Vase Filler Peace Signs (aka Just buy them already)

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

So it has been a while since I've had a project fail

What...2 hours or so?

It was only fitting that my most recent fail
would come on something as labor intensive as replicating these

Pottery Barn miniature glittered peace signs | Vase Filler

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Now to be fair

this wasn't a complete fail

just a bit more of my perfectionist tendencies

tied to my lack of patience.

I gathered my supplies

Peace Sign Vase Filler Hack supplies

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And then I did what I do best
as you well know from this post
I still don't have a cricuit
and yes, I'm still trying to win one
so be sure to link me up if you're giving one away on your blog.


But I digress.
I went about cutting each of those tiny peace signs out by hand.

Handcutting mini peace signs. Still wish I had a cricuit. 

Or any kind of cutter that would do this for me

Even a punch would do right about now

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Then I glittered them up

Hand glittering mini peace sign vase filler

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And they turned out like this

Drying vase filler peace signs

Photo (c) b3 home designs

not wild about them.

loved the concept of having them in red

and not paying what I'm sure was like $20

for a tiny box of these 

okay (maybe 12.50)

Probably will go back and glitter a second layer

after I get over the bitter dissapointment

that it would be a very tiny vase at this rate

of creation

that I would be able to fill if I kept at it like this

Instead, I will likely do the large sized signs 

I saw hanging on their trees last year.

I can totally do that.

here's the printout I used to cut the peace signs.

have at it

Printable peace sign template

have at it

 Photo from PB online catalog

Coolest project ever accomplished.

Anyhow, until then...

Linked up over at  

Pillow Talk, Secondhand style

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

Continuing the week of all things fantastically Pottery Barnesque, enter the lovely outdoor bodyroll striped beauties.

Now.
I love stripes like the next girl
and those "my hubby is gone, I need something to spoon" pillows
well.
they rock.

So when I walked into the Burien Salvation Army and I spied this

Body Roll Pillow

Thirfty Find at Salvation Army, Burien

Photo (c) b3 home designs

 You know I near about knocked a poor child over scrambling over to pick this bad boy up.

The best part of this super easy project was that there were already lines stitched into the pillow.
I thought for half a second to use a fabric solution with my paint
or to unzip and remove the pillow form

I did neither of those
and still love how it turned out

Soon as I get more ink for my printer, I'm going to cut out some fantastic stencil numbers
to do up the ends of the pillow.

For now,
here's the step by step

Choose your paint

Vast choices of yellow narrowed to 3

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Narrowed down selection of paint - from about a zillion yellow choices.
The winner!  Straw Ceramcoat by Delta.
Whatevs
Not like I wanted people laying their
icky heads on THIS pillow anyhow

Tape off some thin stripes
and of course some thick stripes
mix it up to give it your own flavor

Blue taped and ready to go

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Make sure your edges are down to prevent paint bleed!
I'm just saying...

Pour out some paint and use a sponge brush to get to painting.

PB Pillow in process

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Then peel off your tape

Pillow tape comes off

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And marvel at your work.

Home Sweet Home | MIL Suite

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Happy living!

You just read about an award winning project:

Top Ten
August 24th
Pottery Barn Challenge
at the CSI Project
*****

Pottery Barn Wine Wraps

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

So I'm flipping through the PB catalog
because, as we've now established
this is what I do.
for fun.

I come across a wine cubby, with wrapped wine.

Now get real.

The piece is GORGEOUS

And no, I'm not going to hack that for you

because really, if you want PB furniture

you should buy PB furniture.

At an outlet if you can

of course.

But you know the drill by now.

Look close.

Closer.

Yes, at the tasty adult beverages shelved in this piece.

Specifically, you see how many of them are wrapped up?

I imagine, they are wrapped something like this

Wrapped Wine Bottles with a purpose

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Let me tell you why this is one of the few "non-sale" items

at Pottery Barn

That I adore

See.  most of the time

PB's designers do the most impractical things

But this here, is genuis

Before we moved, we owned a lot of wine. 

Probably too much.

