Design Challenge Kickoff

What a fabulous response I've had to this concept of

 Design Challenge!

Once it hit me, I've been so excited to see it get started,

and Thursday will be the big day.

I'll be combining the first

 Design Challenge Feature

with

Vintage Inspiration Friday.

I'll be Featuring someone, hopefully, on a weekly basis,

at the beginning of each week.

First I want to say a big Thank You to a great bunch of gals

who are my sponsors for this new feature.

Right now they are helping me spread the word,

but I hope to have some interactive blog projects and link parties in the future.

Sherry from No Minimalist Here

Marty from A Stroll Thru Life

Kim from Savvy Southern Style

Kathy from Creative Home Expressions

Heather and Vanessa

 from At the Picket Fence

Courtney from French Country Cottage

Anne from Fiona and Twig

and

Nita from Mod Vintage Life

Familiar faces here in Blogland!

Thank you so much!

Our first Design Challenge will be with Heather

from At the Picket Fence.

She has been doing a kitchen renovation

and is ready for a change in her Dining Room.

Here's a sneak peek at her space: 

Heather has wonderful traditional furniture

but wants a fresh and updated look.

Tomorrow we get to put on our "decorator hats" and

share our ideas to help her get there.

Remember,

Vintage Inspiration Friday

 is still on,

we'll be linking up "anything vintage or vintage inspired".

(Sorry, this won't be a link for design help.)

and on a completely different note,

I want to mention Rhonda from Blue Creek Home

(www.bluecreekhome.blogspot.com)

has recently changed blog addresses.

It's been somewhat of a hair raising ordeal

and if you've missed her, that's why!

So please go by Rhonda's and say Hi,

then be sure and change out your blog list link

so you can keep up with what she's up to!

(if you use the blogspot address it will link to her new dot com.)

Remember, let me know if you're interested in being featured

on Design Challenge.

I've had some great submissions this week.

See ya tomorrow!

xoxo,

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,