The Ivy Cottage Blog

Cowgirl Up Link Party #4

2012-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Week 4 of
Cowgirl Up! Link Party . . .

the party with a cowgirl can-do spirit!

1 Party, 4 Blogs

Hey there friends! This is Linsey from The Farmhouse Porch. Did you get a chance to check out the link ups last week? The creative juices that were tapped out over the holidays are really pumping again! Everybody has fresh new ideas and it is really exciting to see the neat stuff you guys are sharing. I was so excited to be able to pick the featured bloggers this time around, until I tried to narrow down the picks. It was like a box of chocolates...all of them are good and each one has something different inside!

Here are my flavors of the week...

An "industrial chic meets romantic" DIY chandy by Ranger 911 . So dreamy Vickie!

Botanical wall perfection by Dimples and Tangles

A drab to fab TV cabinet makeover with Annie Sloan Chalk paint by Our Adventures in Big Ole Texas

Another cute chandelier! This time a steal-of-a-deal Pottery Barn knock off by The Velvet Door

Is it just me, or is aqua super hot this year? A bold and beautiful finishing job on this chest of drawers by Decorating Insanity

I'm a sucker for handmade gifts. I would be overjoyed to recieve something as lovely as this "DIY Herb Garden Gift Set" by Twigg Studios

And I must say that I'm intrigued by this creamy Lettuce Arugula Soup recipe by Town and Country Living. The recipe looks tasty and the photographs are farmhouse fresh!

Ifyou were featured here, grab a Featured button. Be sure to like our Facebook pages, since we also post favorites there too. If you got featured on Facebook, then feel free to grab a featured button also.

Now about the party...

You link up on my blog and your link shows up on four blogs.

More exposure, less time.

Weare looking for the latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off.

Cowgirl Up! is the link party that saves you time and brings you inspiration. Doesn't get any easier than that!

What blogs will your link appear on? Check us out below!

Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch

Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch

Amanda with The Ivy Cottage Blog

Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls

Thefour of us are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texas, country, western, or own horses to participate in Cowgirl Up! You just need that "can-do", cowgirl spirit!

Cowgirl Up! Link Party Guidelines:

(Please read the guidelines before participating)

* When you linkwith Cowgirl Up!, your link will automatically show on four differentblogs. Awesome!

* Please follow your host blog before linking up on GFC and the new linky follow.

* You may link updecor, DIY, crafts, guest post, recipes, giveaways, sewing, inspiring stories, and anything thatyou feel related to the listed categories.

* You may link asmany links as you want.

* Be sure to include theCowgirl Up! Button or text link to Cowgirl Up in your linked post.

* Be courteous andvisit the two links before yours. PleaseLIKE your favorite links! Severalprojects will be featured each week!

Restoration Hardware Knocked Off Coffee Table

2012-02-26T20:30:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I am so excited about this tutorial! It is for my Restoration Hardware Knockoff Coffee Table . . . here was my inspiration . . .

Source: restorationhardware.com via The Ivy Cottage Blog on Pinterest

This lovely coffee table from Restoration Hardware is made from salvaged barn wood, metal, and goes for a whooping $900! YIKES! I didn't spend that much on the entire room! So, I had to knock this sucker off . . .

Here is what I came up with!

I scaled back the size to fit my living room and added rounded corners to keep my kiddos and shins safe. I also did the whole project for less than $115! Yee Haw!

Now, onto the tutorial. This is the longest and most detailed tutorial that I have ever written, so if you have any questions throughout the process, email me at mrsamandasdale@gmail.com so that I can answer you directly. All of the measurements in this tutorial are to make the exact size in my living room. Please feel free to adjust them to whatever size works best for you.

Materials:

* Everything I purchased came from Home Depot!

* 1/2 inch Copper piping (I bought mine in smaller 24 inch pieces and then cut them to size)
Cut the copper piping into these sizes:
- 4 pieces at 2.5 inches long
- 4 pieces at 11.5 inches long
- 6 pieces at 21 inches long
- 8 pieces at 20.5 inches long
- 8 pieces at 3 inches long

* 16 "T" joints that look like this:

* 4 "90 degree" joints that look like this:

* Several packages of straps and a package of wood screws that look like this:

* Screw feed Tube Cutter, here is what it looks like.

* Propane tank and pencil flame torch.

* Plumbing Solder Kit

* 4 caster wheels

* Rust Oleum Hammered Spray Paint in Dark Bronze

* MinWax wood stain in Natural Walnut

* Jig Saw

* 1 X 12 X 8 foot piece of white pine

* 1 X 6 X 8 foot piece of white pine (get two of these)

Whew! That was a long list! Ok, let's get started!

Step #1: Connect one 90 degree joint to a 11.5 inch copper piece. Then connect a T joint to the copper piece. Then add a 2.5 inch copper piece. It should look like the picture below.

Create four of these. These will act as the legs of the coffee table.

Step #2: Connect a T joint to the ends of each 21 inch copper piece. It should look like the picture below. You need to make 6 of these. They will act as support brackets under the two levels of the coffee table.

Step #3: Use three of the support brackets and connect a 20.5 inch piece of copper pipe between each. It should look like the photo below. Make TWO of these! One for the top and one for the bottom.

Step #4: Time to get serious now! Use the four legs, the top, and the bottom to create the structure below. Be sure to construct it on a flat and even surface.

Step #5: Time to SOLDER! Woo Hoo! This was super easy after I watched this video: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1632426,00.html

I used the tools below to accomplish my soldering and I was sure to wear safety goggles and long pants to cover your skin from dripping solder.

Here is a close up of one of my soldered joints. I found this whole process easier when I had a second set of hands. My Dad was around that day, so he helped hold things in place while I soldered. But it is important for the person holding to use gloves since the metal heats up. Also, make sure their hands are far, far away from the flame.

Step #6: Once you have soldered all of the joints, allow the entire piece to cool and then add a couple of coats of spray paint. I selected the spray paint below for my project.

Step #7: Making the top and bottom of the coffee table. Cut your lumber to these lengths:

- 1 X 12 at 52 inches long and 44.5 inches long

- 1 X 6 at 52 inches long (2 of these) and 44.5 inches long (two of these)

I actually used a chop saw for this but you can also use your jigsaw and a straight edge.

Step #8: Use a spray paint can to round off the edges of the 1 X 6s and then trim them off using the jig saw. DO NOT ROUND OFF THE 1 X 12s!!!! At this time, you may want to sand the edges of all of the wood to get rid of any possible splinters.

Step #9: Wipe off the wood with a clean cloth. Brush on your choice of stain and then wipe off excess with a clean cloth. Repeat until you reach your desired color. Do this for all of the wood pieces. I used a stain (listed at the top of the post) that already had a sealer in it.

