Flaunt it Friday 195!

OMGee, it's already Friday!?  Where did this week go?!<br /><br />Let's party!!<br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=377566&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --><br /><img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/59ed6d81-e86a-4ba0-867e-dc02200719d2_zpsa061c378.jpg" />

Flaunt it Friday 195!

OMGee, it's already Friday!?  Where did this week go?! Let's party!!

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Guest Post: Organized Charging Station Drawer

<div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Chic on a Shoestring Decorating readers!  Very thrilled to be here sharing my Pretty Organized Charging Station Drawer!  Thank you Kate.  </span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But first let me tell you a little bit about me & my blog.  </span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My name is Rea from <a href="http://homefor4sweethome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HomeFor4SweetHome</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPt5AK0WFNs/UwhGDOPEEXI/AAAAAAAAGdE/BsO8Ee3fzpY/s1600/about+me+final-option1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPt5AK0WFNs/UwhGDOPEEXI/AAAAAAAAGdE/BsO8Ee3fzpY/s1600/about+me+final-option1.png" width="153" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm married to this amazing man that makes me laugh until I cry & a mom of two (5-yrd old boy & 3-yr old girl).</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I like to organize, make some kidstuff to either have fun with the kids or to exlplore something new, & share some mom fashion to stay stylish. Though I try to diy, my hubs always need a <strike>lot</strike> little bit of convincing. </span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Living in a basic builder house,I'm always looking for inspiration whether from a magazine or in the www.</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you want to join us on our journey to a wallet-friendly transformation of a house to "our home", </span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">follow me through any of the social media below.</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/homefor4sweethome" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ReaHomeFor4" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4242559" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113315751581875057777/about" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">G+</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/reatex/" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // <a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=8257094539719835192" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Follow With Google Friend Connect">GFC</a></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our chargers in the house are a hot mess!  Tangled cords here and there.</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I decided to dedicate the top drawer on our nightstand to be the charging station drawer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYa01mWQRfg/UwgySYLsUzI/AAAAAAAAGb0/15N-ZpGE2so/s1600/charging+station+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYa01mWQRfg/UwgySYLsUzI/AAAAAAAAGb0/15N-ZpGE2so/s1600/charging+station+drawer.jpg" title="Charging Station Drawer" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But why don't we take a look back how this drawer looked before it had a makeover.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOHRXoNa4s0/Uwg0wvDUOTI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Pxu1XEqv0hk/s1600/SAM_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOHRXoNa4s0/Uwg0wvDUOTI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Pxu1XEqv0hk/s1600/SAM_0766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do like organizing. period.  But making it "pretty" organized is what I love more, it makes me want to keep it looking like that.</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chalk paint has been used a lot but I haven't used it yet and what a perfect place for me to try that on the drawer.  If I mess up, nobody's gonna see it really.  I bought the same thing that <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html" target="_blank">Cassie</a> used for her nightstand but in everlasting white.</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painting was easy, weather is cold so I painted inside and I'm glad that there was no smell to it at all!  After two coats then I have this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cYQ1YYTXvM/Uwg55FUi-RI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/payzEMvPIeg/s1600/SAM_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cYQ1YYTXvM/Uwg55FUi-RI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/payzEMvPIeg/s1600/SAM_0770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then thought about adding some bling to it, why not gold polka dots?!</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally purchased a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SZ1SJW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007SZ1SJW&linkCode=as2&tag=hofoswho-20" target="_blank">gold sharpie</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(affiliate link) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">which I used to make some polka dots on the drawer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvVXfx1e8c0/Uwg8XlXsszI/AAAAAAAAGcc/zkdVahGQvNY/s1600/thisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvVXfx1e8c0/Uwg8XlXsszI/AAAAAAAAGcc/zkdVahGQvNY/s1600/thisa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know...who would see this? Call me crazy but everytime I see it, it just makes me smile...</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You want to know how I did those almost perfect circles?  I used this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIBQ46/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KIBQ46&linkCode=as2&tag=hofoswho-20" target="_blank">staedler template</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(affiliate link) </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to make that, used a pencil to outline it then shade it with the gold sharpie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GZm4yZL1W0/Uwg-qu9gEyI/AAAAAAAAGco/2Rr1vx4oHU4/s1600/SAM_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GZm4yZL1W0/Uwg-qu9gEyI/AAAAAAAAGco/2Rr1vx4oHU4/s1600/SAM_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And oh how i love the gold polka dots on it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwRWPGciABc/UwhA-ObNeBI/AAAAAAAAGc0/aTzQQfrQ_94/s1600/this2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwRWPGciABc/UwhA-ObNeBI/AAAAAAAAGc0/aTzQQfrQ_94/s1600/this2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A liner to the sides and to the front-inside of the drawer to finish it off and voila! I have a pretty organized charging station drawer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYa01mWQRfg/UwgySYLsUzI/AAAAAAAAGb4/N6XcK2QxkKQ/s1600/charging+station+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYa01mWQRfg/UwgySYLsUzI/AAAAAAAAGb4/N6XcK2QxkKQ/s1600/charging+station+drawer.jpg" title="Pretty Organized Charging Station Drawer" /></a></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for having me Kate, until then...</span></div><div class="separator" face="Trebuchet" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://homefor4sweethome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAkVgN2MNBs/UwNxFzBRH6I/AAAAAAAAGZE/nYl8RQA_oeQ/s1600/signature-new.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/homefor4sweethome" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ReaHomeFor4" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4242559" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113315751581875057777/about" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">G+</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/reatex/" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> // <a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=8257094539719835192" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Follow With Google Friend Connect">GFC</a></span></span></b></div>

