Summer Mantel Makeover

Do you ever get stuck in a rut? ...and you don't even realize it until you want to change something, but you don't make the change because...you're stuck in a rut. OK, that describes my mantel. I just tend to do the same old things. Well, at least I did until I started on my paint transformation a few weeks ago.

This room really causes me to be symmetrical,

you know something alike, or at least similar on either side.

my sofas, chairs, end tables, lamps...

works for me,

but can be predictable and boring.

...OK, so it's easy,

but not a good excuse.

And, I still needed out of the mantel rut.

Spray painting my small accent lamps, buying new shades,

 and then changing out the book stacks

were a good place to start.

But my light and bright obsession

and a need for something summery caused me to try some new things.

I removed the small clock that had been there,

then went on a hunt for a couple of prints that were similar,

but different.

Two vintage bird prints fit with my summer theme,

and then an old white iron doorstop for the centerpiece.

My large conch shell and two smaller ones were added in the mix.

Anchoring both ends are vintage demijohns that my husband contributed.

Actually I borrowed them from his collections,

but he agreed they fit the French feel I was going for.

One of the best bits of advice I was given during my makeover was

to remove everything from the place in question,

then try new things.

It's still "symmetrical" in here,

but at least I've changed out a few things.

Now, to just stay out of that rut!

linking up with these great parties,

links on the sidebar:

More news coming on the new weekly feature

click here for info

xoxo, 

A Little Bungalow Bling

Talent is a commodity that's not in short supply here in blogland,

but every once in a while you meet someone who has that something special.

Shelly is one of those talented and creative people that are innovative and a step ahead.

I've known Shell for over a year,

and recently she had a give away on her blog

Bungalow Bling.

Look who was the lucky winner!!

Shell works in several mediums

and this time she was making the most adorable fabric necklaces.

This is an extra goodie that she gifted me with.

Below, Irma is modeling my sweet necklace.

Shell makes everything to order; special just for you.

These are just a few of her other creative pieces that she sells.

wedding cake toppers,

party hats,

crowns,

every piece one-of-a-kind,

and gorgeous!!

Please go visit Shelly at her blog,

then be sure to follow her,

and bookmark her as a "favorite".

So the next time you have a special occasion coming;

birthday,

wedding,

graduation,

shower...

you can visit Shelly and order a special gift

that the recipient will treasure forever.

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday #48 A Day Sale

I wanted to share a few photos from the back porch of a wonderful

shop called Lula Mae's in Fordland, Missouri,

that will soon be opening for a day sale each month.

Two of my crazy friends Kenda and Jan from Leola's in Ozark

I had so many other wonderful shots from inside

the store and cottage,

but I didn't have the settings right on my camera,

so many of them were fuzzy.

(live and learn)

I know this next one is super fuzzy,

but I just had to show you this chandelier!

yes, that's right, a French flower pot for a lampshade!

(a few of those wonderful clay pots came home with me)

And I want to mention again about the new feature

I'm starting up called

 Design Challenge

Thanks so much everyone, for your great response

Hopefully, we'll have our first feature next week.

If you haven't read how this idea came about,

then just scroll down to the last post.

Hope you'll be a part of the fun!

Here are some wonderful links from last week.

Thanks so much for linking up to the party,

you all have the best inspiration around!!

Rosemary from Ozma of Odds has magic in her hands.

She creates the most beautiful things,

and you have to see her Rose-Mary rocking chair.

(and this is the view from the back)

Come visit Marcia at the Vintage French Hen

and tour her amazing Milk House Cottage

Karen, the Vintage Bag Lady

has just moved her girls into the Chicken Mansion,

come take a peek!

and chances are you've seen Laurie's fabulous frenchy pots

at Heaven's Walk,

but just in case, you have to go see for yourself.

just amazing!!

One more for good measure,

this amazing painting by Ricki from Art at Home.

Isn't it wonderful, I thought it was a photo at first!

Hope you can

join in for

 Vintage Inspiration Friday

(anything vintage or vintage inspired)

linking up here!

(buttons on sidebar)

love to you all!!

A New Feature at Common Ground: How about a Design Challenge?

A few weeks ago I spur-of-the-moment threw out a design

challenge for all of you when I was at a brick wall

trying to come up with ideas for my Living Room.

I had lots of thoughts,

 but I was needing some fresh eyes and creative direction

to kick start some room changes.

You all really rose to the challenge

 to help me sort through some possibilities.

You were encouraging and thoughtful and motivating.

So that got me thinking...

why not come up with a way we can constructively offer

 the same help for others out here in blogland.

...this is my idea.

Anyone who is in need of some advice, help,

or just a fresh new idea,

can submit a few photos to me for a feature post.

You can do it anonymously, or not,

 whatever you're comfortable with.

Then I'll post them,

 and you all get to leave constructive comments

to help the blogger in need.

It could be a whole room, a wall, a vignette, a mantle...

suggestions for paint colors,

furniture placement,

anything about decor...

What do you think?

sound like fun?

 I put together this graphic and button.

Please spread the word,

and then take the big step to come forward with some

issues you may be having,

or some design help.

No need to be a professional,

 although I received some really great ideas from a few.

Just comment on how you see it.

We'll all be sweet and nice and constructive...

no matter what you're dealing with.

...I promise!

How often I do this depends on how you all respond...

#1 with project photos

#2 with the desire to help others.

Let me know what you're thinking,

because this depends on you!

I'm super excited about this,

hope you all will spread the word!

Let me know if you've grabbed the button

or did a quick blog post.

I'll have a thankyou gift for a random winner!

let's have some fun!