Step #10: Time to attach the wood to the copper frame. Lay the wood top upside down and then place the copper frame on the wood upside down. It should look like the photo below.

Use the copper straps and the wood screws to attach the pipe to the wood. This was pretty easy, just make sure the frame and top are lined up before securing together.

Repeat this step for the bottom level of the coffee table as well securing it with straps and screws.

Step #11: Almost done, I promise! Remove casters from packaging and push the plastic anchor into the bottom of the copper tubing on each of the four legs. Then push the wheel into the plastic anchor until you hear a snap. DONE!

(On a side note, you might be wondering why I went with these less than spectacular casters. I actually tried several different variations that were far more attractive, but I just couldn't get them to fit as snuggly and safely as these. If you find a great set, let me know!)

Ok, that was a long and detailed tutorial! But I promise that the end result is awesome! Check out my beauty!

Thanks so much for sticking around til the end! If you decide to make this coffee table, be sure to send me a picture of the final project and I will be happy to feature you!!!

You can find me linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

I Made The News!

2012-02-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, kinda . . . I was contacted by a news station in Mobile, Alabama (Fox10 News) about my Mardi Gras Lamp project. They included my project on their website with a number of other ideas on how to reuse your mardi gras beads! Be sure to click on over and check out some of the fun ideas!

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/studio10/money/how-to-use-your-leftover-beads

BACK UP YOUR BLOG NOW!

2012-02-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard the buzz, BLOGGER people are losing their blogs . . . I mean they are going "poof" and are nowhere to be found! It just happened to My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia! Kristin is a sweetie and I hate that this has happened to her.

YOU NEED TO BACK UP YOUR BLOG RIGHT NOW! Because Kristin didn't and now everything she had written, designed, commented, etc is GONE! Google is not helping her out. In fact, they said that they did not work with bloggers. Eek!

Follow this link and back up your blog: http://asimplyklassichome.blogspot.com/2012/02/back-up-your-blog-now.html

After you back up your own blog (and don't forget those family and business blogs as well), re-post this link on your blog and let people know.

I am starting a new routine today . . . every time I write a new post, I will back up my blog on my hard drive. Hope you will do the same.

Cowgirl Up! Link Party #3

2012-02-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Week 3 of
Cowgirl Up! Link Party . . .

the party with a cowgirl can-do spirit!

1 Party, 4 Blogs

Hello! It's Samantha here from Crafty Texas Girls and I am happy to say that "Cowgirl Up!" just keeps getting better. I know there are a lot of link parties in the blogging world, but where else can you find 4 blogs linked together?!

The unique style of our party has lead to a huge response. I am amazed at the talent and creative ideas showcased in the party this week. Honestly, your projects made it very hard to choose 'favorites'. Thank you for sharing your talent with US!

Here are few posts that caught my eye this week...

"Fabulous Furniture Transformation" from Turnstyle Vogue

"An Updated Sun Room" from Savvy Southern Style

"Restoration Hardware Inspired Vintage Metal Letters" from Knick of Time

"How to Paint Your Washer" from Five Days... 5 Ways

"How to Dye Coffee Filters" by Salvaged Whimsy

"A Different Chair" by A Girl and a Brush

"Painted Ombre Flour Sack Towels" by Always in Wonder

"Introducing Annika" by The Comforts of Home

If you were featured here, grab a Featured button. Be sure to like our Facebook pages, since we also post favorites there too. If you got featured on Facebook, then feel free to grab a featured button also.

Now about the party...

You link up on my blog and your link shows up on four blogs.

More exposure, less time.

We are looking for the latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off.

Cowgirl Up! is the link party that saves you time and brings you inspiration. Doesn't get any easier than that!

What blogs will your link appear on? Check us out below!

Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch

Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch

Amanda with The Ivy Cottage Blog

Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls

The four of us are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texas, country, western, or own horses to participate in Cowgirl Up! You just need that "can-do", cowgirl spirit!

Cowgirl Up! Link Party Guidelines:

(Please read the guidelines before participating)

* When you linkwith Cowgirl Up!, your link will automatically show on four differentblogs. Awesome!

* Please follow your host blog before linking up on GFC and the new linky follow.

* You may link updecor, DIY, crafts, guest post, recipes, giveaways, sewing, inspiring stories, and anything thatyou feel related to the listed categories.

* You may link asmany links as you want.

* Be sure to include theCowgirl Up! Button or text link to Cowgirl Up in your linked post.

* Be courteous andvisit the two links before yours. PleaseLIKE your favorite links! Severalprojects will be featured each week!

I'm on Apartment Therapy!

2012-02-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

Or at least my Craft Room Redo is!!!

Woo Hoo!

Click on over and check me out along with several other great ideas for your crafting/office space.

Lamp Transformation with a Sharpie

2012-02-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

I hope you have stopped by and checked out my Living Room Reveal! I am so thrilled with the transformation and so is my family.

One of the things I wanted to accomplish in the room was to surrounded myself and my family with things that we love and items that have meaning. One of the lamps in my room was a little boring, so after I saw this on Pinterest . . .

Source: alittleglassbox.com via The Ivy Cottage Blog on Pinterest

. . . I knew it was the perfect idea for transforming the shade and adding some of the family personality.

Here is how I did it!

You are going to need a sharpie, painter's tape, hot glue, lace, and ribbon.

Start by adding painter's tape to the inside of the lamp shade.

When you angle the lamp shade towards the light, you can see the shadow of the painter's tape on the outside of the shade. This allows you to write in a straight line.

Use your sharpie to add your words, thoughts, or quotes. I ended up choosing one of my favorite songs from The Sound Of Music. "My Favorite Things" is such a happy song and I love singing it my kids while rocking them to sleep at night.

Remove all of the painter's tape once you are done writing.

Heat up your hot glue gun and pre-cut your lace to fit the lamp. I got my lace from Hobby Lobby.

Start on the seam of the shade and glue into place. Wrap around the shade and secure with more glue. Continue until the entire shade is covered.

Add a little bit of ribbon at the top and bottom of the shade.

Voila! You are done! I love how ours turned out!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! If you did, please follow me on the side of my blog.

I am linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

Cowgirl Up! Week #2

2012-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Week 2 of
Cowgirl Up! Link Party . . .

the party with a cowgirl can-do spirit!

1 Party, 4 Blogs

Wow!! It's Anita here from Cedar Hill Ranch, and can I say that all of us at Team Cowgirl Up! were blown away by the response last week? First off, week #1 kicked off with over 170 links, and the quality of projects was stellar.

