DIY Milk Glass

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 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, you ask
"Why are you giving away all your milk glass"

Well.  If you read this post,
you can get in on the giveaway
and read about why I've moved on.

BUT, if you read the WHOLE post
you'll see I didn't move on completely.

I kept a few pieces
(and in the process, decided what kind I REALLY want to collect)

and I experimented with making faux milk glass
and for my purposes
it works fine and is awesome

after the trial and error of course.

So I started with these

Bright Idea | DIY Expert: Super sized Runner (Found on the Internets)

***

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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.

***

I so need a long runner for my entry hallway.

By long, I think 21 feet should do it.

Considering most off the shelf runners come 7 ft long

And cost about $60 - $130 each.

I definitely needed to research a DIY option.

This woman is genius.  [blog post link]
She knocked off the above rug.
With a piece of canvas, some rug non-skid and some fabric.
Well...and some adhesive spray and a sewing machine.

Only because there are lots of parts and patience and a sewing machine involved is this expert.
If you're handy with a sewing machine or don't think hand stitching is eye gougingly slow...
then this is probably maybe just advanced for you (budget to buy all that other stuff)

But if you buy your fabric from here [link]
and you buy canvas at Jo's with a coupon
and you find a rug stop skid somewhere...

This could totally hit the medium. 
Especially if you are NOT making a 21 foot runner.
Just saying.
That's a LOT of straight stitching to make happen.

Anyhow, here are some of the awesome fabric patterns I'm considering:

[pictures]

And since most are about $6.50 a yard (or so), I can knock out a runner for probably about the price of one...ir not less than.

We'll let you know.  Since this is still just a bright idea because, well, I have no sewing machine (yet)
And I want to use coupons to get supplies to make it as cheap as possible.
I know.

Awesome thought that counts.
Which fabric do you think I should go with?
I'll choose one commenter as the winner of a gift certificate [fabric store GC? or Jo's] for $50.
That's a lot of fabric.
Get your comment on!

I miss you - come stalk me again please

***

 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.

***

Rather than spending all your time
bemoaning how you wish I would update
with more fantastic DIY here

why don't you come visit me at B3HD Part II

I just can't quit you blogger.

But with a new account,
here's hoping I don't run out of photo space
for another 5 years.

I'm sure they'll figure it out and link the blogs
sooner rather than later.

But let's try it.

Here's what you'll get a peak at
over at B3HD

Can't wait to see you there.

The time has come

***

 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.

***  

I need your help.
Stat!

Aside from ya'll needing to sign up as followers
because we only need 7 more followers to give up
the milk glass collections to some lucky winners
(tell your friends, your mamas...anyone to sign up)

I ALSO need your help in a major decision.

For 5 years (or so) I've been an avid blogger/blogspot user.
I don't like change.
I want to stay put.

BUT.
You see, I have a blog
That needs to have photos on it

And Blogger doesn't allow me to upload anymore photos
And it isn't fun to keep blogging about the same photos already on my blog

So I moved to Wordpress
which you can find at http://www.b3homedesigns.wordpress.com/
in preparation to self host my own blog in the long run

Wordpress is a bit of a learning curve for me.
I like being able to upload photos. 
Super easy.

I don't like having to google (or bing) every little step of the way
how to make something happen on WordPress
Without paying for it.

Not on the nickle and dime kick
which is why I love Blogger
But 5 years later, I guess you get what you pay for.

I knew I would run out of photo space
and had come to peace with the day I'd have to pay for more storage.
But that's not the case here.

I'm not even getting that option.
Just a bunch of server errors and you can't do that.
And I hate being told what I cannot do
Almost as much as a I hate no photo posts on a blog
that is pretty much about photos.

So now you get to decide.
http://www.b3homedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.b3homedesigns.wordpress.com/

which do you prefer?
Leave me a comment (or two)
telling me which one
and why you like it

who knows, maybe I'll get a clue
and be able to add your likes from one site
over to the other

Looking forward to your thoughts.
I have a billion blogs I need to transfer out of bloglines
before October 1 now.