Guest Post: Organized Charging Station Drawer

Hello Chic on a Shoestring Decorating readers!  Very thrilled to be here sharing my Pretty Organized Charging Station Drawer!  Thank you Kat...

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Flaunt it Friday Features and Pfister Winner!

Hey, friends!! <br /><br />I am back from vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things. <br /><br />It's hard.<br /><br />Like, really hard. <br /><br />My Valentine's Day decor is still up, I<strike> have been too lazy to take it down</strike> wasn't here for Valentine's Day so I'm taking some time to enjoy it now. <br /><br />Anyway, I want to announce that Katie Roch won the $300 Pfister credit giveaway.  Congrats Katie! <br /><br />I also wanted to announce that I am going to start featuring some of the great posts found on Flaunt it Friday again.  So make sure you come back the week after you link up to see if you were featured.<br /><br />My first awesomesauce feature is...<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.thedailynest.com/2014/02/empty-nest-reveal.html" target="_blank">Daily Nest's</a> lovely "empty nest" makeover.  I love the striped curtains, gold accents and paint color. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGb9tqqONc0/Uwwa8xuCxSI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/0f1u6qZNwrQ/s1600/daily+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGb9tqqONc0/Uwwa8xuCxSI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/0f1u6qZNwrQ/s1600/daily+nest.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />Did you see this lovely gift wrapping station from <a href="http://www.leopardandplaid.com/2014/02/diy-gift-wrapping-pegboard-station.html" target="_blank">Leopard and Plaid</a>.  I wish I had such cute wrapping paper! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XcFnb1elAY/UwwddLuqyDI/AAAAAAAAEKE/J6x5kuR9MGg/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XcFnb1elAY/UwwddLuqyDI/AAAAAAAAEKE/J6x5kuR9MGg/s1600/gift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OMGeeeee!  Did you say bacon and doughnuts?!?  These <a href="http://www.southerndistinctions.com/2014/02/bacon-cinnamon-doughnut.html" target="_blank">Bacon Cinnamon Doughnuts</a> made by Southern Distinction look just scrumptious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izeHGXk9tAI/Uwwk35pGPII/AAAAAAAAEKc/4oTSry-wp7k/s1600/BaconDoughnut4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izeHGXk9tAI/Uwwk35pGPII/AAAAAAAAEKc/4oTSry-wp7k/s1600/BaconDoughnut4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this colorful DIY Jasper Johns inspired letter artwork by <a href="http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2014/02/jasper-johns-inspired-wall-art.html" target="_blank">Pink Stripey Socks</a>.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVJi9vThVRg/UwwhHfzfAbI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/qI7T4ProyQQ/s1600/4+DIY+Jasper+Johns+inspired+letter+artwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVJi9vThVRg/UwwhHfzfAbI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/qI7T4ProyQQ/s1600/4+DIY+Jasper+Johns+inspired+letter+artwork.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Come back and see me again soon! :)<br /><br /><img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/59ed6d81-e86a-4ba0-867e-dc02200719d2_zpsa061c378.jpg" />

Flaunt it Friday Features and Pfister Winner!