Let me just say, YOU ROCK!! I know there are lots of parties out there, and we are so excited you have taken the time to join us.

It was very difficult to select just a few projects to feature, but here's some that I really loved.

Head over Heels shared lots of wonderful ideas for her Texas country wedding. (I do love a wedding!)

Coastal Colors showed off her side table redo with this great French graphic.

Coastal Charm saved mega-bucks with her thrifty new DIY $240 floor!

Craft Berry Bush shares how she made this wonderful winter wreath in a white frame.

French Country Cottage repurposed a garden table, making a new table top. (I love a woman who can use power tools.)

A Few Pennies used odds and ends to create some new va-voom.

Savvy Southern Style showed gave us a tour of her dreamy, serene bedroom.

There were tons more projects I wanted to highlight, but for the sake of space, I'll stop there for this week. If you were featured here, grab a Featured button. Be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook pages, since we also post favorites there too. If you got featured on Facebook, then feel free to grab a featured button also.

Now on to the party...

You link up on my blog and your link shows up on four blogs. Cool, huh? More exposure, less time. Sounds good to me!

We are looking for the latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off.

Cowgirl Up! is the link party that saves you time and brings you inspiration. Doesn't get any easier than that!

What blogs will your link appear on? Check us out below!

Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch

Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch

Amanda with The Ivy Cottage Blog

Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls

The four of us are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texas, country, western, or own horses to participate in Cowgirl Up! You just need that "can-do", cowgirl spirit!

Cowgirl Up! Link Party Guidelines:

(Please read the guidelines before participating)

* When you linkwith Cowgirl Up!, your link will automatically show on four differentblogs. Awesome!

* Please follow your host blog before linking up on GFC and the new linky follow.

* You may link updecor, DIY, crafts, guest post, recipes, giveaways, sewing, inspiring stories, and anything thatyou feel related to the listed categories.

* You may link asmany links as you want.

* Be sure to include theCowgirl Up! Button or text link to Cowgirl Up in your linked post.

* Be courteous andvisit the two links before yours. PleaseLIKE your favorite links! Severalprojects will be featured each week!

Living Room REVEAL

2012-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

I am finally done with the living room and I am so excited to share the final results with you . . . as well as many tutorials to come.

For those of you who are new around here or don't remember this is what my living room used to look like. You can see how it has changed since be bought it and throughout the seasons. After Christmas last year, I removed everything with the exception of furniture and started with a blank slate.

You may be wondering where all of my inspiration came from and what my plan entailed. You can check me out on Pinterest and see The Ivy Cottage Living Room board that will show you all of the images and inspiration that I have been collecting.

Here are the key parts of my makeover:

Create a soft palette with lots of light that would be flexible for any seasons' decor.
A room filled with all of our favorite things . . . a touch of vintage, a touch of cottage, no fussiness and some family heirlooms.
Keep a lot of the same furniture and add a few new pieces. All of the textiles changed and most of the accessories are different.
Focus on the window designs and add some fun cost effective touches.
Big part of the plan . . . do it on a budget and make it kid friendly!

Drum roll, please . . . I am going to give you a 360 degree turn around the room.

It is okay to smile and love my room . . . I smile every time I walk in!

I will be sharing a tutorial on the artwork over the fireplace as well as a knock off tutorial for this Restoration Hardware coffee table.

Love a gallery wall! I used most of the frames that I already had and just painted them. The lovely shelf above the entrance to the master bedroom is the header from an antique armoire. My parents salvaged it many years ago and some how it has found it's way to my house. Thanks Mom!

I continued my stripe treatment from the entryway all the way through to the kitchen. Such a simple idea that really expanded the room.

Another portrait wall with handmade picture shelves . . . have a simple tutorial coming up for that one. Also, check out the vintage rattan chaise lounge that was one of my latest Craigslist finds. Wait til you see the before and after shots side by side.

This is a good shot of the windows. I added a trim around our basic builder's grade windows that really gave them some heft. The rattan shades were one of my first purchases for the room as well as the simple curtains from Target. More details about my window solutions to come!

Another quick look . . .

Hope you enjoyed the tour and will stick around for some fantastic tutorials over the next few weeks!

You can find me linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

Valentine's Centerpiece

2012-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Valentine's is quickly approaching, but the hubby and I will be celebrating earlier this year. Geoff has dental surgery on Friday (he is having some gun-grafting done) and once he has the surgery, he will not be able to eat anything but mushy stuff. So, we decided to treat ourselves to a fantastic dinner on Thursday night.

Whether you are planning a romantic dinner for two or sharing the table with your kiddos, this centerpiece is easy, economical, and romantic. Here are the OH SO EASY steps!

Try to use old vases that you already have . . . maybe the glass vases from flowers of Valentines' past.

The sparkly shredded Mylar really makes the piece, but you might already have some stuff hidden in your gift wrap. Check it out and you might be able to make this entire piece for FREE.

I am a HUGE fan of the curly ribbon under water. So fun and whimsical!!!

There you have it! A lovely, easy centerpiece that can easily be changed out for any holiday. Hope you enjoyed this post! If so, please follow me on the right side of my blog.

You can find me linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

Free Valentine Printable by Uniquely Cropped

2012-02-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to one of my most talented friends, Jenny! Jenny owns her own business called

Uniquely Cropped

and specializes in unique paper crafts including invitations, party decor, banners, name art, and more.
Check out some of her portfolio!

Our family utilizes Uniquely Cropped for all of our invitations. Jenny just comes up with the most original ideas!

She makes all kinds of party decorations that you can order and customize.

Check out her wedding designs! The one above is a "boarding pass" for the wedding describing what all will be taking place. LOVE IT!

She does all of the big projects and all of the little details as well! And today she is sharing her Valentine's Day Printable with us for FREE! Just in time to print this little baby out for your valentine's cards or decor.

Just double click on the image above and it will open in another window. Then just right click on it and copy the image. Enjoy!

Hope you all enjoy and I really hope you will stop by Uniquely Cropped and check out all of Jenny's creations!

Guest Post: DIY Wine Cork Wreath

2012-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, Everyone!

My name is Ann and you will find me over at Ann's

November Rose

This is my little piece of the blogging world where I share the things I love to create. Stop by sometime, I love making new friends!

I am a wife, a mom, a teacher and a hopeless collector. There's nothing I like better than snooping around flea markets, antique shops, estate sales, and junk shops - there is always a wonderful treasure to be found! In addition, I love to papercraft, refinish, and repurpose old things to be used in my home. That being said, let's get started with today's project:

The Wine Cork Wreath

Now, if you're anything like me, you've been saving wine corks for forever because there is a fabulous project that you will just HAVE to make with them. The problem is, you haven't found it yet! Have no fear, your project is here!