Can you tell my whole world is about upside down
with all this changey stuff going on?

I know huh.  I think it makes more sense for me to go watch
some Housewives of DC instead too.

b

In the forest | a Wood Collection

***

 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.

***  

As you know, I'm a girl who collects things.

In my super neutral/natural home, glass, wood, shell, stone and silver steal the day.
And anything naturalish.
I love wood.
There's no doubt about that.

As always, all photos (c) b3 home designs

Awesome.

I know.

When I get back in with a camera,

I'll do a photo shoot that does justice

to just how much wood we REALLY

have about this place.

i collect vol. 5: small clocks

***

 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.

***  

One of my favorite,

fastest growing

collections

is small clocks

and vintage alarm clocks

none of them are set

(because, that would be too practical)

but they all work

functional dysfunction

gotta love it.

As always

all photos (c) b3 home designs

Fall House Prep | Him

***

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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.

***  

I am a fairly independent woman.

Okay.

Who am I kidding.

I have a garage full of power tools

that I say thanks and no thanks to.

but this dude

he loves him some power

especially when it comes to fall house prep.

Scrubbing down the outters

and taming up the lawn

if it has a motor,

he'll get it done.

Happy seasonal shift to you all!

power washing the deck

photo (c) b3 home designs

mowing/mulching down the lawn for reseeding

photo (c) b3 home designs

What "around the house" chores

do you enjoy delegating out to others?

Two Summers, One Fall: Growing Pains

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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.

***  

When we first moved in here
a year ago
we moved into a place with
lush views
so long as you didn't
gaze into our immediate back yard

and so long as you didn't gaze

upon our side yard

and definitely, you should not look over

to the 8th hole

from our yard

But I actually have a pretty sizeable
green thumb
I stick it in the ground
and it usually grows
no matter how hard
I try to kill it

I'll need to post another photo
of what that side garden
looks like in the fall
after the deer have nibbled on it some

live and learn

What I did learn is that most of my yard/garden
is a fall garden
as evidenced by the gorgeousness
in my yard right now
the above photo, is one of the rare species in my yard
that DID flower this summer

I love basil like no other
and was super happy to learn that
basil loves my kitchen window sill

Those peppers. 
they were bought about 19 bazillion years ago
on clearance
in the orgo section
I've cared for them lovingly
and that is probably why they have said
thanks, but no thanks.
That, or, a little bit of research
to understand that peppers
are long season plants
and this impatient gardener
needs to simmer down already
(FYI, i FINALLY saw baby peppers on the vines)

Here's to fall harvest time
and planting and plotting for spring
which will be here just as quickly
as fall snuck up on us

Happy harvest season!

Instant Art Collection: Free use photos

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 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.

***  

I LOVE taking pictures

of everyday stuff

Feel free to download/copy + save

any of the photos in this post

Frame them up

(yes, I'm that full of myself)

and call it art.

Show me how you use it and I'll do a follow up feature

Enjoy the seasons change!

Campus side Fall

Seattle University

photo by b.merikle

Two craggly guards

Palm Springs, CA

Photo by b. merikle

Stuck between a rock and a soft place

Mt. Rainier Wonderland Trail

photo by b. merikle

Desert Camouflage

New Mexico i10 Rest Stop

photo by b. merikle

In Rainier's Shadow

Flight photo of Mt. Rainier w/Mt. St. Helen's in background

photo by b. merikle

Tulips Awash

La Conner, WA Tulip Festival

photo by b. merikle

Sunshine Market Day

Pike Place Market, Seattle

photo by b.merikle

Lonely Sunset

Cannon Beach, OR

Photo by b.merikle

Going Down

Cannon Beach, OR

photo by b.merikle

Enjoy!

If you need larger resolution, and are patient

send me an email

(via the contact page - in the upper left menu of the blog)

Best estate sale ever

***

 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.