Not a cellar full or anything

but enough that even after we "whittled" our stash

(aka, drunk it up)

we still had to store wine during our move

You know

the move this time last year

when it was a bajillion degrees in Seattle?

And we didn't have a temp controlled storage facility

And so while we got to go and jump in a lake

(literally, we jumped in Lake Washington)

our wine, not so much.

So what we had

for the longest

was a really ghetto fabulous way 

of noting

"this wine is probably not suitable for human consumption"

And we only started labeling that "stored wine" that way

after we drank about 10 bottles and just couldn't stomach anymore of it.

so it looked like this

wine tucked away in a cupboard so people can't see

the ghetto fabulous duct tape

and the puppy can't get to it

supposedly

photo (c) b3 home designs

So I broke out my supplies

Which I had on hand from the JLS Auction last year

Yeah.

That auction, where I rocked the wall of wine

and even finagled a Provisional of the Year award for my wine wrapping prowess

and I only mention this, so that you know I'm an expert

at wrapping wine

and that is probably why I think this project

is a practical way to prettily display wine that I hope none of my guests

ever drink

Consider yourself warned.
Supplies

Tissue paper, tape, hemp cord.  I really didn't use the scissors

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And then the method to the madness

is pretty simple, therapeutic and, well, fun.

Lay the bottle on the paper

 Fold down the first flap over the top half of the bottle

 Fold up the bottom half of the paper.  

Tape halves together.

Roll bottle across tissue tucking the bottom edge in

and the top edge as well.

Wring the neck of the papered bottle

Scrunch it all together right there.

Tie hemp cord around the scrunched neck. 

Double tie it in a knot

Voila!
No, I didn't label my bottles
I like surprises that way.

Wrapped wine and cheese

Photo (c) b3 home designs

I love how these turned out.

Stored wine intermixed with house warming wine

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Almost as much as I love that ladder.
Almost.

This is one of the most practical PB ideas I've come across in a while.
It is easy to point out which bottles should be a last resort
and only consumed when the earth stands still
but still provides an elegant way to fill up my small wine rack
and get my bottles out of the cupboard.

 Photos added back to wine cupboard

Photo (c) b3 home designs

only problem with that scheme?
I do still have a puppy.
So the wine bottles DO still reside 95% of the time in the cabinet
And the ladder resides in the garage
She does love to gnaw on wood after all.

Practical Pottery Barn.  Link me up to your fave practical PB find/project.

Linking this over to the fun at CSI

PB Style: Night Lights

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

Because we all sit out on the back porch
with the umbrella still up
long after the sun has gone down
with the candles lit

I decided to whip out the ribbon
and go to town on these little lanterns I found
on half price sale for a dollar each
at the Goodwill, Intl District

I teetered and I tottered
on the wobbly chair
to open the umbrella
and string up my lamps

Backyard Night Light Lanterns

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Then I also realized that I could actually close the umbrella
without taking down the lanterns
and that they would sit neatly on the table
or in my pots

This was a simple project.

I took those there lanterns

Thrifty Find - Goodwill Int'l District 

50% off Blue Tags Day

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Took some ribbon and a stapler to attach said ribbon

Pottery Barn Inspired hanging lanterns for outdoor umbrella

$5.00 | $1 each lamp; $2 for 3 yds ribbon

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And we rocked it out.

I imagine that the next time
that I open the umbrella
they will hang just as I strung them
in the perfect spots
on the umbrella arms

or maybe I'll be cussing them out
for getting tangled in the umbrella mechanism.

Pottery Barn Chalkboard Rock Vase Filler Hack

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

So one of the newbies at PB online

Is a vase full of awesomeness. aka chalkboard rocks.

I would never pay $16 for 4 black rocks.
No matter how smooth they are.
Granted, they are black rocks that you can write on with special little white sticks.

And yes, PB designers, if you "season" your chalkboards,
they won't have ghost letters for years to come.
Although, maybe, that is the look you are going for?
Halloween theme and all.