To get started, you will need lots of these:

How many, you ask? I estimate that I used between 200 and 250 corks.

You will also need a straw wreath, like this:

Don't forget to remove the plastic!

This next step is extremely important!

Wrap some wire around the wreath and make a loop for hanging. There is nothing worse than getting your wreath all done and then say to yourself, "Hmmm, how the heck do I hang this thing!?!

Now you're ready to get started. Be sure to cover your work surface to protect it. I used a lovely old vinyl tablecloth that I had laying around. You know the one - you look at it and say, "I actually bought this - What was I thinking?!" It's OK, it's perfect for catching all of that hot glue that drips!

Plug in the glue gun, put the straw wreath on the lovely vinyl table cloth and start gluing corks around the outer edge.

Continue to glue them on until you have a layer of corks on the inner and outer edge of the wreath.

In this photo, you can see the wire I attached for hanging.

Continue with two more layers and a layer across the top:

This forms the base of the wreath. You'll notice that I used the corks that I had a lot of. You want to save the interesting ones for the top, where they'll be seen. I also used the the "non-cork" corks. If you are a wine drinker, I'm sure you've noticed that many wines are using plastic instead of cork as stoppers.

Now for the fun part! Start gluing corks randomly on the wreath.

If you look closely, you can see some of those corks that I used as the base.

When you are done, your wreath will look something like this:

The last thing left is embellishing! I decided to add some grapes and a simple bow. You choose. The best part about it is: if you don't like it, remove it and add something else!

Voila! You have a beautiful wreath to hang on the wall and you used up those corks you've been saving! I also made a wall hanging with corks, but that's a story for another day! I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial.

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. You can find me over at http://www.annsnovemberrose.blogspot.com/.

Cowgirl Up! Link Party #1

2012-02-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Cowgirl Up! Link Party . . .

where we encourage a "can-do", pioneer spirit!

Here is the deal . . . you link up on my blog and your link shows up on three other blogs. Cool, huh? More exposure, less time. Sounds good to me!

We are looking for the latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off.

Cowgirl Up! is the link party that saves you time and brings you inspiration. Doesn't get any easier than that!

What blogs will your link appear on? Check us out below!

Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch

Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch

Amanda with The Ivy Cottage Blog

Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls

The four of us are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texas, country, western, or own horses to participate in Cowgirl Up! You just need that "can-do", pioneer spirit!

Cowgirl Up! Link Party Guidelines:

(Please read the guidelines before participating)
* When you linkwith Cowgirl Up!, your link will automatically show on four differentblogs. Awesome!

* Please follow your host blog before linking up.

* You may link updecor, DIY, crafts, guest post, recipes, giveaways, sewing, inspiring stories, and anything thatyou feel related to the listed categories.

* You may link asmany links as you want.

* Please include theCowgirl Up! Button somewhere on your blog! Preferably at the bottom of your post.

* Be courteous andvisit the two links before yours. PleaseLIKE your favorite links! Severalprojects will be featured each week!

DIY Disney Valentine's Cards

2012-02-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and this week, I have to drop off my kiddos' valentines at their school. Of course, I wanted something unique, cost effective, and easy to make. Check out this easy tutorial using Disney paint chips from Home Depot!

DIY Disney Valentines

Materials: Paint chips from Home Depot, double stick tape, sticker paper for the printer, hot glue, ribbon, rhinestones, coordinating stickers (optional)

I choose the Disney paint chip and then a complimentary chip to go underneath.

I used Picnik (I know that it won't be around much longer, so you could use Pixlr too).

Once you print out your photos and cut them out, just add them in place on the mouse ears! VOILA!

I added some scrapbook paper and a little message on the back of each one.

For my son, I did a baseball theme. Loved these stickers from Hobby Lobby because they are three dimensional!

Check out all of the different color combinations!

Hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial! If you did please follow me at the right side on my blog.

You can find me linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

Guest Post: Bathroom Makeover

2012-02-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Introducing Jennifer from Town and Country! Her blog covers all of trials and projects in her gorgeous home . . .

Today she is here to tell you about her recent bathroom makeover! Take it away, Jennifer!

Our downstairs bathroom has gone through a series of transformations, and I think we've finally nailed it this time. When we moved in, it had shiny black wicker furniture and gray sponge-painted walls (and believe me, the former owners didn't know how to sponge a wall properly). Ugly vinyl tile spread across the floor, but the one redeeming quality was a beautiful, claw foot tub. Here's the bathroom today ...

Ceramic tile now replaces the vinyl floor. Hubby added all the white molding and shelves ...

... and he bought me this metal-framed mirror for Christmas a few years back.

We added a wood seat to the old toilet. I'm so glad the toilet functions properly ... it adds a bit of charm.

To soften the room, I added the drapery panel from IKEA. Just $5 for a set of two!

I think I'm going to brush some white paint on this oil painting's frame.

The basket holding the toilet paper is from Hobby Lobby.

The vanity is a stock cabinet from Menard's, painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey.

Hubby made the little shelf with wooden pegs for hand towels. The pictures are garage sale finds.

Another piece of bathroom furniture wearing Paris Grey. This piece has an interesting story.

The bottom and top are two separate curbside finds. The bottom had ugly hardware.

Hubby removed it and added beadboard paneling. The top piece had doors which were removed.

We added the round decorative piece at the top and beadboard to the sides.

Patches decided to get in on the photo shoot.

Yes, she only has one eye but runs and jumps as though her vision were perfect.

I took a long soak in this beautiful tub this morning. It was heavenly!

Thanks for taking a tour of my little bathroom. And thanks to Amanda for allowing me to be a guest blogger! My bathroom was a fun project and I'm honored to share it here.
I think this is now my favorite room in the house. For now, anyway.

Hope you'll visit my blog at www.townandcountryliving.blogspot.com.

A Chandelier Transformation

2012-02-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

So, I was sifting through a lot of my draft posts in Blogger today and found this one! I can't believe I forgot to post it, because a lot of people asked about the chandelier in my craft studio . . . As a reminder, I redid my garage to house my craft studio, this is what it looks like and this is where you can read more about it.

Since it is a garage, I wanted to glam it up a little bit and so I found this lovely chandelier on Craigslist for $20.

That’s my little girl, Ivy, helping me clean the chandelier and separate all of the pieces.

You can see that she removed all of the little glass cups and the PVC pipes that covered the electrical pieces.

Use some tape and cover up all of the exposed electrical. Once that is done, give everything a few coats of spray paint. Be sure to do light coats and build up over time. I used this spray paint and color . . .