***  

Usually, when I think of estate sales

I think sadness

Some one passing

who has collected their whole lives

and there is no one left

who would love on what they have

for free

Enter estate sales

and the vultures

(like me)

who will pay no where near

what the person valued their treasures at

just so that it can be taken away

hopefully

to another loving home

to start a collection anew

When I came across a Craigslist ad

that was a tiny bit false advertising

because they said everything was 90% off

and the title was like "Free Stuff, come get it"

I got over the tiny bit of dissapointment

as I took some time to scan through

the stuff

Inside the house, only a couple of gets.

But outside in the yard...

THAT was where the action was at.

Check out my great gets

from the great

"Moving to Florida, Young Folks Estate Sale"

in Issaquah this past July.

African Ceremonies Cloth Bound dual set

great estate sale 2010

$15 for the set

This was the best find of my life. 

And I almost left it behind

Thank goodness for that false advertising ad

on Craigslist

so that I could email them and beg them to hold them for me.

That dual set is awesome. 

Beyond awesome

Best bookset I ever bought

They are a coffee table set

of VIVID photographs

of African Ceremonies.

Just GORGEOUS photography.

We haggled for a good hour on those.

She wanted $30.

I wanted to give her $30

(aka, my lunch money for the week)

for EVERYTHING

on my pile

Which was a lot.

She finally agreed to do it all

for $35

I left her $7 and went to get my cash

Came back

loaded up the car

and took everything

EXCEPT for the books.

Got all the way home that night

Unpacked everything

(thank GOODNESS since I usually

leave it all in the car

for weeks on end)

Truly broke into tears

when I didn't see the books

Went online, searched for the sale

sent them a message

Loved the fact that in the PNW

everyone is friendly enough

to tell you their name

especially if you spend 2 hours

in their front yard

and put out a personal plea for the books

Thought she had a change of heart and pulled them back

Come to find out I was just forgetful

(what else is new)

and left them by the door

AND they got back to me super quick.

I can only hope to be that organized

(and still connected to the internet)

day before the next time I make a move.

Just a mere peek at the rest of the awesome

I picked up at that sale

Wood ladder | great estate 2010 sale

free (!)

Sears Vintage Orange Ten Key

great estate 2010 sale

free (!)

Hacks Lemon Drops and Barnum's Animal Crackers

Vintage tins

great estate 2010 sale | $3.00 for set

As always, all photos (c) b3 home designs.

Nothing but awesome vintageness.

Lots more that I got from this sale

that isn't pictured here

including fantastic shutters

the BEST little yellow waste bin

for my scrap room redo

some glass goods

some linen goods

and various other odds and ends

It was a two loader

(well, three if you count having to go back for the books)

Awesomeness and I wish my mom was here

in Seattle

so that she could go thrifting with me

She has a GREAT eye for this stuff

Now that we're all gainfully employed again

maybe we can get that world domination plan

back on track.

Freecycle Get of the Week

***

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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.

***  

Don't think I should be running out of paint

gloss, or finishes this year.

I love Freecycle. 

Free stuff

And lots of it.

My latest fave find

(aside from the table in the background)

was all this painterly goodness

All photos (c) b3 home designs

What have you found on someone's porch or in their driveway

for free lately?

i collect vol. 4: Vintage Board Games | Pieces

***

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For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

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

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Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

 

i collect vintage board games

but primarily just so that I can have their pieces

and score keeping pads

and colorful cards

I love vintage paper goods.

All photos (c) b3 home designs.

What is it that you collect?

Seafan Found and Lost

***

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For fresh ideas and the newest new new stuff 

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

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Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

I searched high and low

for sea fans

and found them for cheap(ish)

at my fave store in the world

TJ Maxx.

Then, I left them on my table,

in my room

with the door open.

This is now what my sea fans look like:

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Pretty, in my jar
Bitter that they now FIT in said jar.

This is what

3 large, great find

sea fans look like

after your puppy tests out

their chew factor.

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Sigh.

Yes.

A big sigh in sync with

my puppy mutt's big puppy sighs.

Second Hand Christmas in July

***

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

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Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

This July,

I found all sorts of great pieces

for Holiday time that will arrive

not soon enough.

All thrifty, fun finds at that.