But I do still have this big old basket of rocks

Pinehurst Summer Harvest Week 2

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And I am certain that there are some smooth ones in that grouping.
So help me God.

And a while ago, I went to the Habitat Home Improvement Outlet in So. Seattle. And on their paint shelf...next to the heirloom white and butter yellow minis, they had a quart of chalkboard paint.

When I went to check out, the checker tried to tell me
"Where did you get this?  I don't think it is for sell. I think this is our chalkboard paint"

I looked around and saw all the chalkboard decor. 
Got it.
Said nothing.
He got a clue.
Sold me the quart and understood if he didn't want something to be sold
it shouldn't be set on the shelf.
Especially on the PAINT shelf.
I could see if I had picked it up in the nail section.
I picked it up in the paint section.

And so like everyone else, it is time for another chalkboard project.
Hack commenced.

Break out the contraband chalkboard paint.

 Habitat store chalkboard paint

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Start with a super sized (paper plate sized) rock and slap on the paint

Preferably, with a sponge brush
Continue with much more reasonable sized rocks

Various painted rocks

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Give PB props for realizing that smooth rocks are so much easier
to paint and chalk up
than knubbly rocks are

Once dry, SEASON your chalkboards people!

No matter how pretty those smooth hard black rocks look

Smooth black, rough black and seasoned rocks

 Photo (c) b3 home designs

If you don't season your rocks by scribbling them up with chalk

rubbing that chalk in

and then wiping it off

you will see your first message

forever

and ever

and really

who wants that?

 

Finished and scribbled chalkboard rocks

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Especially when you write stuff like this on them.

PB Hacked | Chalkboard Rocks

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Throw them in a vase (gently, of course)

and call it done.

You can check this post

for various places you can use your rocks in your home

I used the big one on my kitchen window sill

after I scribbled 

i

[heart]

u

on it.

awww...

how sappy.

Your turn.  Show me your rocks!

This one is totally Easy. 
DIY addicts already have chalkboard paint on hand.
Or know where you can get some at a similar ReStore|Habitat type shop for super cheap. 
Or use your Mike's or Jo's coupon and get some there for super cheap.

Dig up some smooth rocks.
Or buy them at said crafty store.
Break out the sponge brush and slap on the paint.
Or just drop them in the can and fish them out later.
Whatever floats your boat.

I've Been Framed: Or Not

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

So we already learned how you could collect frames and make your home beautiful.
But what if you don't have the funds or skill or time to do all that art collecting.
Well, I have a whole post on EASY art collecting.
But say you are still about to hit the thrift stores for the first time.

You've checked out my reviews of local stops and haunts.

Now, you are heading in.

I think I've mentioned many a time that my husband loves him some Aaron's Brothers Framing penny sales.
If only we had the same taste in frames.

In my stairwells, I have mixed and matched his frames

Stairwell Gallery

Photo (c) b3 home designs

And I've come to live without having matching frames (ick, anyway)
Or having all black frames ('cause I copy everyone else like that)

The mix match is kinda sorta growing on me.
To the point that I can even mix color and bw
Personal and stock
landscape and people

I know.  Sick.

That all said, like everyone else on the internets
I, apparently, have plenty of empty, glassless, color matched frames laying about

Thing is, I DID have a ton of frames without glass laying about
Mostly because when you move into a 4200 sf home
(yes, just the two...now three of you)
The only way to afford said house is to have your friends move you in
Who are currious to know why that huge box they dropped off the truck is full of "windchimes"
Which, coincidentally, make the same sound as a ton and a half of broken glass frames

And did I mention I am a packrat?

Long before the frame ideas came into my life,
I had these two, perfectly good, but just not my style frames.

One day, I was at my Mecca (aka McClendon Hardware in Burien)
And I just happed to stop by the paint aisle looking for some Zinsser
Found this bucket oh LOVE
aka DutchBoy creamy buttery yellow mistinted paint

No idea the name of the color, just know I love the buttery, off white, creamy tones
and will honest to God shed a tear when it is all gone

All said, I was busy painting up a ton of other projects with this supposedly Godly Heirloom White spray paint. Which, I don't think is all that.  I know, kick me out of the DIY cool kids club.