While your chandelier is drying, here is how to make your own hanging crystals. I wanted to add real crystals, but the cost was out of the questions. I selected some beads that I loved and some jewelry wire.

Step #1 . . .

Step #2 . . .

Easy, peasy! Be creative with your colors and shapes of beads! Once you have enough hanging crystals created, attach them to your chandelier. VOILA!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you did, please follow me on the right side of my blog. You can find me linking to the parties at the bottom of my blog.

Bye Bye Google Friend Connect

2012-02-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

So, I got this email from That's So Very Cheri today . . . These are Cheri's words, not mine own . . .

As you’ve probably heard, the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1st for non-Google blog platforms like WordPress, and the scuttlebutt is that it will be eventually phased out completely to be replaced by Google+. YES you read that right. It has been on national news reports –all about how Google is phasing it out and not providing a service to move our followers–even saying the new Google+ will not be what the GFC was. {If you have not heard that news – sorry to be the one sharing that news with you but before you start hyper ventilating–KEEP READING — I also have some GREAT NEWS.} GFC was never really so much an “I follow this blog” tool as it was an attempt at the whole Facebook “friend, like” concept.

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed and we’d like to have one that is not tied to a million other services (seems like Facebook, Twitter and Google are linked to everything else on the Internet). In addition I get tired of Google buying up stuff and then getting rid of it or changing things up. When I moved from Blogger to WP no one had figured out how to move your followers so I started all over again at ZERO and now I am faced with loosing all of my followers again. (insert SAD FACE)

We wanted a simple, fast, easy-to-use and reliable service. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system. So I contacted him, and he loved the idea.

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

Brent has created a FREE service that a group of us mom bloggers have tested and helped develop. He is launching it today. You’re the first to be invited to try it out. I was part of the test group and I love the new tool! I highly recommend it to you.

Okay, so I didn't know that GFC was ending on March 1. That sucks.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: This is only affecting NON-BLOGGER sites.
But I went ahead and added this new Linky Followers tool to the right side of my blog even though I use Blogger. If you would like to follow, please do so. You are more than welcome to add it to your blog as well. You are also more than welcome to follow me through Networked Blogs which is also located on the right side of my blog.

If you are tired of the whole following thing, please feel free to sign up for email from The Ivy Cottage Blog. I am a big believer in emails . . . I sign up for emails from all of my favorite blogs.

Hope this little bit of info helps you out!

Guest Post: DIY Kid's Dress Up Wardrobe

2012-02-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Ivy Cottage Friends!

I'm Julia from 551 East Furniture Design.

I'm a mom to a little boy and a wife to an awesome guy.

I love restoring furniture and I'm a sucker for a great pair of heels. :)

Today I'm going to show you how to make a dress up wardrobe for you child for about $60.

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As a little background on the project, I came up with the idea when we started to plan Christmas for our little man.

We just graduated from college and our budget wasn't huge, so we opted for a very merry thrifted/home-made Christmas.

We also wanted to give him gifts that would let him develop his imagination.

So I came up with the idea for a wardrobe for dress-up costumes.

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To make your own dress-up wardrobe you will need the following items.* All prices are before tax and each item is linked to a store to find it at *

(1) 2 feet x 4 feet sheet of plywood

(2) 22 3/4 in x 4 feet sheets of plywood

(2) 22 1/4 in x 22 3/4 in squares of plywood

One large sheet of plywood*, such as those sold at Home Depot or Lowes, will allow all of the cuts and pieces. They will also cut the wood to size for you. Just ask. :)

Wood glue$2.97

A nail gun or 1 1/2 in flat head nails$2.98

120 grit sand paper$3.97
Picture hanging wire$3.48
(2) eye hook screws$ .67 each
(2) shower pole sockets$1.84
(1) 24in long 2in thick piece of PVC pipe cut to 22 inches (Home Depot will also cut this for you.)$3.36
Command Metal and Plastic hooks (optional)$6.97
(2) storage containers (optional)(I got mine from the Dollar Store)
Paint/stain(I used 1 8oz can of Minwax Stain in Gunstock for $4.98 and 2 Behr sample sizes of paint in Cranberry Whip for $3 each)
Minwax Wipe on Poly$9.962ft x 4ft of fabric(I used a JoAnn's coupon and got my fabric for $5)

( *The plywood sheets come in different thickness and qualities. I purchased a 3/4 inch thick sheet priced at $15/sheet. The more expensive the plywood sheet, the better the quality of wood. Looking back I might have spent a little more for better quality of plywood for ease in refinishing it, but the final product with the $15 plywood was fine.)
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Once you have your supplies it's time to get started!!

1. Start by lightly sanding the plywood.This will remove any potential splinters and smooth the surface for painting/staining.

2. Stain/paint the plywood.I found it much easier to do this before the wardrobe was assembled, but you can do it as you want!

3. Apply the wipe on poly.This will help give a smooth finish to the plywood so to further avoid any little splinters.

4. Once all surfaces are dry, you can start to assemble the wardrobe.

5. Start by taking the largest sheet of plywood (2 feet x 4 feet). This will be the back of the wardrobe.

6. Liberally apply wood glue to the outside edge. You can wipe the excess of with a damp cloth.

7. Then take one of the 22 3/4 in x 4 feet sheets of plywood and line it up with the outside edge of the back sheet. (You will need another persons help for the next six steps.)

8. Once the edges are lined up, line your nail gun so that the nail will attach both pieces.

(For safety reasons, we didn't document this step, but always make sure to wear protective eye wear and follow the gun's directions)

If you don't have a nail gun a regular hammer and nails will work fine. Just make sure to brace the pieces before nailing.

9. Repeat step 8 to assemble the other side of the wardrobe.

10. Once the sides are assembled, apply wood glue to 3 of the sides of one of the 22 1/4 in x 22 3/4 in squares of plywood.

11. Slide the square in to the base of the 3 previously assembled walls and nail them into place as you did with the walls.

12. Let the base sit for about 20 minutes and then flip the wardrobe.

13. Repeat step 11 to assemble the top.

14. Let the wardrobe sit for at least 12 hours.

15. After 12 hours attach the shower pole sockets. They come with screws, but the screws it came with were longer than the width of the plywood so I super glued the sockets to the wall.

16. If you want to attach the Command hooks, now would be the time to do it. We use them to hang Rhett's dress-up hats.

17. Now it's time to personalize the wardrobe! I added stripes to Rhett's wardrobe by taping off 1 inch stipes with Scotch Blue Edge Lock painters tape and used Behr's Pencil Point that I had on hand. I just eyeballed the stripes because nap time was running out so time was limited. You know how it goes. :)

18. Once you're done personalizing the wardrobe, attach the eye hooks to the top of the wardrobe and wrap the picture wire around the eye hook. We had nails on hand so I just used those and they're working out great too.

