Friday, January 9, 2009

Top Projects of 2008 (Makeover and Craft)

Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is hosting a "Top Projects of 2008" party... This party actually started a couple of days ago, so I'm a bit late on joining in (par for the course for me!)...

Be sure to visit Rhoda's beautiful blog to see all of her favorite projects. There's also a list of all the other bloggers showing off their favorite projects (what a fun way to get some new decorating or project ideas!!) Thank you, Rhoda!

Project 1 - Fireplace Makeover

(click on any photos to enlarge)
We enclosed our old brick fireplace (and by "we," I mean my husband - but I painted it!!)...


... so that I could have the fireplace of my cottage dreams!

I love the way this project turned out! (Here is a little 'step-by-step' from the original post.)

Project 2 - "Primitive to Cottage" Furniture Makeovers

These makeover projects have actually taken place over the past couple of years, but since I just started my blog this year, I guess I can count them! When the cottage bug hit me, I decided to give all of our old dark-stained 'prim' pieces a brighter cottage look by using paint, appliques, and glass knobs.

Nana's hutch went from this:

To this:

(I call it Nana's hutch because I have all my Nana's china displayed on it - and her photo prominently displayed in the plate rack above the hutch.)

The dining room jelly cupboard went from this:


To this:




Here's my old pie safe in its original state:

I found this mirror at a junktique shop and thought it might dress up the pie safe a bit...


So I painted both pieces and then mounted the mirror to the top of the pie safe:
A very old mirror I found...

... paired with this inexpensive black CD cabinet...

... became this:
The old pine corner-TV armoire...

....after white paint, appliques, and new knobs:
(You can also see from the above makeover pictures that I finally got my hardwood floors after living for two l-o-n-g years with plywood sub-floors [that I painted white after ripping up our ancient wall-to-wall carpeting!!] And although I can't take any credit for laying the floors, what a nice project to have completed!!!)

Project 3 - New uses for old windows


They make great picture frames....

...or bulletin boards...


They can add architectural interest to yards and gardens when mounted over windowboxes...

..or just propped up against fences or arbors...

Project 4 - The 'Roswell Crater' project

After dismantling our old above ground pool, this is what our little backyard looked like:

It's still a major work-in-progress, but this past summer we began planting a garden and built a patio in/next to the old pool area...
We still have a long way to go, but it's a heck of a sight better than what it was!!

Project 5 - Photo Pumpkins
This was a fun project - transforming fake pumpkins...

...into photo pumpkins of my girls (when they were little) and my black kitties (perfect for this Halloween project!). Instructions can be found here.


Project 6 - Recycling old Christmas cards

If you love sparkle and glitter, this is the project for you! Don't throw away all those beautiful cards you received!

Instead, repurpose them into glittery ornaments or gift tags (Instructions can be found here):

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite projects. This year we will be giving our bedroom (which hasn't been touched since the mid-80's) a major facelift!!! I'd say it's definitely about time for a makeover in there! So here's to a year full of new and exciting projects!!!
Donna

14 comments:

ksarra said...

Wow, your projects are amazing and INSPIRING. I've gotten a TON of great ideas from you today, thanks. PS Your cottage is beautiful!

One Shabby Old House said...

I really enjoyed your top project post. You did some pretty amazing things in a years time.
Looking forward to seeing what you do in the new year.
Becky

Kathleen said...

You have been very busy! I love all the new looks. I am inspired to start painting every piece of furniture I have. I also love the pumpkins,..I had missed that tutorial, and was happy to be able to learn how to add the photos...what a great idea. And bless you for adding the badge to the pet adoption site. So many furry friends have no one. Hope you have a great week-end, Hugs, Kathleen

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Donna, thank you for coming by to join the party! You got me with your header photo, I just love that. And wow, have you been busy with the projects too. I can see you love to paint things like I do. It's so nice to meet you & I hope you'll come back often!

Judy @ In His Grip said...

Your makeovers are awesome. I really like the pumpkins with the pictures on them. What a great idea.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Donna, what a wealth of inspiration this posting is! Everything you showed was such a fantastic transformation! (Can you come to my house and do your transforming?) What creativity! Thanks for sharing all of these pictures. laurie

Unknown said...

Wow! Look at those amazing projects you did! They are all lovely. You are truly very talented!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

There's a WHOLE lot of inspiration in this post...thanks Donna!

Nicole ~ said...

Oh my goodness, you have been really busy. Everything looks wonderful! Like so many others, you have really inspired me. I love each and every project you have done.

Tracey said...

I love your painted furniture. This is my plan for the weekend..to stay put and to paint, create and facelift my home. I love the idea's for the old windows. I have a few and not sure what I wanted to do with them. I love the Christmas card Idea too. I found all mine yesterday and left them out in hopes I would get inspired.. I did..

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Donna; Wow, what a great bunch of before and after photos. You have done a fantastic job on redoing all of them. I am so going to get my paint out and get going. lol

Thanks for sharing your wonderful work.

Hugs;
Alaura

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Everything is just beautiful! You got a lot done in 2008. Your home is lovely.

Thanks for letting me drop by!

Jen

Unknown said...

Your transformations are amazing! I love your home and I am sure your family feels the love you have poured into it.
Have a lovely week, my friend,
Tammy ;D

American Homemaker said...

I love your before and afters!!!