Faux Tile

The Transformation - Part 3.  (Feel free to take a look back to Part 1 and Part 2 if you would like.)  This post is going to focus on one room...the basement bathroom.  This stonework in this bathroom is amazing...the concrete floor, not so much!

The thought of getting flooring to lay nicely on concrete that wasn't level and then cutting in to match the unevenness of the stone seemed like a nightmare.  SO, we decided to grab some paint instead!

We used Latex Garage Floor Paint and turned the concrete floor into this...

 

Now, keep in mind that we did this project 5 years ago before we had entered the blogging world.  Do you know what that means!??  We didn't take ANY pictures of the process. Not one. 

HOWEVER, after 5 years of use, we began to notice it looking a little worn.  This might be fine in some areas, but in the bathroom it just appeared "dirty"...NOT the look we were going for.  I was actually really excited that we needed to repaint because it meant I could share the process with all of you!!!  ;)

STEP 1:  Figure out your pattern.  We wanted the 12 x 12 tile look.  Tape off anywhere that you DO NOT want to paint.  It's amazing how much the bare concrete below looks like grout when it's all done.  We used painters tape, which we cut with an exacto knife to make it thinner.  Someone later recommended using mechanical or electrical tape, as it comes in thinner widths. Wondering how it would pull up though?

 

STEP  2:  Begin painting with a roller...EASY.  When we originally painted the floor, we used a roller with a long handle for the main part of the floor and the shorter handle one to trim.  This time we didn't have the long handle...much harder on your back.  If you have a large space, we HIGHLY recommend the long handle!!

STEP 3:  Let dry and pull up the tape. This is my favorite part!

There you have it!  Plain, gray concreted turned into tile with nothing but a little paint!

Jute Lamp - Before and After

We got this crystal lamp when we got married...13 years ago. When we registered for it, yes REGISTERED for it, I thought it would be one of those timeless pieces that you pass on from generation to generation. It's really a beautiful crystal, but it goes with ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in our entire house. I couldn't just get rid of it, so I decided to help it match our decor. I know, this is where some of you are cringing. I did the same at first.

The thing is it has had a crack in it since we received it and the brass was starting to turn. PLUS at this moment, I'm not a fan of brass. Again, sorry.

The first step was to make the lamp look like Superman! Kidding. I wrapped the crystal before spray painting it with Rubbed Oil Bronze paint. I know, it seems weird to worry about getting paint on it if I'm just going to cover it anyway. BUT, I was thinking into the future a bit. It is pretty underneath and someday someone is going to think that the jute lamp is HIDEOUS. They will wonder why anyone EVER covered up a crystal lamp with brown jute and will be excited when they remove the paint to find shiny brass underneath. Times and trends change...I'm making it easier for the DIYer of the future. :)

I love the new paint job! Then I started with the jute. I just hot glued it on as I went. 2-3 inches of glue, then wrapped the jute on top, pressing down gently. Repeat this about 1000 times. Seriously, I think it took me about 2 hours to wrap the whole thing!

Tada!! I LOVE IT!!! It's now at home, next to my bed.

I have plans to redo our Master Bedroom (and yes, giving that table a little attention is on the list). I was having trouble finding my groove to begin working on it. The lamp project was just what I needed!! I'm ready for a full bedroom BEFORE and AFTER!!!

Family on Burlap

***LAST CHANCE...OUR GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!***

I found this family tree wall over at For the Love of it awhile ago. I love it. I have always liked the old black and white photos of my family. Like this one of my Grandpa and Grandma taken in the 1940's.

So, when I found this frame at a local garage sale, I knew it would be perfect with burlap in it!!


I wanted to use the word "FAMILY" like Arlene did on her wall. If I find another cool frame, I will probably do "HERITAGE" also. Step 1 was to find a font and size that would fit in my frame. Step 2 was to print it out and then tape in the window. I had to print on a few sheets due to the size of my letters. I then cut them and taped them together on the window.

Step 3: Tape burlap to the window, making sure the letters shine through. I cut my burlap LARGER than my frame so I would have enough left to wrap around the back when it was time to frame it.

Step 4: Grab your sharpie and start tracing. Remove from the window. It should look like this... (Sorry, I can't seem to get my picture turned around today!!)

Arlene used paint to color in her letters. That was my plan too, but the Sharpie was working so well and I liked the color, so I kept coloring with the marker. It was a lot less messy!

There she is!! My glass broke when I was framing it...OOPS!! However, I kind of like that you can actually see and feel the burlap. Now, I just need to get it hung on the wall and surround it with my FAMILY!

Linking up to:

1. Look What I Made on Creations by Kara

Front Porch Inspiration

I spent part of my day looking for inspiration for our front porch. It's got so much potential, but it's plain. As plain as it was the day that we moved in...3 years ago. It's time for a more welcoming look.

Since Fall is just around the corner, I thought I would go that route. Here are a couple that I found.

I found this one by Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick. I love how it's simple, traditional, and welcoming. Mums will be on my list of things to add to my porch this Fall!

And this one by Barb at Grits and Glamour. Oh my goodness!!! Can't you just picture yourself sitting in one of those comfy chairs, chatting with your spouse, on a crisp Fall morning...apple cider in your hand!?? Ok...furniture has been added to my list as well!! I'm loving the painted doors, but I don't know if I can bring myself to do it yet. I really do love my wood doors. Alright, here it is...my PLAIN, boring porch in DESPERATE need of a makeover.

I told you it has potential. It just needs a little sprucing up. There is plenty of room on both sides for furniture. It's protected from the elements (with the exception of the Kansas wind that can find it's way ANYWHERE!!). It needs some color. I want it to be inviting. Something that brings a SMILE to your face when you drive by. Any ideas!?

So, today I began the transformation. One small word that says alot.

"WELCOME"

If you haven't already, be sure to enter our giveaway!! The deadline is Wed, Sept 22nd and the winners will be announced on Thurs, Sept 23rd. Spread the word...prizes can be shipped to those of you in far off places!!! :)