19. Thread the wire through the curtain. (I'm sorry I don't have a DIY on the curtain! I have a sewing phobia so a friend did this for me. If you look in the picture above, the curtain essentially is a hemmed piece of material with a folded loop sewn into it.) Once the wire is threaded through attach the remaining wire to the other eye hook.

20. And now you're done! Fill the wardrobe with all the costumes your kiddo would love! And most importantly, enjoy playing together!! :)

There you have it!

We have had so much fun playing dress up, and as a extra bonus the curtain makes for a great game of peekaboo. :)

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Thanks again for reading, and many thanks to Amanda for hosting the series!

Feel free to come visit and see what else we have going on at 551 East!

We love making new bloggy friends. :)

Introducing Cowgirl Up! on Tuesdays

2012-01-31T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! One of the ways that I have grown my blog, discovered other amazing bloggers, and am constantly inspired by others is through link parties! I participate in multiple link parties every evening. It is always rough to get linked up to each one, especially when you link up to as many as I do. So, I had a thought . . . what if there was somewhere that I could link up once and then my link appeared on several other blogs?

I emailed a blog friend of mine and by the end of the week . . . Cowgirl Up! was born!

Here is the dealio . . . you link up on my blog and your link shows up on three other blogs. Cool, huh? More exposure, less time. Sounds good to me! What other blogs will your link show up on?

Meet some of my favorite ladies and some fantastic blogs!

Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch

Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch

Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls

We are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texan to participate. We are looking for your latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off. And no, this is not country themed! We chose Cowgirl Up! because of the genuine "can do" spirit of a cowgirl!

I hope you will stop by next Tuesday (actually the linkup will start on Monday evening) and link up your favorite posts!

Excited about participating? Add the Cowgirl Up! button to your blog. It is located on the right sidebar of my blog.

Guest Post: DIY Flower Coasters

2012-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

Hi, guys! I am so excited to see you here on The Ivy Cottage Blog! I have been looking forward to occupying your computer screen for quite some time.

Now that I have your attention, I would like to formally introduce myself.

I'm Melissa from LookWhatMelissaMade.com.

And for like next 3 minutes, I will be your crafting guide.

Here is what you need to know about me:

I'm crafty. I like glitter. I love Martha Stewart (OK, I have an unhealthy obsession with her. It's no big deal.) I like lace, studs, bows and most things neon. OH! I have a tendency to get crafty with electronic accessories. It's just a pattern I'm noticing.

Here is some extra stuff in case you are still curious: I'm a 20 something lady living in the great borough known as Brooklyn with my ADORABLE catten (not a kitten, not quite a cat) Lola. For bills and stuff I work at an Ad Agency in Soho. It's a cool place and my co-people think my blogging is rad, therefore I love them. I end up giving 80% of my crafty items to my sister because she loves (most of) what I produce. Also, she's so pretty and I can't deny her anything.

Here is some knowledge about my blog (in case you are reluctant to visit me there despite all of the great information above):

My blog is AWESOME. (not enough?) I offer step by step instructions on how to make some pretty nifty craft items. I craft a variety of knick-knacks and what-nots like furniture, jewelry, and everything in between. (AND I offer some colorful commentary on the side, mostly for my own entertainment.) I bet you would like it there. You should go sometime.

Ready to craft? Perfect timing.

Look at what I made:

Flower Coasters!

Here's what you need to make them:

1. Flowers from a local Deli.

2. ModPodge from Michael's.

3. Martha Stewart metallic transfers from Michael's

4. Two Plexiglas 4x4's from Canal Plastics.

5. A sketchbook or notebook from Blick.

6. A small paint brush from Blick.

7. E6000 glue from M&J.

Step 1:

Press the flowers in the notebook. It's good to leave these for a while. I kept mine in there for about a week.

Step 2:

Arrange some pressed flowers on top of one pieces of the Plexiglas.

Step 3:

Add a small dab of E6000 glue using the paint brush to each corner of the Plexiglas.

Step 4:

Place the second piece of Plexiglas directly on top of the other. Press them together firmly and let dry.

Step 5:

Paint the edges of the two attached pieces of Plexiglas with a thin layer of Modpodge. Let dry for a few minutes until tacky.

Step 6:

Place the metallic transfer backside up on a working surface.

Step 7:

Place the tacky edges firmly against the metallic transfer. Press it there for a good couple of seconds. Repeat for all four edges.

TaDa!

What do you think?

Do you like them?! Do you love them?!

You should come visit my blog ALL THE TIME. It's there 24/7. For real! Try it: lookwhatmelissamade.comI look forward to seeing you there! I love getting e-mails! (It makes me feel special) So e-me anytime with questions, comments, concerns and love!

Guest Post: DIY Pleated Tote Bag

2012-01-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I'm Andrea, from Love is... - A place where I talk about anything & everything! I'm a twenty something newlywed from Minnesota, that loves reading, music, crafting & the outdoors.

I'm so excited to be part of Amanda's Inspire Yourselves in 2012, project! I decided to show you how I made the Pleated Tote Bags for my bridesmaids, as part of their gifts for our wedding this past September.

Let's get started, shall we!? = )

What you'll need…

Pinafore Bag pattern from Me and My Sister Designs – I picked mine up at JoAnn's

1 ¾ yards of fabric for the bag, pocket & handles

Coordinating thread

Button

Marking pen/pencil

Pins

Scissors

Layout your fabric right side down & fold the fabric.

Pin your exterior bag & inside pocket patterns onto the fabric, printed side up.

Trace your pattern, remove the pattern, place pins back in fabric & cut out pieces.

For the handles, fold your fabric in half & trace the pattern 4 times.

Leave these pieces pinned together also.

And here are all of the pieces you'll need for this bag! = )

Leave your pieces pinned together.

Take each of your handles & stitch & back stitch the top of the handles.

Remove your pins, open the handles & iron the inside shoulder seam of all four bag pieces.

Take two of your handle pieces, right sides together & match up the notches on each end.

Pin together

Sew along the inner & outer curve

Trim seams to ¼ inch & clip curves, being careful not to clip the stitching.

Trimming & clipping seams will make the handles easier to turn & lay flat.

Make two sets

To turn the handles, I use a dowel that's ½ inches round. It will get harder to pull the fabric through when you get to the seam in the middle, but just keep pushing & pulling & it will go through!

Take your bag pattern & trace the lines for the darts on the bottom of the bag.

Pinch the drawn lines together & pin.

Stitch from the wide end to the point backstitching at both ends – Do this four times in each corner of the bag.