Broke out the sponge brush and dropped a coat of LOVE on those two frames.
Came back the next morning
They were high and dry

And ready for hanging.
Just so happened (of course) that I happened by the thrift shop and what did I find?
Found these two scallop edged lovelies

Gorgeous Scalloped Frames | Thrift Find 1.99 each at Salvation Army Burien

Photo (c) b3 home designs

and shortly after found the hexagonal frame
And then knew I wanted a smallish mirror to really knock this all out

Painted Frame Wall

Photo (c) b3 home designs

All because I had a vision once it started.
Knew I wanted different sized rectangle frames
Knew I wanted some horizontal and some vertical placement
Knew I wanted to mix in some non-rectangle
Knew I needed interestingly detailed frames
Thought I knew I wanted an odd number
The frame was totally lucky accidental.

But awesome nonetheless

This is DIY Easy because that frame wall cost $7 post vision
Post vision means: Had some stuff on hand, got an idea, wanted to finish out idea
Had on hand - two large frames, paint.

If I had to add cost of what I had on hand, I paid $6 for the full bucket of paint
But you can go to ReStore, hit the paint shelf and get a quart for $2 which will be more than plenty
The two large frames were of course from Aaron's Brothers and likely cost $30.
High end.  He wouldn't pay more than 29.99 for a frame and the second was 1 cent on sale.
Of course you can find similar size frames at Goodwill for no more than 5.99 each.

This is also DIY easy because painting is for dummies (especially with a sponge brush)
No patience required (I did this on my black granite counters)
Not messy
Not pricey

Go forth and conquer

Rock on - Pottery Barn Style

***

 This is a stale post.  Don't you smell the stank?

For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

why don't you head on over to the blog we actually update.

www.b3hd.blogspot.com

Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

So in this post
you saw that I was
evidently
losing my mind.

tsk, tsk, tsk.
I don't have a green thumb
so when I plant
this is what I harvest

 

Pinehurst Summer Harvest

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Don't get me wrong
I harvest these on purpose
You see
I LOVE the Pottery Barn catalog
And I especially loved this room in the PBTeen Catalog

Photo from PB.com catalog

Look close.

Closer

On the shelf

For one, that cement planter is hot

I made something similar to that

off of a blog tutorial of course

and I'll have to show you that

just as soon as I get plants that don't die

as soon as I plop them in them

whatever.

But did you look closer?

See those rocks?

I love that

and I'm sure PB will sell those rocks for like $20.

each.

So in true DIY fashion

I went into my backyard

and found me some rocks

Rock Garden Markers

Photo (c) b3 home designs

and I labeled them
with the names
of all the plants
I killed planted
this summer.

and then I did the crazy
and I brought those rocks inside
where first I soaked them in the sink downstairs
overnight
then, because I'm crazier than crazy
I brought them upstairs
and washed them again
right before I baked them in my oven

overkill much?
Then.
I decorated with them.

Check it out

Mason Jar Orchid Holder

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Found Heart Rock | Cannon Beach?

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Home Sweet Rock Cubbies

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Rock Sculpture | Number Collection

Photo (c) b3 home designs

On the mantle

Rocks and Candles

Photo (c) b3 home designs

On the Sill | MIL

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Rocky Succulent Foundation

Photo (c) b3 home designs

All natural: wood, rock, shell

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Rock Book Weight

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Rocks are the ultimate cheap, DIY decor
Even for Pottery Barn

This project was DIY Hard for someone like me
because it involved manual labor
(digging rocks out of the ground is HARD WORK!)
and it involved patience
(it took me close to a month to collect all those rocks)
but it didn't involve spending a single dime
which is the only reason this isn't expert level
that's just how hard it was to do all that digging
and be patient.

Happy digging.  Don't pay PB for rocks.
Go dig them up yourself already.
Or wait for a super cool giveaway
that is coming here in September.

Especially if you're a Pottery Barn fan.

Happy weekend!