy Savvy Southern Style Your Whims Wednesday Wow me Wednesday A Little Tipsy Women Living Well Primp your Stuff Wednesday Show and Share Mrs. Fox’s Sweet Party Whatever goes Wednesday

 Live.Laugh.Rowe Adventures in Dinner Mom on Timeout The CSI Project Share Your Cup Thursday Fabulously Flawed It’s Sew Stinking Cute The Shabby Creek Cottage The Crafty Blog Stalker Christina’s Adventures Crafty Scrappy Happy Embracing Change 52 Mantels Bear Rabbit Bear The Vintage Farmhouse Bloom Designs A Turtles Life for Me The Taylor House Rhinestone Beagle The Brambleberry Cottage

 The Shabby Nest Tidy Mom Joyful Stamper My Simple Home Life Remodelaholic Delicate Construction Happy Hour Projects Chic on a Shoestring Decorating 504 Main Hating Martha The Creative Paige Here Comes the Sun Cookie Nut Creations Bacon Time Joy in the Jumble The Grant Life Dotted Line Crafts Love Notes by Lauren Raising Oranges Making Lemonade Redoux Interiors Sassy Sites One Artsy Momma My Romantic Home Petals to Picots Pandoras Craft Box My Repurposed Life French Country Cottage At the Picket Fence Just Us Four Mommas Kinda Crafty Craftionary Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons Just Us 4 Sweet Tooth Friday 30 Handmade Days Lovely Crafty Home

Mama Mias Heart to Heart Homemaker in Heels Family Ever After Lady Bird Lane Serenity You The Gingerbread Blog

 Cherished Treasures Re-made Just Right Under the Table & Dreaming The Sweet talk Shop Sassafrass Salvation Simple as That My 1929 Charmer Heatherly Loves The Sasse Life Joy 2 Journey The Foley