Press darts towards upper edge of exterior bag & trim excess from along bag curve, as shown below.

Trace the lines from your bag pattern, to make the pleats at the top of the bag.

Pinch the drawn lines together & pin.

Stitch a line 1 ½ inches long & backstitch at both ends.

Make two pleats on each side for a total of four.

This is what your pleats should look like! = )

Take your two bag pieces, right sides together & sew a ½ seam around the bag.

Clip curves at corners & turn bag right side out.

To make the pocket…

I like to leave a little edge on the top, so it's easier to get into

Stitch all around the pocket

Trim edges

Flip right side out.

To make the loop closure, take some of your excess fabric & cut a piece that 10x1 inches.

Fold in threes

Iron to hold folds & stitch

Match the notches of your handles & sticth together

Turn bag right side out.

Pin the handles, pocket & loop closure to the bag.

Sew all the way around the edges

Trim edges & excess string

To help finish the bag off, I like to use a double needle on the handles & all the outside seams

Put button on the front of bag & you're good to go!

And that's it folks!

I like to use this to tote things back & forth to work & also as a library bag. I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial!

I'd love if you checked out my decorative mason jar tutorial & DIY hair flower tutorial that I made for my wedding! = )

Thanks for having me Amanda! = )

Taking Care of Family

2012-01-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. My father-in-law, Donald Dale, passed away yesterday. I will be taking a blogging break to spend time with family and make preparations. For those of you who were supposed to be guest posting this week, I will schedule new times at the end of the week.

Thanks so much for understanding.

Guest Post: Condo Transformations

2012-01-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for you to see these fantastic condo transformation at

Inspire Yourselves in 2012!

Hello! My name is Allison, and my blog is called

"Welcome to My Home."

The name came from the first line of Brenda Dickson's home tour from the 80's. If you've never seen that video, now is the time! It is usually available on Youtube, but is taken down from time to time. The OFFICIAL trailer is here.

Anyway, as you can tell, I have a sense of humor. I'm a statistician (yup, you read correctly) in my mid-twenties and originally started my blog as a way to let me family who lives far away see my projects.

I write about sewing, crafting and updates I am doing to my newly (end of October, 2011) purchased Condo. You can see my whole blog at www.aburlock.blogspot.com!

When I bought my condo, I inherited all the outdated fixtures you can imagine. There is more brass and almond color in this condo than you can shake a stick at. I decided along with fresh coats of paint on the ceilings, walls and trim I would update the switches, outlets and doorknobs.

Probably time to paint that door. It's supposed to be white but look at it next to the trim!

Ugly Carpet! Good thing that's gone. Read more about my new floors here.

I've slowly but surely been replacing these fixtures, and what a difference it makes!

Turns out door knobs really aren't that expensive--about $10 each, and aren't hard at all to install.

The results really are impressive.

See those closet door knobs in the back? Also brass. I'm in the process of spray painting those nickel to make them match. I tried to find new knobs, out of laziness, but I was unable to find any I liked that were large enough. One can of spray paint will take care of all 3 of them in the condo and I can update them later if I find something I love!

The second thing I've been tackling is outlets and light switches. All of the outlets and switches and corresponding covers were that bisque color that never looks clean, in my opinion. And they don't look clean especially when they AREN'T clean:

The good news is new switches and outlets are extremely inexpensive to buy, and rather easy to install yourself. It requires turning off your electricity, unscrewing some wires from the old fixture and putting them back on the new fixture in the same place. I'm not going into anymore detail than that because I'm not an electrician. But this is a really simple task that can be done without an electrician (but at your own risk!).

The result is clean, beautiful outlets and switches! It is really amazing how much these little tweaks change the feel of a house. And I personally think that having consistent fixtures throughout helps keep your house calm. Paying attention to the details makes your house look well taken care of, which we all want, right?

What small changes have you made in your house that have had a big impact?

If you want to see more, check out my blog at www.aburlock.blogspot.com. In particular, check out my new flooring and my kitchen updates!

Guest Post: DIY Sequin Heart Headband

2012-01-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to another fantastic post from

Inspire Yourselves in 2012!

Hi, I'm Marissa from Rae GunRamblings.

I blog about all things crafty, tasty, pretty and just plain life.I'm an insanely huge fan of young adult fiction (love Potter andHunger Games), I love trying new recipes, and am married to asuper talented musician. Ialso run a handmade baby and toddler clothing shop on etsy called Rae Gun. Hopefully you'll stop bymy blog and shop and see some of my latest adventures.

Today I want to share with you all how to make this easy peasy

Sequined Heart Headband.

It's so easy all you need is:

* felt

* head band (you can use a traditional one but I'm obsessed with theelastic ones because they are so comfy)

* loose sequins

* tacky glue (make sure it works with fabric, the clear one does notI recommend the kind in my photo)

* patience

What to do:

1. Cut out a heart template. Hold it up to your head in a mirror tomake sure you like the size.

2. Cut your felt out in your heart shape (of course you can do anyother shape you want too, I may have to do a star next!)

3. Stand in front of the mirror with the head band on and hold thefelt up to your head/headband to see what position you want. mark itin some way so you know where you want to sew or glue so it sitsright when it's on your head. A fabric marker or pin should work.

4. Attach your felt to your head band. I sew mine on with a threestep zig zag but if you have a hard headband you should be able toglue it on

5. Start gluing the sequence by adding glue to a small section (likean inch) and individually placing sequins.

6. Repeat, trying not to become too annoyed at how long it's takingor that your fingers keep sticking to each other and everything elsebecause it'll be worth it

7. Let dry.

8. Wear your headband with pride.

As always I'd love to see pictures if you use my tute :) I have a What We Woreand Made link party on my blog every Wednesday where you can addit and links to any of your other goodies.And before I say goodbye hereare a few of my favorite posts.

I hope you'll stop buy Rae Gun Ramblings and checkout some of my others.

QuickEnvelope Pillow Case Tutorial

White Chocolate BlueberryCheesecakeFactory Knock Off Recipe

HoodedScarf Tutorial

Guest Post: DIY Tiered Mason Jar Vase

2012-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday and welcome back to another fantastic post from

Inspire Yourselves in 2012!

Hello Ivy Cottage Blog readers! I'm so excited to be sharing with you all today for my first guest post ever!!!

My name is Kelsey and I blog over at

Embracing Messy.

I work full-time at a university, am in the process of buying my first home, and trying to squeeze in craft time whenever possible. Today, I want to share a project with you that I've been envisioning for a while now,

A Tiered Mason Jar Vase.