Hey, friends!! I am back from vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things. It's hard. Like, really hard. My Valentine's...

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Flaunt it Friday 194!

Hi friends!  My vacation is over. :-(  We had a great time but I am always happy to come home and sleep in my own bed.  I'm also happy to get back into the groove of the old bloggy blog.  I have so much exciting stuff planned coming up soon.  Woot!<br /><br />Before we party, have you signed up for the <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2014/01/300-pfister-faucet-giveaway.html" target="_blank">$300 Pfister Faucet credit giveaway</a>?  You should, it's almost over!!!<br /><br />Let's party!<br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=370208&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

Flaunt it Friday 194!

Hi friends!  My vacation is over. :-(  We had a great time but I am always happy to come home and sleep in my own bed.  I'm also happy t...

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Guest Post: Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tutorial by All Dolled Up

Hi Chic on a Shoestring-ers! My name is Abbe, I am a self taught painter, crafter, and budget lovin' decorator. I bet I am in good company! I author my blog, <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/" target="_blank">All Dolled Up</a>, where I blog about painting, and owning a small business, T<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecottagecollective" target="_blank">he Cottage Collective.</a> ( A sweet little shop full of vintage, antiques, and handmade wares) Another hat I wear, is educator! I am the National Primary Educator for <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint!</a>I get to teach MMSMP retailers in workshops, as well as contribute to the <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/blog/" target="_blank">MMSMP blog</a>, writing tutorials and inspirational posts. I have been a painter for awhile, and began selling my pieces about 4 years ago now. Milk paint has become one of my favorite mediums, considering all the fantastic different finishes I can achieve with it! Today I wanted to give you a little taste of my Milk Paint 101, class, and encourage you to try it yourself! And if the tutorial doesn't get you excited, than perhaps the give away I am offering Chic on a Shoestring readers will! First of all, the paint comes in powered form, something that might seem intimidating at first. I encourage you to look at this bag of paint as an endless possibility of finishes! You GET to mix your paint. If you want a washed effect- use more water- if you want a thicker, textured paint- use more powder. For the best coverage, use an equal parts water to powder ratio. Milk paint will naturally chip on surfaces that have been previously finished. Where as we LOVE the chippiness it gives, if you have a high shine or gloss piece, you might want to add our bonding agent to your paint. This will give you better adhesion to finished surfaces. Milk paint on raw or porous surfaces is super strong- and will actually soak in deep, giving you a great durable finish. The piece I painted here was finished with an old goldish paint. Not too shiny- but not raw either. It was my friend <a href="http://www.jloganphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jen's</a>, and she loved that it was a piece her grandmother had, but didn't love the 70's finish! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-1-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-837" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-1-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a> Let's get started: <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-8-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-854" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-8-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" /></a>You can mix your paint with either a small stir stick, mini whisk, or one of our milk paint mixers. Just be careful to not over mix- giving you a milk paint latte! Use room temperature water. <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-9-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-839" height="960" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-9-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="638" /></a>Once your paint is mixed, let it sit for a few minutes. This will give all those great NATURAL ingredients a chance to dissolve. That's right- did you hear that! Natural. Non-toxic, no VOC's, and 100% safe to use with children, pets, and even pregnant! (Nesting moms rejoice!) After you get all your paint on, you will be surprised how quickly it dries. It is common to get to the end of a project and where you started is dry! Milk Paint will dry much lighter- with a chalky finish. Don't fret! This is the nature of the paint- you just need to add a top coat- but before you do- grab a sanding block and watch the magic happen! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-19-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-840" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-19-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a>You will notice how smooth you paint will feel after a light sanding with FINE grit sanding paper. Also, any paint that might want to chip will do so once you glide that fine grit over it. Some places will chip and other's will stick, depending on your finish you are painting. That's the fun in milkpaint- it's not contrived or forced- it looks naturally aged! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-21-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-841" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-21-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a>The paint will distress with a fine powder, just wipe it off before you top coat. The line offers several top coats- Furniture wax (clear wax top coat) Antiquing Wax (aged, old dark staining wax) White wax (gives a limed or white was finish) and Hemp Oil. Hemp oil is a fabulous way to seal and richen up your paint. I love it on old wood tones too- it gives your tired old antiques life again. It is great for butcher blocks and cutting boards too! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-31-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-844" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-31-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a>On this piece, I chose furniture wax, to keep the color true. MMSMP furniture wax has a buttery consistency- that glides on effortlessly. No need to emulsify it! (Achy joints rejoice!) <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-32-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-845" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-32-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a>You will notice the color seems richer, and a soft low sheen will appear from the wax. You can rag your wax on as well, no need for a brush if you don't have one. Just remember- a little goes a long way! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-35-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-848" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-35-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a>Give your wax a day to cure- and you are ready to use your new "old" piece! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-33-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-846" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-33-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" /></a> <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-36-web.jpg"><img alt="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-849" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-36-web.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" /></a><br /> I just love the natural chippiness it gets- no way could you get that look with latex and<br />sandpaper. <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-37-web.jpg"><img alt="adu-37 web" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-850" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/adu-37-web.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/before-and-after-mms.jpg"><img alt="before and after mms" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-851" height="320" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/before-and-after-mms.jpg" width="640" /></a>This project was done start to finish in the time my daughter was in preschool (3 hours)! Gotta love that! Another great part of this paint is keeping your waste down. You only mix what you need! So a chair or small side table only needs about 1/4 cup, a 4 drawer dresser is about 1 cup, and a large hutch or table is 1.5-2 cups. See, not so hard, huh? I have a fun giveaway for just you guys today! How would you like to win some MMSMP goodies? I am giving away everything you need to start a project! Also, you can shop my <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/store/" target="_blank">online store HERE</a>! Make sure you check out my blog <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/" target="_blank">All Dolled Up,</a> as well to see more projects and fun tutorials. I am about to start a series on how I turned my builder grade house into Farmhouse charm! Thanks Kate, for letting me pop over, Happy Painting Friends! <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Giveaway-5-copy.jpg"><img alt="Giveaway, miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-373" height="425" src="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Giveaway-5-copy.jpg" title="miss mustard seed milk paint tutorial" width="640" /></a> Here's how to enter the Milk Paint Giveaway! 1. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alldolledupwichita" target="_blank">All Dolled </a>Up on Facebook 2. Subscribe to <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chic on a Shoestring </a>3. Subscribe to <a href="http://www.alldolledupwichita.com/contact/" target="_blank">All Dolled Up</a>4. Share this giveaway with a friend! 5. Make sure to leave a comment on this post telling us you did! Winners will be chosen  on Feb 24th, Contest Ends at midnight on Monday, the 23rd. <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21edbe4/" id="rc-21edbe4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script> -- Abbe Doll Furniture painting | Milk Paint Educator | Creative Director www.alldolledupwichita.com