I found these super sized ornaments

that I will use for some outdoor decor

off of my back porch

for 17 cents each at a 90% off

Christmas in July sale

at St. Vincent's de Paul

Super sized ornaments | Christmas in July

Salvation Army Find, 8 ornaments at 17 cents each

Photo (c) b3 home designs

This next find

was actually a garage sale

that I almost didn't stop at

I actually kind of felt guilty about this purchase

because the guy seemed like he took a few things

out of his home

to sell

so that he'd have bus fair.

Everything was from his Holiday stash.

I saw this pile of two different kinds

of light up candy canes.

Last year, we were going to make some wooden canes.

Now, we can use these light up ones.

I asked the guy how much

and he told me $2.  I thought he meant for each cane.

I asked "for all of them"

and when he said yes, I was so surprised,

I asked if he meant yes for ALL of them.

And he did.

So about two dozen canes to stake into the ground

and light up.

Awesome.

 $2 Yard Sale Light up Candy Canes

Photo (c) b3 home designs

My last and absolute best find
was this (and the other half).
Aside from yard sales and thrift stores
I also love Freecycle and found on road side.

I don't find much on my road sides.
But I do find much on Freecycle. 
In July, I answered the call for this 9 ft tall
faux tree.
And it was free
and it barely fit in my trunk.

And I can't wait to try to hang it upside down.

Free Roadside 9 ft Faux tree

Photo (c) b3 home designs

Christmas in July was awesome. 

I can't wait for the first snowfall this year.

Okay.

I can.

Thought of the Day

***

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Love to see you there.

Carry on as you were.

***  

I knew I was home

when we set foot in this house

and one of the million and one

brochures left in my kitchen drawer

was this one

right on top

Life IS too short to clean your own house

Photo (c) b3 home designs

I really DO need to clean though

so that I can purge and give away more stuff.

i used to collect | Milk Glass

***

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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.

***  

if you hit the internets,

then you know that
in the world of "new vintage collectors"
(ie, all of us wannabe vintage collectors
that don't have a CLUE)
milk glass is all the rage.

I get it.


It's (generally) cute
just like my awesome lamp find

$3 milk glass deep lipped lamp

Photo (c) b3 home designs

it is really easy to find
it is a relatively inexpensive collection to start
but it quickly gets pretty pricey
and pretty hard
to sustain

well

maybe that is only "hard"
for those of us not willing
to spend  big
or go on the hunt for
our collections.

I admit it.


I bit the bug
and I went and bought me some milk glass
and because I don't ever just buy 1 of anything
I bought a piece.
or two
or nine

Milk Glass Starter Collection

Photo (c) b3 home designs

not all at once.

it started with a set of three
from the North Bend Senior Thrift Store Sale
Then I picked up a few more pieces
And a piece here
And a piece there

Honestly though?
I'm not really a fan.

I used to collect Milk glass

and I will keep these pieces because I love them
for non milk glass reasons

Thinned out milk glass collection

Photo (c) b3 home designs

I'll also keep the milk glass lamp.

I used to collect milk glass.
Now I don't.

But perhaps you do?
Or you want to?
Or you just love winning stuff?

I'm giving away my milk glass collection in two batches.


One batch will be a follower.
If you scroll over to the right ------------------->
and add yourself to the followers
then leave a comment on this post
telling me that you are a follower
you will be entered into the drawing for that batch.
The second batch is for anyone or their mama
and yes, mama's LOVE these pieces

so call it early Christmas shopping
or even earlier mama's day or Easter shopping
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post

If you are a follower, you can enter both giveaways

just leave separate comments

The giveaway will go on until I hit 50 followers.
I am at 25 last time I checked.

I will announce winners

during the first post after I hit 50 followers
You can check in daily and leave a comment
(on this post) to earn extra entries
for each set of milk glass.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

And if you REALLY want some milk glass

Send your friends here
have them sign up as followers
have them leave a comment that says
"I am now a follower thanks to [insert YOUR name here]"
I will enter the friend and I'll add an extra entry for you.
nice.

just so that you don't have to dump your bff
when she wins the milk glass you really wanted.

let the comments and following begin.

Coming Soon:

Make your own faux milk glass