I struggled with how to put this together because I didn't want it to be top heavy. After several attempts to come up with the perfect way to arrange this, my genius sister said why don't you use three different sized jars? Not sure why I didn't think of this, but it worked perfectly. It gives the tiered effect without having to worry about anything being top heavy.

To get started, you'll need just a few things:

* Mason jars of different heights

* Jute

* E6000 glue

* Glue gun

I thought that the jars needed a little something, so I decided to wrap some jute around the jars. Using my glue gun, I wrapped each jar twice and secured it with a dab of glue.

Really, you can add whatever you'd like to the jars to make them your own. Ribbon, beads, etc. Once you'd added all of your embellishments, it's time to glue the jars together.

In order to do this, I wanted to make sure that my jars were on a flat surface, so I went to the kitchen on the granite counter tops so that I knew the surface was completely flat. This way the jars won't wobble if I sit them on the counter or on a kitchen table.

All I did was put a small dab of E600 on the jars and pushed them together. I let this sit overnight just to be safe.

Add some flowers, and you're finished! Please excuse my lack of pretty, fresh flowers. It's January and I live in Ohio...

Thanks so much Amanda for having me!!
Be sure to stop over at my blog, Embracing Messy, and check out some of my other tutorials.

Guest Post: DIY Handkerchief Pillows

2012-01-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another installment of

Inspire Yourselves in 2012!

My next guest blogger is one of my favorite ladies! You are sure to love her!

Well hello there lovelies!!!

My name is Kassi and I blog over at Truly Lovely!

Truly Lovely is an 'all things lovely' blog written by myself with little snippets of fun from my sister, Kayli.

You can click that picture above to learn more about us and our blog, but in the meantime, I am thrilled to be here at The Ivy Cottage Blog sharing my Handkerchief Pillow Covers with you all!!!

As you can see from that picture above I married my sweetheart over the summer 2011.

We used turquoise and pink handkerchiefs as part of our table centerpieces.

{The theme was western/cowboy.}

I wanted to come up with an idea to reuse them after the wedding, and this is attempt number one!

I used two handkerchiefs for each pillow cover and two 16 inch pillow forms.

I started by cutting one of the two {for each pillow} handkerchiefs exactly in half.

I pinned and then hemmed the inside edges of the two halves on my sewing machine.

Then I pinned the two halves to the other full, uncut {for each pillow} handkerchief.

I slightly overlapped the two halves to make the envelope backing of the pillow cover.

Once they were pinned, I sewed the two handkerchiefs {one halved, one full} together around the outer edge using my sewing machine.

Flip the sewn pillow cover inside out and iron. Then stuff with a pillow form.

On one of the pillow covers I added a ribbon to tie the open edges closed just for some added interest.

I simply sewed it to one side, cut slits in the other side and tied it through in a bow.

And there you have it. Two handkerchief pillow covers with sentimental ties to my wedding day!

We love simple and easy projects {and recipes} like this over at Truly Lovely!

A few we've worked on recently include adding vinyl numbers and lettering on my mailbox.

I made easy Peppermint Bark Candy for my coworkers for the holidays!

The Cowboy Boot Stockings I made for the hubs and I for Christmas.

And much, much more!!!

We hope to see you over at Truly Lovely sometime soon!!!

THANKS so much to Amanda for having me over to share today!

Happy 2012 lovelies!!!

Facebook

2012-01-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Did you know that The Ivy Cottage Blog is on Facebook?

You can now get quick updates about projects, ideas, links, new blogs, etc. All from The Ivy Cottage Blog!

Have a great post that you just finished? Let me know and I will link it to Facebook!

Look over to the right side of my blog and you will see a little icon for Facebook. Click on it and "Like" The Ivy Cottage Blog.

Love you guys and keep smiling!

A Blogger Critique Party

2012-01-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what other bloggers thought about your blog?

Are you considering a blog makeover, but don't know what to do/

Do you need some blogging inspiration?

My friend, Kassi @Truly Lovely, is hosting

A Blogger Critique Party!

Basically, you get paired up with other bloggers and you answer a series of pre-determined questions about each other's blogs . . . answering honestly, but fairly.

If you are open to this and interested in another's opinion, click on over to Truly Lovely and sign up! I already did!

Guest Post: DIY Gift Card Holder

2012-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the first annual Inspire Yourselves in 2012 with The Ivy Cottage Blog!

I am featuring some talented bloggers and some inspirational projects! Enjoy and be sure to hop on over to their blogs!

Hi, I'm Marissa from Rae GunRamblings.

Hopefully you'll stop bymy blog and shop and see some of my latest adventures.

Adorable Gift Card Holder

What You Need

* Piece of fabric 3.5 by 12 inches

* Batting

* 2 buttons (different sizes are a plus)

* Ribbon (if you want it to be a girl)

* Small scrap of felt (or other fabric for teeth)

What To Do

1. Cut fabric pieces. You need 2 body pieces about 3.5 x 5.5 inches.1 lower body piece 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Arms 2 pieces 2 x 2 inches. Cutteeth.

2. On the lower body piece turn under the short edge and sew down.

3. Arrange the teeth and sew down.

4. Fold each arm part in piece and sew one two two edges leaving oneside open. Then flip them inside out so that you have two littlearms.

5. Sew on your eyes on one of the body pieces leaving adequate roomaround the edges to allow for you to sew.

6. Lay all the front pieces like shown above with the hands facinginward. Next lay the back piece on top and pin making sure to catchthe arms and lower body pieces.

7. Sew around the edges leaving a hole in the bottom edge to allowyou to right side out the monster.

8. Stuff the monster and sew shut.

9. Tie a bow and sew it on.

10. Add a gift card and you're good to go.

The possibility are endless. Itwould be cute with all sorts of fun fabrics. You could even use it asa little jewelry pouch. I'd love to see if you make your own littlemonsters.And before I say goodbyeI'd like toshare few of myfavorite posts. I hope you'll stop buy Rae Gun Ramblings and sayhello.

IceCream Puffs with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

My Mary Poppins and gang costumes Imade last Halloween.

And finallyI'd like you toinvite you to my weekly

What We Woreand Made link party

on my blog every Wednesday where you can sharelinks to any of your creations, recipes, pictures of what you wore andtips. Thanks for having me.

Spotlight: Crafts By Amanda

2012-01-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Remember my DIY Craft Table in my craft studio?

Well, Amanda @ Crafts by Amanda made her own version using my tutorial!

Check out the photos and then hop on over to see her fantastic tutorials on how to add a magnetic chalkboard and hide your power cords! Click here!

I LOVE it when my readers make something using one of my tutorials! If you made something based off of The Ivy Cottage Blog, please send me a link and I will be happy to SPOTLIGHT you!