Guest Post: Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tutorial by All Dolled Up

Hi Chic on a Shoestring-ers! My name is Abbe, I am a self taught painter, crafter, and budget lovin' decorator. I bet I am in good compa...

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Guest Post: DIY Glitter Star Hair Ribbon by Feathering My Nest

Good day Chic On A Shoestring Decorating readers!... I'm stoked to be the guest blogger here today to bring you a sweet little tutorial!... I'm visiting with you from <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/blog/" target="_blank">Feathering My Nest</a> where I relove furniture, repurpose items to create handmade home decor... and well share tutorials for adventurous crafters who want to get creative and DIY!... We're in the depths a cold and dreary winter here in Alberta... thankfully the dark days are a little bit lighter now with every day that passes... and it's not really THAT dreary... but still... shortened daylight hours wears on a person!... I thought this little bit of sparkle would be a nice little day brightener... not just today but any day that you wear this sweet little hair ribbon!... Every time I wear mine out I get lots of compliments and questions... if you'd rather just own one of these beauties I'll have them up in the <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/shop/german-glass-glitter-2/silver-german-glass-glitter/" target="_blank">shop</a> for sale shortly!... So gather up a bin and load it up with your project supplies! <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1-Gather-Supplies.jpg"><img alt="1 Gather Supplies" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-827" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1-Gather-Supplies.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /> Here is what you'll need: <br /><ul><li><span style="line-height: 25px;">Roll of Kraft paper</span></li><li><span style="line-height: 25px;">Cardstock - 1 sheet</span></li><li>Pencil</li><li>Rular</li><li>Cutting mat</li><li>Cutting knife</li><li>Clear Permanent Glue</li><li>Small paintbrush for applying glue</li><li>Baking sheet lined with parchment paper</li><li><a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/shop/german-glass-glitter-2/silver-german-glass-glitter/" target="_blank">Pure Silver German Glass Glitter</a></li><li>Container with a lid (that you can dedicate to glass glitter)</li><li>Ribbon, any type you like to match your haircolour</li><li>Crazy glue</li><li>An oven (optional - if you lack patience like me you'll use the oven)</li></ul><a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2-Supplies-Laid-Out.jpg"><img alt="2 Supplies Laid Out" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-828" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2-Supplies-Laid-Out.jpg" width="576" /></a> Start by covering your work surface in paper... It makes for an easy cleanup and saves your work surface... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3-Velvet-Ribbon.jpg"><img alt="3 Velvet Ribbon" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-829" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3-Velvet-Ribbon.jpg" width="576" /></a> Grab up your ribbon... get pull it around your head leaving two longish tails... and cut off... you want excess here so that you have room to tie a bow AND for offsetting the stars!... unless you want them centered - it is a customizable as you like!... if you want the stars off centre hold the ribbon around your head wtih the two tails even at the back... set your ribbon aside for later... Grab up your cardstock and draw on some stars!... vary the sized or make them all the same size... make them perfectly even stars... or make them more wonky and folk art styled... it is entirely up to you... how many do you want on your hair ribbon?... also up to you - just a couple? all the way around?... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/4-Draw-Stars.jpg"><img alt="4 Draw Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-830" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/4-Draw-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> Once you have them all drawn up use your knife and rular to cut them out... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/5-Cut-Out-Stars.jpg"><img alt="5 Cut Out Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-831" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/5-Cut-Out-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/6-Carstock-Stars.jpg" style="line-height: 25px;"><img alt="6 Carstock Stars" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-832" height="1" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/6-Carstock-Stars.jpg" width="1" /></a><span style="line-height: 25px;">Get your glitter and glue out and ready!...</span> <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/7-German-Glass-Glitter.jpg"><img alt="7 German Glass Glitter" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-833" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/7-German-Glass-Glitter.jpg" width="576" /></a> Now on a scrap piece of paper lay down your first star... squeeze out a blob of your clear glue... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/8-Glue-Supplies.jpg"><img alt="8 Glue Supplies" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-834" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/8-Glue-Supplies.jpg" width="576" /></a> Now take your brush and brush the glue evenly over the star... do not be afraid to get the edges... you need to get glue over the edges!... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9-Glue-Blob.jpg"><img alt="9 Glue Blob" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-835" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9-Glue-Blob.jpg" width="576" /></a> <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/10-Apply-Glue-to-Star.jpg"><img alt="10 Apply Glue to Star" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-836" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/10-Apply-Glue-to-Star.jpg" width="576" /></a> Carefully pickup your star... I find getting under it with the knife is the easiest way to pick it up without disturbing the glue... lay the star in the dedicated Glitter container and sprinkle with your German glass glitter... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/11-Shake-Glitter-onto-Stars.jpg"><img alt="11 Shake Glitter onto Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-837" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/11-Shake-Glitter-onto-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> ...repeat with all of your little paper stars... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/12-Glitter-on-All-Stars.jpg"><img alt="12 Glitter on All Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-838" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/12-Glitter-on-All-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> Now pick out the stars carefully letting the excess glitter fall away... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/13-Shake-off-Excess-Glitter.jpg"><img alt="13 Shake off Excess Glitter" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-839" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/13-Shake-off-Excess-Glitter.jpg" width="576" /></a> Place the stars glitter side down and apply glue to the second side... then place into container and sprinkle glitter all over... once they've all be glittered pick them out letting the excess glitter fall into the container... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/14-Glitter-the-Other-Side.jpg"><img alt="14 Glitter the Other Side" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-840" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/14-Glitter-the-Other-Side.jpg" width="576" /></a> After you've glittered the second side of all stars shake off the excess glitter and place them on the baking sheet lined with parchment... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/16-Place-on-Baking-Tray.jpg"><img alt="16 Place on Baking Tray" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-842" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/16-Place-on-Baking-Tray.jpg" width="576" /></a> Preheat your oven to it's lowest possible temperature... and get them stars in the oven!... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/17-Bake-in-Oven.jpg"><img alt="17 Bake in Oven" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-843" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/17-Bake-in-Oven.jpg" width="576" /></a> See... I am quite impatient and didn't want to wait for the glue to dry... now I can tell you this baking to dry technique works with the Martha Stewart glue that I've used in this tutorial... You may want to do a test star if you are using a different glue. I put the stars in for 10 minutes... then take them out and flip them over... you may see some moisture on the parchment so shuffle the stars around so that they dry out nicely... put them back in for another 10... do this as until the stars have stiffened them take them out of the oven and let them cool... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/18-First-Layer-of-Glitter-Dried.jpg"><img alt="18 First Layer of Glitter Dried" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-844" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/18-First-Layer-of-Glitter-Dried.jpg" width="576" /></a> Now its time for round two with the glitter!... I find these look best when they're totally encrusted in the little diamonds of German Glass Glitter... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/19-Glitter-Round-Two-Glue.jpg"><img alt="19 Glitter Round Two Glue" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-845" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/19-Glitter-Round-Two-Glue.jpg" width="576" /></a> Glue and glitter one side of all... and then the other side of all... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/20-Second-Layer-of-Glitter.jpg"><img alt="20 Second Layer of Glitter" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-846" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/20-Second-Layer-of-Glitter.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /> Then back into the over for 10 minutes per side until the glue is dry and they've stiffened up!... Now let them cool until you can handle them... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/21-Ribbon-and-Crazy-Glue.jpg"><img alt="21 Ribbon and Crazy Glue" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-847" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/21-Ribbon-and-Crazy-Glue.jpg" width="576" /></a> Take out the ribbon that you measured and cut previously... luckily you've covered your working surface in case you get a little messy with the crazy glue... I don't recommend getting messy with crazy glue or you may have German glass glitter stars glued to you and not your ribbon!... I've marked the middle as I plan to offset the stars... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/22-Ribbon-and-Star-Stack.jpg"><img alt="22 Ribbon and Star Stack" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-848" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/22-Ribbon-and-Star-Stack.jpg" width="576" /></a> Lay the stars out in various combinations... see what you like... I like them a little closer together than farther away from each other... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/23-Layout-Stars.jpg"><img alt="23 Layout Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-849" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/23-Layout-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> Get your crazy glue flowing... use just a dot on the ribbon and press your star on... if the stars are large you don't have to have the ribbon attached fully across them... just a nice solid dot of glue in the middle... this will ensure that the ribbon is comfortable around your head... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/24-Glue-on-Stars.jpg"><img alt="24 Glue on Stars" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-850" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/24-Glue-on-Stars.jpg" width="576" /></a> Check that the glue didn't soak through the ribbon and has stuck to the paper or your table... that would not be fun... if the star does not stick the first time let the crazy glue dry on the ribbon and apply another dot of glue over the dried area of glue and press your star back on... carefully flip over the ribbon with the star on your work surface and your ribbon on top of the star to ensure that the ribbon does not stick to your work surface!... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/26-Flip-Over-and-Press.jpg"><img alt="26 Flip Over and Press" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-852" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/26-Flip-Over-and-Press.jpg" width="576" /></a> Keep gluing until all of your stars are attached... now crazy glue dries fast but here is the time to be patient... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/28-Flip-and-Press.jpg"><img alt="28 Flip and Press" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-854" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/28-Flip-and-Press.jpg" width="576" /></a> Wait until the glue is fully dried before trying on your ribbon headband!... you also do not want to glue this thing to your head!... depending on the type of ribbon you use you will see the glue soak into the ribbon... I feel like gluing this thing to your head would not be a pleasant experience at all!... LOL! <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/29-All-Glued.jpg"><img alt="29 All Glued" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-855" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/29-All-Glued.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /> And BAM!... You're done!... well try it on and tie a little bow in the back... you may want to trim the ribbon tails that are left... or not... entirely up to you and the look that you are going for! :) <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/32-Hairtie-for-Blondes.jpg"><img alt="32 Hairtie for Blondes" height="576" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/32-Hairtie-for-Blondes.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /> Now admire your sweet new hair ribbon and get out and show it off to the world!... and be sure to take a picture of that baby in action!... THEN come and share it with the other nesters over at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/featheringmynest" target="_blank">Feathering My Nest Facebook Page</a>!... <a href="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/31-Black-and-White.jpg"><img alt="31 Black and White" height="384" src="http://featheringmynest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/31-Black-and-White.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /> I can't wait to see your handy work!... xo!

Guest Post: DIY Glitter Star Hair Ribbon by Feathering My Nest

Good day Chic On A Shoestring Decorating readers!... I'm stoked to be the guest blogger here today to bring you a sweet little tutorial!...

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